Local Action. Global Impact.

Sustainability can be overwhelming.  It feels like such a big problem that there’s just no way anything we do could possibly make a difference…

It’s paralysing.  It's easy to feel hopeless...

When we feel like this we will often retreat and stick our head back under the doona, waiting for something to come and save us - some magic bullet. 

Many people think it’s only governments, or large businesses that can make a difference.  But, often what we see is these massive organisations being dragged along by the smaller, more agile forces in our global systems.

Changing government policy is like turning a giant ocean liner.  It’s not quick.  It’s not agile. Just ask Captain Edward Smith - captain of the Titanic.

It’s usually governments who are playing catch up…

If we want change, if we want to create a better future for current and future generations then it’s up to us…

In fact, it is the decisions and actions we take everyday that make the difference.  They add up.  Not just all the things you do, but the things we all do.  Margaret Mead says it best…

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has…”  Margaret Mead

Or another of my favourite Sustainability Superheroes Jane Goodall…

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall

So, what kind of a difference do you want to make?

As educators, specifically early childhood educators, you are in a unique position to make a difference in your work with young children.  You can provide opportunities for them to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours.  

To build foundations for their lifelong attitudes and values about the world and their place in it.  

To be active and engaged citizens who can make a difference.

But, to make sustainability relevant and accessible to children, we need to provide meaningful context.  It needs to be real.  It needs to be tangible.

When we think about sustainability in the global context, we need to make connections to local action.

The best framework I have found to help with this is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  You can find out more about them here or in a previous blog here.

The SDGs allow us to see things from a global perspective.  To broaden our understanding of sustainability and how all the environmental, social, economic, cultural and governance systems are connected and contribute to sustainability.

Reflect on your actions, with some practice, it’s easy to see which goals they contribute to.

When you start to realise that what you do every day contributes to something bigger - it's motivating and empowering.  That’s what we need to keep going.  To build and maintain momentum.

Every time you purchase something with less packaging, you’re contributing to Goal 12 Responsible Consumption & Production.  Every time you teach children to use the ½ flush or use tank water in the sand pit you’re contributing to Goal 6 Clean Water & Sanitation.  When you have a financial hardship policy you contribute to Goal 1 No Poverty and Goal 4 Quality Education - giving those who might otherwise struggle financially access to your program.  

Every time you take children to connect with your local natural environment you contribute to Goal 15 Life on Land, Goal 3 Good Health & Wellbeing and Goal 11 Sustainable Cities & Communities.  When you support volunteers or local businesses you contribute to Goal 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth and Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Sustainability is the sum of all the decisions you make and actions you take, no matter how small.  Add them up and they contribute to our collective sustainability response.  We’re all part of something bigger.  It doesn’t matter how big the action is, it just matters that you do it.

I’ve spoken about how to use the SDGs to help broaden your understanding of sustainability in my Defining Sustainability Masterclass.  They certainly expand how most people see sustainability, which is super helpful if you’re trying to engage others.  A broader understanding provides lots more ways for people to get involved based on their interests and strengths.

If you want to find out more about how the SDGs relate to the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards check out my Think Global Act Local Masterclass and Resource Bundle.  

We’ll explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they can support early childhood educators to better understand and embed sustainability; how the SDGs align with the National Quality Framework and Early Years Learning Framework; and discover what implementing the SDG’s might look like in your ECEC setting, program and daily practice.  Find out more here.