How to Teach for Sustainability
Sustainable development is key to the continued survival of humans and the planet as we know it. Without sustainability, there will be no future generations to meet nor teach.
Educators all over the world hold the enormous responsibility to educate our future world leaders, business owners and civil society.
If all educators begin to transfer sustainability awareness and teach green skills, we can inspire collective action on a much larger scale, forming tomorrow’s leaders to ensure we can achieve sustainable development
What are Sustainable Teaching Practices?
In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with huge amounts of information at a pace never seen before. This requires constant development, adaptation, and analysis of the world around us and our place within it.
Sustainable practices enhance the quality of life for all, addressing issues like health, education, and equal opportunity. Pollution and poor water &air quality are all threats to human health.
“Global citize...
What is the Role of Education in the Sustainable Development Agenda?
Who wouldn't want to live in a world where poverty has been eradicated, the planet and all its species are protected and there is peace and prosperity for ALL citizens? That is exactly what the sustainable development goals framework aims to achieve.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all United Nations member states in a historic summit in September 2015. While the SDGs are not legally binding, governments are expected to take ownership and establish national frameworks for the achievement of the 17 Goals.
Global issues – such as climate change – urgently require a shift in our lifestyles and a transformation of the way we think and act. To achieve this change, we need new skills, values and attitudes that lead to more sustainable societies. Education systems must respond to this pressing need by defining relevant learning objectives and learning contents, introducing pedagogies that empower learners, and urging their institutions to include sustainability pr...
My lightbulb moment – why isn’t everyone doing this?
Back in 2012, while working as the Sales & Marketing Manager of Hotel Doolin in West Clare, my General Manager told me to form a "green team" and apply for Green Hospitality Ireland certification.Â
Excuse me but...what?!
To say I was apprehensive at the start would be an absolute understatement!Â
I had no idea where to even begin.
I attended workshops, seminars, and completed an endless number of courses as well as reading blogs about Green businesses.Â
Within 2 years and with little to no investment, we managed to reduce our Energy by 30%, our Waste by 40% and our Water by 25%.Â
My first thought was “WHY ISN’T EVERYONE DOING THIS?"
To me, greening your hotel or restaurant became not just “the nice thing” to do, it is instead “the smart” thing to do from a business perspective.Â
My Light-bulb momentÂ
At this point of my career, everything shifted and changed for me forever.
The "Why isn’t everyone doing this?" began forming an idea in my head.Â
What if I could teach other...
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Who We Are: Fifty Shades Greener
Sustainability with a side of sass!
At Fifty Shades Greener, we’re not your typical sustainability crowd. Here, green isn’t just a color; it’s a lifestyle, and we live it with a bit of cheek and a lot of heart. Our team, a quirky blend of lifelong greenies, seasoned educators, and fresh innovators, believes that every little bit helps and that education is the cornerstone of sustainable change. Born from a simple idea in a hotel’s green team meeting, we've grown into a vibrant community passionate about turning the hospitality world a shade greener. We think greenwashing is as outdated as last season's fashion and are here to ensure sustainability is as authentic as it is actionable. From the early days in Doolin to the bustling workshops of today, our journey has been about making sustainability accessible, understandable, and, dare we say, fun. We don't just throw jargon around; we break it down with practical advice and real-world actions that everyone, from hotel managers to cafe owners, can take. So, whether you’re looking to start your green journey or you're trying to make your business a beacon of sustainability, we’ve got the know-how and the can-do attitude to help you make it happen. And while we’re serious about what we do, we believe a little humor goes a long way. After all, if you can’t have a laugh while saving the planet, when can you? Join us as we continue to write our story, one green step at a time. Here’s to making sustainability not just a necessity, but a norm. Ready to add a little green to your scene? Dive in—the water’s fine, and it’s getting greener by the minute!
