Sustainability

What is sustainability and why is it important?

Sustainability refers to “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.  It’s about using resources in a way that doesn't harm the environment and ensures that future generations will have enough resources available to them.

Sustainability is about finding a balance between environmental health, economic growth, and social well-being - often referred to as the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social.

Environmental protection helps preserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and combat climate change.

Economic stability can be achieved when sustainable practices drive innovation, create jobs, and promote long-term economic growth by encouraging efficiency and reducing waste.

Social equity ensures fair access to resources, supports human rights, and fosters strong, resilient communities.

In short, sustainability matters because it’s about creating a healthier planet, a more stable economy, and a fairer society.

Why is it important for young children to learn about sustainability?

It is important that children, from a very young age, learn about sustainability as it helps them to develop an understanding of the connection between nature and human activity. They learn how their actions impact the environment and how making simple, positive changes can help protect the earth's resources.

Young children are the future caretakers of our planet and them learning early about sustainability matters for the following reasons:

• Building lifelong habits: Children who learn about recycling, saving energy, and caring for nature are more likely to grow up with eco-friendly habits.

• Encouraging critical thinking: Understanding sustainability helps children think about cause and effect, for example, how wasting water today can impact the environment tomorrow, and also develops their problem-solving skills.

• Inspiring empathy and responsibility: This teaches children to care for the world around them, developing compassion for both people and animals.

• Empowering future change-makers: Children who grasp sustainability concepts early are more likely to become leaders, activists, or innovators working toward a healthier planet.

• Strengthening community and collaboration: Sustainability often involves teamwork, such as, planting trees, cleaning up a park, or starting a recycling programme; through such experiences, children learn cooperation and shared responsibility.

Sustainability at Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School

At Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School, we are committed to fostering a love for nature and sustainability in young learners. Our Sustainability Action Plan outlines steps to reduce our environmental impact, promote eco-friendly practices, and create a healthier learning environment for children.

The Key areas that we focus on are:

·         Energy Efficiency

·         Waste Reduction and Recycling

·         Sustainable Resources and Materials

·         Green Outdoor Spaces

·         Sustainable Food Practices

·         Water Conservation

·         Eco-Friendly Transport and Air Quality

·         Involving the Nursery Community.

Across the nursery classrooms, children will be supported to think about these different areas and to engage in hands on, practical activities which will support and develop their understanding of sustainability and its importance.

We will share photographs and videos of the children engaging in these experiences via Tapestry and will also update our website with images that show our commitment to sustainability.