What is sustainability?

Goal 1: To understand the term Sustainability.

Goal 2: To discuss the 4 fundamentals of sustainability.

Goal 3: To use the Lotus thinking tool to demonstrate your understanding of Sustainability.

What you will need:

A computer and your workbook.

Background:

I am sure you have all heard the term “Sustainability” but what does it really mean?

What to do:

Task 1:

Write down as many words in your book you can think of when you hear the term “Sustainability”.

As a class fill the whiteboard with the words you have come up with.

The Definition of sustainability is: Capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect.

THE 4 FUNDAMENTALS OF SUSTAINABILITY:

Task 2: Class discussion

How can you tell if your community is sustainable?

How has the quality of life in your community changed over the last 10 years?

  • How has your community changed socially?
    • Is there less or more crime?
    • Are people less or more willing to volunteer?
    • Do you know what the local government does for you?
  • How has your community changed environmentally?
    • Has air quality in the urban areas gotten better or worse?
    • Are there more or fewer warnings about eating fish caught in local streams?
    • Has the water quality gotten better or worse?
  • How has your community changed culturally?
    • Do you have friends that have a different background than you?
    • Do you know about the traditions and events celebrated by people with different cultures?
  • How has your community changed economically?
    • Are there fewer or more good-paying jobs -- are people working more and earning less or are most people living well?
    • Is there more or less poverty and homelessness?
    • Is it easier or harder for people to find homes that they can afford?

Task 3: Lotus thinking tool – Sustainability

Open the Lotus thinking tool and save it in your file. Use the Lotus to demonstrate your understanding of the 4 fundamentals of sustainability – make sure you save your work.