Ryan+Tozier+Heart+of+Sustainability

Heart of Sustainability The authors first argue that a clearer definition of the word sustainability is needed to make to highlight issues that are obscured by a broad meaning. “Some educators use “sustainability education” and “environmental education” interchangeably while others argue that sustainability differs from environmental education by focusing on broader social and economic issues (Higgs & McMillan, 2006).” Because different educators have different values and thoughts concerning sustainability students receive mixed messages and this works against developing a better understanding of sustainability unless the differences are accentuated.

The authors argue that the proper way to educate students about sustainability is through hands on experience with nature saying, “We argue that to inspire people enough to make changes in their perceptions and behaviors, sustainability education must embrace the central role of acquiring ecological knowledge through direct and shared experience in the natural world.” They argue that by experiencing nature personally you better understand ecological knowledge. Playing off the idea of a Monkeysphere that I discussed in a previous essay, I feel it is possible that this is one way to expand a student understanding. By allowing a student to have a personal experience with the nature world and ecology, it seems very possible for a person to personify nature in a way that fits into their Monkeysphere. I also, agree that hands on experience is critical is both understanding sustainability education and for developing a personal reason to help sustain the environment.

Furthermore, they go on to say, “As a starting place our children need intimate connection with nature in order to develop a sense of empathy, caring and interdependence (Lopez, 1988; Pyle, 2002; Sobel, 1996, 2002).” I take issue with this statement because it assumes that it is not possible to experience the sort of healthy emotional growth unless the children are raised with a strong connection to nature. I personally grew up with a strong connection to nature, but I do not believe that any of my personality traits such as my empathy arose from my interaction with nature. It is a massive issue that they don’t present evidence to back up. The pair goes on to say that we need to consciously move towards a systems that downsizes and works bioregionally. These are two possible methods for living a more sustainable lifestyle, but one that I don’t believe will widely come to fruition.