Page 3 - Principles of Sustainability

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UNIT 1 INTrodUCTIoN To sUsTaINabIlITy

THe BIG Idea Think about your day so far. You probably washed and
brushed your teeth, ate breakfast, and went to school. Maybe

you checked your smartphone for texts. Have you ever thought
about what goes into these routine activities? Where did the
water you used to wash come from? What kind of fuel heated
the water? Who grew the grain for your cereal? Your smart-
phone seems completely removed from nature, but where did

all of those components inside the phone come from?

These seemingly ordinary activities are connected with the
Earth, energy, plants and animals, and people all over the world.
Sustainability is a way of thinking that allows us to get under the
surface of things and see connections in enlightening and some-

times surprising ways.

UNIT 1 selF-assessMeNT

Before beginning this unit, consider what you already know about sustainability by
completing this self-assessment. For each statement below, rate your current level of
confidence with understanding sustainability concepts.

NOT SOMEWHAT
CONFIDENT CONFIDENT CONFIDENT

I am able to explain the basic definition ❍ ❍ ❍
of sustainability.

I am able to describe each of the three pillars ❍ ❍ ❍
of sustainability.

I am able to explain why sustainability has
become increasingly vital during the past ❍ ❍ ❍
few decades.

I am able to describe any sustainability ❍ ❍ ❍
programs that my school has implemented.

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