Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will reflect on personal sustainability items and relate them to the core concepts of sustainability;
Duration:
10 minutes
Materials needed:
- Participants bring an item or image that represents sustainability to them
Preparation
Instruct participants in advance: Send clear instructions to participants before the session, asking them to bring an item or image that they believe represents sustainability. Offer some examples in your communication (e.g., a reusable water bottle, a picture of a solar panel, or a book about environmentalism) to help them understand what they should bring.
Room setup: Arrange the seating in a circle or semicircle to promote open discussion and create a sense of equality. Ensure that each participant can see the others, which encourages sharing and active listening.
Provide backup items: In case a participant forgets their item or is unsure of what to bring, have a few example items available to prompt discussion. This could include common sustainable items like a bamboo toothbrush or a reusable bag.
Technology (if online): If delivering this activity virtually, instruct participants to be ready to show their item via webcam, or use screen sharing for images.
Description
This activity allows participants to share their personal understanding of sustainability. Each participant will present the item or image they brought and explain why they chose it and how it relates to sustainability. The trainer should facilitate the discussion, guiding participants to reflect on how their items tie into broader sustainability themes such as environmental impact, social responsibility, or economic implications. The activity promotes personal reflection and sets the tone for the session by encouraging participants to connect sustainability to their own lives.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Introduce the purpose of the activity: to reflect on individual interpretations of sustainability.
- Give an example of an item you brought and explain how it relates to sustainability.
- Invite participants to share their items and explain their significance. If a participant struggles, offer gentle guidance by asking how the item relates to the environment or social responsibility.
After everyone has shared, summarize the themes that emerged and connect the discussion to the broader session content on sustainability.
Debriefing
Ask participants how their items relate to sustainability. Encourage them to reflect on the environmental, social, and economic aspects of their choices.
Tips
Create a relaxed atmosphere: Some participants may feel shy about sharing. Keep the mood informal and ensure everyone feels comfortable contributing.
Encourage connections: If participants struggle to see how their items relate to sustainability, prompt them with questions like, “How does this item impact the environment or economy?”
Time management: Be mindful of time. If the group is large, consider dividing participants into smaller groups to ensure everyone has a chance to share without taking too long.
Handouts and resources
None.
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