Intro to Sustainability Flashcards
What are the 5 main resources we have to have to live?
Oxygen
Fresh water
Food
Proper temperature
Atmosphere
What does Sustainable mean?
Sustainability means using things in a way that doesn’t waste them, so future generations can still use them too.
What is Earth’s Overshoot Day?
Marks the date when humanity has exhausted nature’s budget for the year.
2024 - August 1
What are renewable resources?
Give examples
Renewable resources are natural materials that can be replaced by nature for further use, as long as we don’t use them faster than they can be replaced.
Examples are forests, fish, and soil.
What are non-renewable resources?
Give examples
Non-renewable resources are natural materials that are created so slowly by nature and the amount we have today is all that will ever be available.
The main types of non-renewable resources are fossil fuels and minerals.
What are flow resources?
Give examples
Flow resources are always being made by nature and can’t be used up by humans.
Examples are sunlight, wind, and water currents.
What are other resources?
Give examples
Other resources are those that don’t fit into the other categories and are usually linked to tourism.
Examples: Niagara Falls, the Rocky Mountains, and the Northern Lights.
What are the 3 ways we can increase our supply of resources?
(Think of the 3R’s)
Landfills (Worst Use of Resources): Items in landfills lose value and harm the environment.
Recycling: Recycling keeps items out of landfills, but it uses a lot of energy.
Reuse: Reusing items like clothes, furniture, and appliances is a better way to save resources.
Reduce (Best Use of Resources): The best way to save resources. This means carefully considering whether an item is truly needed.
Which of the 3 R’s is the best use of our resources?
The best use of our resources is Reduce. This means only buying what we really need, which helps save resources and prevent waste.
Why is recycling the worst of the 3 R’s?
Recycling is the worst of the 3 R’s because it uses a lot of energy to collect, sort, and process items, which can still harm the environment. It’s better to reduce or reuse things instead.
When would you choose to reuse a resource?
You would choose to reuse a resource when the item is still in good condition and has more life left in it. Reusing things like clothing, furniture, or electronics helps save resources and reduces waste.
How could you reduce your use of resources?
Buy what you need, choose durable items, and avoid fast fashion. Pick products with less packaging. Save energy by turning off lights and using energy-efficient appliances. This helps reduce waste and protect the environment.
What are 3 differences in the demands put on Earth’s resources historically vs now?
Size and Energy Consumption of
Homes:
1960s: Homes were smaller, requiring less material and energy for heating or cooling.
Now: Homes are larger with more features, using more materials and energy for heating and cooling.
Transportation and Commuting:
1960s: Fewer families had cars, and commutes were shorter, leading to lower fuel use and emissions.
Now: More cars and longer commutes, plus increased air travel, result in higher fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Consumption of Resources (Food and Products):
1960s: People ate mostly local and seasonal food, reducing transportation and packaging waste.
Now: Greater reliance on imported food and more consumer goods, increasing waste and resource use.
