Discussion Courses - Choices for Sustainable Living
a seven-session course exploring the meaning of sustainable living and the ties between lifestyle choices and their impact on the earth
Purpose:
- To explore the meaning of sustainability.
- To consider the ties between lifestyle choices and their impact on the earth.
- To learn about steps that can be taken to move toward ecologically sustainable organizations, lifestyles, and communities.
Topics Covered:
- A Call to Sustainability: The goal of a sustainable society is popular, but difficult to define. How does the way our society functions affect the earth, and how can we be "a blessing to the planet"?
- Ecological Principles: Some argue that the earth is the best teacher of sustainable practices. How can nature's organizing principles be applied in design, production of goods, and everyday living?
- Buying: Daily messages tell us to buy, buy, buy. How can we escape from these cultural pressures, and instead only purchase what we truly need, from the most sustainable sources available?
- Food: According to one author, our food travels an average of 1300 miles before reaching our plates. How can we lessen our impact on the earth through conscious choices about the way we eat?
- Communities: Change does not come without people coming together and taking action. In what ways can your community work towards sustainability? How can you make your community a sustainable one?
- Business and Economy: Is a growing economy equivalent to a healthy economy? What are other ways of measuring success, and how can we encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices and perspectives?
- Visions of Sustainability: Choices we make today are shaping the world of tomorrow. What are the possible outcomes, and how can we create the most sustainable society for ourselves and our children?
*This course contains an optional eighth session Celebration where participants can explore follow up actions.
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