Sustainability

Sustainability means using Earth's resources wisely so there is enough for everyone, now and in the future. It is about finding a balance between what people need and what the planet can provide. Sustainable choices protect the environment, support communities, and keep our world healthy for generations to come.

Three Pillars

Sustainability has three main parts, sometimes called pillars. The first is the environment, which means protecting nature and using resources carefully. The second is society, which means making sure all people have what they need to live well. The third is the economy, which means doing business in ways that do not harm people or the planet.

Sustainability at Home and School

You can practice sustainability every day. Turning off the water while you brush your teeth saves a precious resource. Bringing a reusable lunch box reduces waste. Walking or biking to school saves energy. Even choosing to borrow a book from the library instead of buying a new one is a sustainable choice.

Fun Facts

• The word sustainability comes from the Latin word sustinere, which means to hold up or support.
• Sweden recycles so much of its trash that it has run out of garbage and imports waste from other countries!
• The United Nations has set 17 Sustainable Development Goals to make the world a better place by 2030.

Did You Know?

Costa Rica gets more than 98 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, making it one of the most sustainable countries in the world!