Introduction to Sustainability Session Objectives:

Sustainability Learning Session for Beginners:

1. Understand the concept of sustainability

2. Learn about the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic

3. Explore practical ways to incorporate sustainable practices into daily life

Session Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours

Session Outline:

Welcome and Introduction (10 minutes): Brief introduction of the facilitator and participants.

Overview of the session objectives and agenda.

What is Sustainability? (20 minutes): Definition and importance of sustainability.

Discussion on the three pillars of sustainability:

1. Environmental: Conservation of natural resources, reducing pollution.

2. Social: Equity, community development, quality of life.

3. Economic: Economic growth, job creation, fair trade.

The Current State of the Planet (20 minutes): Presentation on current environmental issues (climate change, deforestation, pollution).

Discussion on social and economic challenges (inequality, poverty).

Sustainable Practices (30 minutes): Personal Level: Reducing waste, conserving energy, sustainable transportation.

1. Community Level: Supporting local businesses, community gardens, recycling programs.

2. Global Level: Understanding and supporting global sustainability initiatives.

Interactive Activity: Sustainability Challenge (20 minutes): Divide participants into small groups.

1. Each group brainstorms and presents one sustainable practice they can implement in their daily lives.

2. Discussion and feedback from the facilitator and other participants.

Q&A and Discussion (15 minutes): Open the floor for questions and discussion.

1. Encourage participants to share their thoughts and experiences related to sustainability.

Conclusion and Next Steps (5 minutes): Discuss critical points.

• Provide resources for further learning (websites, books, courses).

• Encourage participants to take actionable steps towards sustainability.

Resources for Further Learning:

Online Courses:

1. Introduction to Sustainability by University of Illinois on Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=sustainability).

2. Learning for a Sustainable Future on Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-for-a-sustainable-future).

Websites:

Utopia.org for practical sustainability tips (https://utopia.org/guide/how-to-be-more-sustainable-tips-for-beginners/).

Books:

1. "The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide" by Jen Gale.

2. "No One is Too Small to Make a Difference" by Greta Thunberg.

Feel free to adapt this outline to suit your audience and specific goals better. Enjoy your learning session!