With a growing concern for the environment, many schools are taking steps towards becoming more eco-friendly and promoting sustainable development. In this month's featured Webinar, we hear from noted educated Dr. Basundhara on how some schools are implementing green initiatives such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and educating students on environmental responsibility. In adopting these practices, schools are not only benefiting the environment, but also creating a healthier and more productive learning environment for students. Dr. Busundhara shares a variety of valuable teaching tools and discussion topics in this captivating hour-long session.
Sustainability: Fact vs Fallacy
Understanding what it means to live sustainably, and its relevance to our lives, is crucial in protecting our planet. The idea of sustainability can be the target of many myths and misconceptions. Despite its importance, many people are unaware of what sustainability really means, or worse, have fallen prey to various myths. In order to promote sustainable practices and protect our environment, it’s important to debunk these myths and misconceptions.
A common misconception is that sustainability is too expensive. While some efforts do require a bit of initial investment, they can save money in the long run. Switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs and using natural cleaning products can make a big difference with minimal effort and cost. Taking steps towards waste reduction, such as reusing materials, can reduce the cost of purchasing new products and can even be a source of income.
Sustainability isn’t just about recycling. Though the recycling process is an important part of eco-friendly living, it is only a small piece of the puzzle. Other measures, such as reducing energy consumption, eating locally sourced food, and reducing waste also play a crucial role in the overall sustainability movement.
Some believe that sustainable living is time-consuming or requires drastic lifestyle changes. In fact, the opposite is true; it’s the small lifestyle changes, such as investing in reusable items, reducing food waste, and conserving water that can be the most helpful. Yet others think of sustainability as a form of sacrifice when it can actually be fun and rewarding.
‘Going green’ doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up the things you love. It simply means making more conscious choices when it comes to things you buy and use. For example, instead of buying new clothes, shop second-hand stores or find ways to extend the life of your current wardrobe. Switching to green cleaning products, purchasing locally grown food, and opting for renewable energy sources can save money and make a positive impact on the planet.
Sustainable products are just as good as conventional ones. In fact, many sustainable products have higher quality and are healthier for the human body and environment. And when it comes to our skin — natural beauty products are typically made with fewer harmful pesticides and with more attention to eco-friendly/recyclable packaging.
Sustainable and eco-friendly living is for everyone, not just the wealthy or the tree-hugger set. It is a way of living that benefits not only the environment but also our health, wallets, and communities, plus it is accessible to everyone regardless of income.
Everyone can make a difference when it comes to sustainability. Even small changes, such as reducing your energy use, add up over time and have a positive impact on the environment. Sustainable solutions don’t have to be perfect, and the most important part is creating change. Every small step is a step in the right direction and can lead to larger, more lasting changes.
It is a way of living that helps protect the environment, conserve our resources, and keep us healthy. Making small changes can have a big impact, and by becoming more educated about the myths and misconceptions behind sustainability, you can make a difference by knowing the truth.
Ted Talk: How to find joy in climate action
Everyone loves a TED Talk. Here is one of our favorites:
It’s not news to any of us how vital the efforts to slow climate change are. But are we truly utilizing our resources in the best possible way? In this TEDTalk, climate leader, marine biologist and co-founder of the nonprofit Urban Ocean Lab Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, urges us to tap into our skills, resources and networks to find what brings satisfaction. Johnson suggests mapping out these important questions: What are you good at? What is the work that needs doing? And what brings you joy? The places where you find your answers overlapping is exactly where your climate action efforts should be focused.
“Averting climate catastrophe: this is the work of our lifetimes,” Johnson says.