'Sustainable development' is development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs. The four strategies for sustainable development are:

1. Use of non-conventional sources of energy: In India the use of LPG and gobar gas in rural areas and the use of CNG as fuel in urban areas, wind power, solar power along with the mini hydel power plants which are environment-friendly can generate enough power to meet local demand.
2. Raditional knowledge: Practices have been more a component of the environment and not its controller. With the sudden onslaught of the western system of treatment, the traditional treatment systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Tibetan and folk systems were ignored. But now these are in great demand again for treatment of chronic health problems.
3. Biocomposting: Farmers had over a period of last five decades totally neglected the use of compost and completely switched over to chemical fertilisers, which adversely affected the productive land and water bodies. But now in large numbers, the farmers have again started using compost made from organic wastes of various kinds. Earthworms can convert organic matter into compost faster.
4. Biopest Control: Due to the green revolution more and more use of chemical pesticides for higher yield led to the contamination of food products, like milk, meat and fish, soil, water bodies and even ground water were polluted with pesticides.

But now efforts are being made to bring in better methods of pest control like the ones based on plant products like neem trees are proving quite useful. Also, there is widespread awareness about various animals and birds which help in controlling pests. Like snakes are one of the prime group of animals which prey upon rats and various other pests. Owls, peacocks and lizards also play an important role in preying upon vermin and pests.