unsustainable practices

[/ˌʌnsəˈsteɪnəbl ˈpræktɪsɪz/]
noun phrasepl: N/A (plural noun)
práticas insustentáveis
1. Methods, habits, or procedures that cannot be maintained or continued over a long period without depleting resources or causing environmental or social damage
The factory's unsustainable practices were depleting groundwater reserves at an alarming rate.
As práticas insustentáveis da fábrica estavam depletando as reservas de água subterrânea em um ritmo alarmante.
2. Activities or processes that are economically, environmentally, or socially damaging when continued indefinitely
Fast fashion relies on unsustainable practices that harm both workers and the environment.
A moda rápida depende de práticas insustentáveis que prejudicam tanto os trabalhadores quanto o meio ambiente.
3. Business or agricultural methods that exceed the capacity of natural systems to regenerate
Overfishing represents one of the most pressing unsustainable practices in the fishing industry.
A pesca excessiva representa uma das práticas insustentáveis mais urgentes na indústria pesqueira.
In Brazil, discussion of 'práticas insustentáveis' has intensified with concerns about deforestation in the Amazon, agricultural expansion, and industrial pollution. The term is frequently used in environmental activism, corporate sustainability reports, and government policy debates. In the USA, the phrase is central to climate change discussions and corporate environmental responsibility movements, particularly among millennials and Gen Z consumers.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
harmful practicesenvironmentally damaging practicesnon-renewable practicesexploitative practicesdestructive practices
Antonyms / Antônimos
sustainable practiceseco-friendly practicesresponsible practicesgreen practicesconservation practices

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
práticas insustentáveis
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts across Brazil
São Paulo
práticas insustentáveis / práticas não-sustentáveis
Both forms used interchangeably in business and academic contexts
Rio de Janeiro
práticas insustentáveis
Common in environmental and social justice discussions
Portugal
práticas insustentáveis
European Portuguese uses same terminology; slightly more formal register in environmental policies

Related Words

sustainabilityenvironmental degradationresource depletioncarbon footprintecological impactcircular economyrenewable resources

Related Idioms & Phrases

burning the candle at both ends
killing the golden goose
robbing Peter to pay Paul
taking more than one's share
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