What is sustainability?
Sustainability is about taking care of the world we live in and keeping it safe for future generations.
Resources and sustainability video
What is sustainability? Learn more about ways to be sustainable in the community.
VOICEOVER Sustainability is about protecting the world we live in, by using all the things the earth gives us, known as resources, responsibly.
But why is this important?
CHILD 1: It’s important to be more sustainable so that our future generations will live a happy, healthy and clean life.
CHILD 2: We only have one planet that humans can survive on and we can’t destroy that. We are also rapidly running out of natural resources.
VOICEOVER: Our planet gives us so many resources that we need, such as food, water and energy sources. By being more sustainable we can reduce our impact on the environment. It’s a challenge making sure that everyone in the world has access to the same resources they might need. Climate change is playing a part in this challenge.
In what ways do you think climate change might affect some countries more than others?
CHILD 3: Some countries might not have enough resources to adapt.
CHILD 2: And in hotter countries there will be lots of droughts because it’s even hotter and the food might not grow as much.
CHILD 4: If they’re surrounded by water and the sea level changes, it might create more floods and the climate could change, so then, the trees would start to set on fire and stuff.
CHILD 1: And some fire services might not be able to put them out.
VOICEOVER: We can all try to combat climate change by living more sustainably. How do you support sustainability where you live? Are there any new ways to be sustainable that you’d like to see?
CHILD 5: By trying to recycle more and using less plastic, we can also turn lights off when they don’t need to be on and use energy efficient light bulbs.
CHILD 1: As an eco-rep, I make sure that in my community, my school community, that they know about eco-awareness and that everybody, young and old, is educated.
CHILD 3: At home, me and my mother grow vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes.
CHILD 5: I also walk to school instead of going in the car and take a refillable water bottle instead of using a plastic one.
CHILD 1: I shop locally, and this why, if you’re using local resources, you need to save the resources for other communities so they have things to eat too.
CHILD 3: I’d like to see like, litter picking and recycling.
CHILD 1: The council taking part in activities, such as removing more litter and taking part in more schemes.
VOICEOVER: We can each play our part to do more of these and to contribute to helping to protect the planet.
What are you going to do to live more sustainably?
People use many Something that people use to meet their needs. every day.
Some are Something that does not run out or can be replaced naturally., like solar and wind power.
Others are Something that cannot be used repeatedly or be replaced after it is used., such as coal and oil which are limited resources.
What is climate change?
Climate change describes changes in the Earth’s temperature through An increase in the Earth's temperature over a long period of time, which is harmful to the environment and public health. and an increase inGases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
Scientists have found that human actions such as burning Resources that are made from the remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago. has led to warmer temperatures.
This has led to efforts from many people to take action in trying to reduce climate change.
How can we be more sustainable?
People make choices all the time that affect the environment. By making small, sustainable changes we can be responsible citizens and make a positive impact on the environment and our planet.
Image caption, Recycle more
As well as recycling cardboard, plastic and glass at home, search for extra recycling opportunities in your community.
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Did you know?
A sailing boat has been made entirely from plastic waste and flip flops in Kenya, to raise awareness of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans.
The boat's name is Flipflopi!
What is the UK Government doing to help with sustainability?
The UK Government has introduced different policies and strategies to be more sustainable.
Solar and wind power - These are used to create energy. They are renewable resources and do not emit any harmful gases.
Carrier bag charges - In England, all shops must charge for single-use carrier bags, reducing the amount of single-use plastic.
Plastic straw ban - The Government has banned businesses like restaurants and cafes supplying single-use plastic straws and stirrers.
Activities
Design a sustainable town
Imagine building a sustainable town
- What do you think it would look like?
- What things could you put in place to make it 'green'?
On a piece of paper, design and draw a new and sustainable town.
You could include features such as:
- electrical charging points
- sustainable housing with solar panels
- ways to grow food easily
Be a sustainability detective
How far do you and your family go to be sustainable?
- Look around your home and see what sorts of things you do to support sustainability.
- Are there any changes you could make to be more sustainable?
Perhaps you could encourage your friends and family to do a 'plastic-free' packed lunch or doing an upcycling craft project?
Resources and sustainability - Quiz
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