Sustainability Resources
First of all, what is “Sustainability"?
Sustainability is the long range vision that we need to meet the needs of today without compromising the needs of future generations. This includes considerations for the natural environment, social systems, and economic systems.
When teaching environmental sustainability, it is important not to isolate the environment from other areas of sustainability. Environmental sustainability is intertwined with all other components of life and society which makes it so vital to our everyday lives. Learn more about how and why environmental sustainability can be a part of the classroom by using the resources below.
Resources
There are numerous resources for educators to incorporate sustainable lessons into the classroom in a fun, easy, and valuable way. The links below provide a variety of lessons and activities. NOTE: SPPS does not support or endorse these websites, they are for reference only.
For Students
A program that provides a framework to help educators integrate sustainable principles throughout their schools and curriculum. Utilize the “Seven Steps” program and establish a sustainable Pathway in order to be recognized as an Eco-School.
Find out what you can do to help make a difference in our environment every day. Whether you're at home, on the go, in the office, or at school, there are many opportunities to go green by Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling.
For Adults
Advancing green school practices across the state of Minnesota.
Green Education Foundation: Creating a sustainable future through education.
A nonprofit organization that has emerged as a national leader in the garden-based learning movement. They provide standard based lessons, workshops and consultations to help educators connect and engage young people to their natural environment.
Energy Star Kids (US Environmental Protection Agency)
Interactive, fun website on energy education just for kids.
Green buildings for all this generation.
Provides K-12 teachers and school leaders with comprehensive, project – and STEM-based curriculum that encourages student leadership, environmental literacy, and real-world action.
Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator (US Environmental Protection Agency): Use this calculator to translate your CO2 data into units that hit closer to home.
Collaborative for High Performance Schools (US Environmental Protection Agency)
Working to improve achievement by improving learning environments.