Today we’re exploring the word “sustainability.” What does sustainability mean to you?
Today we’re exploring the word “sustainability.” What does sustainability mean to you?
1 Point 5: A Kids Podcast About Climate Justice https://akidsco.com/pages/1-point-5
A Kids Book About Climate Justice https://akidsco.com/products/a-kids-book-about-climate-change?_pos=1&_sid=8be6857ca&_ss=r
Mycelium Youth Network https://www.myceliumyouthnetwork.org/
Youth Vs. Apocalypse https://www.youthvsapocalypse.org/
Do you have a word you’d like us to consider for a future episode? Email us at listen@akidspodcastabout.com. And check out other podcasts made for kids just like you by visiting akidsco.com.
SIO, Ep 20
“Sustainability”
[INTRO]
Hi! I’m Cat Petru, and you’re listening to Sound It Out: A Kids Podcast About Words.
[TODAY’S WORD]
Today’s word is “sustainability.” Let’s sound it out. Su-stain-a-bility.
What do you think sustainability means? What images or feelings arise when you hear the word sustainability?
[DISCUSSION]
The word “sustain” comes from the Latin words “sub” which means “from below,” and “tenere” which means “hold.” Sustain is a verb - an action word - that means “to hold from below.”
Sustainability is a noun, a thing or concept. It means something that can last over a long period of time without causing harm or damage.
[EXPERIENCE & MEANING]
Hmm, sustain, “held from below.” This makes me think of a tree. Have you ever seen those drawings of trees that show what we can’t always see, what’s below the soil? Often, tree root systems are larger than the trunk and branches we see above ground! Redwood trees, some of my most favorite trees, even have root networks where their roots join together to keep each other healthy and strong for hundreds and hundreds of years. Tree roots are an amazing example of sustainability!
What examples of sustainability can you think of?
Have you ever done something that you wish you could do forever, but you can’t? Like running. Or maybe running is not your thing. It could be sleeping, hanging out with friends, playing video games. But to use running as an example: eventually, you need to stop, rest, eat, and hydrate. Running nonstop is not sustainable, but if you run a few days a week for a year, you might be able to run for many years to come. That is sustainable.
One context in which we’ll hear the word sustainability come up a lot is in conversations about climate justice. Remember that word justice? One meaning I shared is that justice is the act of making sure everyone is safe and cared for. So, climate justice is making sure the climate, our planet, and all its inhabitants, are safe and cared for. When we talk about sustainability, we mean we want to make sure the Earth is safe and cared for for centuries into the future.
[CLOSING]
What does sustainability mean to you? Write us at listen@akidspodcastabout.com to share your ideas, or words you’d like to explore. And check out the links in our show notes for more resources on sustainability and climate justice.
I’ve been your host, Cat Petru. This show is produced by me, with inspiration from my teachers and friends, and support from Matthew Winner. Our executive producer is Jelani Memory. And this show is brought to you by A Kids Podcast About.
You can check out other podcasts made for kids just like you by visiting akidsco.com.