Sustainability Basics

Understanding the language of sustainability is important because it helps us learn how to take care of our planet. Below are some common terms you might hear when talking about sustainability, explained in a simple way.

1. Sustainability

- What it means: Living in a way that doesn’t hurt the planet, so it stays healthy for future generations.

2. Carbon Footprint

- What it means: The amount of pollution (carbon dioxide) we create by doing things like driving cars, waste management, or using electricity.

3. Renewable Energy

- What it means: Energy that comes from natural sources that don’t run out, like the sun or wind.

4. Recycling

- What it means: Taking things like paper, plastic, or glass and turning them into something new instead of throwing them away.

5. Greenhouse Gases

- What it means: Gases like carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and make the planet warmer.

6. Biodiversity

- What it means: The variety of different kinds of plants, animals, and insects in the world.

7. Climate Change

- What it means: Big changes in the Earth’s weather patterns, mostly caused by humans burning fossil fuels like coal and oil.

8. Ecosystem

- What it means: A community of living things (plants, animals, bugs) and their environment (water, soil, air) that all work together.

9. Composting

- What it means: A way of turning food scraps and plants into nutrient-rich soil by letting them break down naturally.

10. Deforestation

- What it means: Cutting down large areas of forests.

Why These Terms Matter:

Understanding these words helps us see how our actions affect the planet. Whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint or protecting biodiversity, learning about sustainability is the first step in helping the Earth stay healthy for everyone!

Top 10 Sustainability Terms