The United Nations has declared the years 2005 to 2014 as the “Decade of Education for Sustainable Development”. Manitoba Education Citizen and Youth has made “Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development” the education theme for the 2008-2009 school year. St. James-Assiniboia School Division recognizes that educating students for the future means educating students about sustainability. The school division is creating awareness and taking action on sustainable development issues. But what does “sustainability” mean? And how does this decision affect you, as a student or parent in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division?
In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development said that sustainability isdevelopment that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Another way to say this is that sustainable development meets the needs of people without hurting the environment. It means living life to the fullest without compromising future generations' ability to also live life to the fullest. Sustainability recognizes that all life is interconnected and asks people to think about the effects that their actions have on other living creatures on this earth, both living and those yet to be born.
What does sustainability mean for you? Do decisions that you make every day have anything to do with this idea?
One of the exciting things about sustainability is that you, your friends, and your family are people who can shape a better world by the decisions you make everyday. Every choice you make has an impact on the Earth. For example, what you buy and what you throw away, makes a difference now and in the future. You can start by making easy choices that are better for the planet and your future right now!
Explore the “myEcoschool” website to find out information about what you can do to make more sustainable choices every day. You can use the website as a research tool to gain information about important topics that are connected to sustainability. For example, you can learn more about how the garbage we make, or the energy we use, or the food we eat, makes a difference to the health of the planet. Information about what your school and school division are doing to make sustainable choices is on the website as well. Check out the eco-video gallery where you can watch videos about, and by, students in your school division. An art gallery will open soon too so you can check out the creativity and artwork of students in the school division on the theme of sustainability. Maybe you will see your own work here! A music studio is in the works too! Find out what choices students are making towards a more sustainable future. Get inspired, and inspire others!
