Swings + Roundabouts Spring 2020

Sustainability is undoubtedly one of the most over used buzzwords of our millennium, and yet what does it really mean and how does it relate to us? The word ‘Sustainability’ was officially defined in 1987 in a report called the ‘Brundtland Commission's Report - Our Common Future’ as: Meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This is something we have not been doing, for example: − Since the beginning of the industrial age nitrous oxide (N2O) used in fertilisers has increased by 18%, carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuel combustion by 39% and methane by 148%. Another way to look at this is that the current CO2 level is higher now than it has been in the last 800,000 years. − Scientists are more than 90% certain that most of global warming is being caused by increasing concentrations of CO2 and other greenhouse gases produced by human activities and that this cycle in the Earth’s history is different from any other this planet has experienced. SUSTAINABILITY MADE EASY BY PHIL AND TIFFANY SMITH FROM COLLINGRIDGE AND SMITH ARCHITECTS (UK) − These increases are all making the Earth just that bit hotter and this warming is not only heating up the atmosphere but also increasing the temperature of the ocean, which evaporates more water, creating even more greenhouse gases. By adding more greenhouse gases, we are in effect putting more blankets around the Earth which is making it even warmer and altering nature’s cycle e.g. an increase in average temperatures and tropical storms. − These increases are also melting glaciers and the poles at a rate not previously experienced by the Earth, leading to a rapid rise in sea levels. − The world’s population is exploding with an additional 1 billion babies forecast to be born over the next 12 years, yet we are losing about one language every two weeks along with that language’s cultural heritage and beauty. − And finally, The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - One Planet Living Report 2016, concluded that if everyone lived like the average person on Earth lives at present, we would need another half a planet to support us. And if everyone lived like a New Zealander, we would need 2.4 planets to live on! With these issues in mind we need to urgently answer two critical questions. Firstly, what can we do right now? Then secondly how can we teach our young tamariki about sustainability, in a way they can experience a sustainable lifestyle that positively impacts their wider community? The WWF and Bioregional (UK) created a set of principles that support us to live within the planet’s resources. These principles are called the One Planet Living Principles. Using these principles, a centre can create a sustainable foundation that supports its day to day operation and provides an enjoyable and inclusive way of teaching children the benefits of sustainability. There are ten One Planet Living Principles and below are some ideas you could try in your centre: ZERO CARBON ENERGY: The following simple steps can save as much as one-third of a centre’s electricity demand and help reduce carbon emissions, thereby contributing towards zero-carbon emissions. ● Switch off all lights and appliances when not in use. Grow fruit and veggies on site with your tamariki, House of Wonders - Cambridge September 2020 { 32 }