GEF

Unit 10  |  Toward a Sustainable Future 211 The primary goal of sustainability is to align our society and economy with the ecological balance of our planet. This is no small task, as it means overturning business, political, and social practices that value short-term profit and growth over sustainability. Despite this enormous challenge, there are encouraging developments and ways where everyone can become a part of the sustainability solution. THE BIG IDEA UNIT 10 SELF-ASSESSMENT Before beginning this unit, consider what you already know about sustainability by completing this self-assessment. For each statement below, rate your current level of confidence with understanding sustainability concepts. NOT CONFIDENT SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT CONFIDENT I am able to explain why life-cycle assessment is important in sustainable design, and describe the difference between “cradle-to- cradle” and “cradle-to-grave” life cycles. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to identify three or more specific ways I can make more sustainable decisions in my individual purchases and lifestyle choices. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to explain how the triple bottom line benefits businesses, and describe the incentives both for and against business practices that promote sustainability. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to describe the role of both traditional and social media in promoting sustainability, including the misleading messages caused by greenwashing. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to explain why the development of a “sustainability mindset” is necessary to create a more sustainable society, and I have the tools to assess my own mindset. ❍ ❍ ❍