1. Read the quote and jot down some thoughts about it. Do you agree? Disagree? Can you think of any examples of when this was true?

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

~ Margaret Mead

Sustainability: What is Sustainability? 

2. Watch the video about sustainability

Respond to the prompts from the video:

3. Which of the following best summarizes sustainability?

• _____A. Sustainability is meeting our current needs without making things worse for our kids, grandkids, and great grandkids (all the future generations)

• _____B.  Sustainability is meeting our current needs and who cares if it messes things up for the future generations 

4. What does she mean when she says that many of the resources we depend on can "replenish"?

• _____A. We can buy more of them

• _____B. Once they are gone, they don't come back

• _____C. The resource has the ability to make more of itself

5. How do you achieve equilibrium for the "replacement rate"?

• _____A. Using resources at a faster rate than they can replenish

• _____ B. Using resources at a slower rate than they can replenish

• _____C. Using resources at the same rate as they can replenish

6. How have humans been doing with our resources over the last few decades?

• _____A. Horrible! We are using resources faster than they can replenish

• _____B. Okay...we have been using resources around the same rate at which they can replenish

• _____C. Great! We are using resources slower than they can replenish

7. What are some examples of excessive consumption? (check all that apply)

• _____A. Air pollution

• _____B. Declining ecosystem health

• _____C. Climate change

• _____D. Plastic pollution

8. True or false: The things we do in our country with resources can impact people all around the world

• _____A. True

• _____B. False

9. What are the three E’s of Sustainability?

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

10. Let us discuss examples of things that are unsustainable. 

Why are they unsustainable? What are the consequences? What got us to this point?

11. Brainstorm some topics: What are some sustainability problems that you think are very important. They may not be THE MOST important, but are still important. You can include those that have already been mentioned. Write them down.

12. Choose ONE problem that speaks to you. - which problem would you like most to know more about and see fixed? CIRCLE IT FROM AMONG THOSE YOU WROTE DOWN. 

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13. In a group with the same topic problem, discuss the following questions. Write down some of your ideas in response to each question.

1. What is the problem?

2. Why is it a problem/why is it important?

3. Why do you think it got to be such a big problem?

4. What do you know of that is being done about it already?

5. What do you think would help solve it better - what else can be done?

14. Who do you think is responsible for making these things happen. Hint: circle back to the introduction.