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COURSES

CHOICES FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING

A NINE-SESSION COURSE FOR THE WORKPLACE, HOME OR CENTER OF FAITH

 

"How to bring into being a world that is not only sustainable, functional and equitable   but also deeply desirable is a question of leadership and ethics and vision and courage, properties not of computer models but of the human heart and soul."

-Donella and Denis Meadows and Jorgen Randers (Limits to 30 year update)

 

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 road of a sustainable society is popular, but difficult to define. How does the way our society functions - and the way we live in this society - affect the earth, and how can we be a "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 good and everyday living?

Sustainable Communities: The more resources we use in the course of daily living, the larger our "ecological footprint" is. By looking at our actions within the framework of communities, we can learn to shrink that footprint and gain a simpler, more balanced lifestyle.

Sustainable 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?

Sustainable 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.

Sustainable 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?

Sustainable Living: How can we build, teach, and live in our homes and with our families, in greater harmony with the natural world?

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.