Top 51 Sustainability Questions You Should Know About

Last Updated on January 4, 2025 by Admin

Find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about sustainability. Look at 50 sustainability questions covering everything from sustainable living to sustainable development.

Sustainability has become an essential tool in the battle against climate change and other social, environmental, and economic challenges. Given its importance, we’ve considered examine some sustainability FAQs and their answers. The amount of information about sustainability online can be overwhelming, so here, we’ll break it down into simple points to help you start or continue your sustainability journey. From sustainable living to the future of sustainability, we’ll try to answer all of your burning questions.

General sustainability FAQs

1. What is sustainability?

The word sustainability comes from ‘to sustain’, which means providing support and prolonging or preserving something. What we hope to maintain and support is life on planet Earth. Considering this definition, we can view sustainability as an approach to life that causes the least possible harm to the natural world or living organisms.

2. Why is sustainability important?

The main goal of sustainability is to protect the planet so that future generations don’t have to suffer. Ultimately, we only have finite resources on this planet, but we’re currently not being considerate of that.

Our actions now shouldn’t be at the expense of our fellow creatures or humans, so it’s essential to be aware of sustainability in our daily lives so we don’t cause more irreparable damage to Earth.

3. What are the three pillars of sustainability?

The three pillars of sustainability are the three most fundamental aspects of sustainability: environment, economy and society. All of them, directly and indirectly, impact each other – none of these pillars stand alone.

This is why it’s important to consider everything when discussing sustainability, from materials and wastage to human treatment and working conditions.

4. What are some examples of sustainability?

There are so many different ways to be sustainable. One example is green energy. Wind power, for example, is a free, natural, and infinite resource that doesn’t harm others but does help keep society functioning.

Another good example is creating, maintaining, and looking after green spaces. This is because green spaces and plants improve air quality, protect water quality, and reduce soil erosion, to name a few benefits.

5. How do you teach sustainability?

Sustainability should be taught to young children so they embed healthy practices into their everyday lives without thinking about it. for example, they should be taught about composting, recycling, caring about animals and plants, and shopping secondhand from a young age.

In later life, many great resources, videos, and sustainability courses can teach people how to live more sustainably.

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6. What are the benefits of sustainability?

The benefits of sustainability are countless, but to simplify this answer, we’ll break it down into thinking about the three pillars of sustainability. The sustainable practice benefits the environment by conserving and looking after Earth’s resources, preventing global warming and extreme weather, and protecting lives.

It benefits the economy by reducing wasted time, effort, and power and balancing growth and responsibility. It benefits society by building up communities and supporting the most vulnerable.

7. Is being sustainable difficult?

It’s not always easy trying to make sustainable choices in a society where overconsumption and endless consumerism are encouraged by the world’s biggest corporations and some governments.

However, more companies and governments are paying more attention to sustainability than ever before, making it easier to make more informed and ethical choices. Although it may require a bit more research, the benefits are endless.

8. Do you need to be rich to be sustainable?

You may have noticed that many sustainable shops, whether they’re selling clothes, food, or skincare, are pretty expensive. This makes it appear quite costly to be sustainable, but it needn’t be the case.

Many sustainable practicesed from a desire to save money; for exa, such asss energy, not buying unnecessary products, and not ,wasting food. In addition, indigenous people are some of the most sustainable despite having little money or material possessions.

9. Where can I learn more about sustainability?

Whether you’re a new learner or looking to make your business more sustainable, FutureLearn offers flexible online sustainability courses that allow you to study the subject to improve your understanding and potentially make significant life changes.

From sustainable construction and development, to how we can create sustainable energy systems, now is the time to explore this fascinating topic.

10. What sustainability certifications or frameworks exist?

This depends significantly on the area you’re interested in learning more about. You can find out about sustainable fashion certifications, sustainable food certifications, and more online. Certifications and frameworks help you find companies you trust, and you can then recommend to others who want to start their sustainability journey.

Living sustainably FAQs

11. How can you be more sustainable?

There are plenty of ways to be more sustainable. What you can do will depend on factors like where you live and how much time you have, but there are still options for everyone.

In addition, you don’t have to be perfect to be sustainable. It’s better to make a few changes and stick to them rather than not try at all because you cannot do everything sustainably.

12. What are some examples of sustainable living?

As we’ve previously mentioned, sustainable living will look different for everyone. For some people, it might look like being completely self-sufficient – growing your food, creating your energy, and building your structures.

However, for others, sustainable living simply means being more aware of one’s choices, including how much one consumes, where one buys from, and how one treats the Earth and other living creatures.

13. How can I be more sustainable at home?

There are so many simple ways you can be more sustainable at home. First, you can turn off any electric appliances or lights when you’re not using them, reduce your water intake (take shorter showers), and recycle when you can. For example, you can learn how to recycle appliances once you’re done with them, as that can be a complicated process depending on the number of electrical components inside the appliance. We’ll go into more specifics in the questions and answers that follow.

14. How can I eat more sustainably?

In our blog, “Is eating meat bad for the environment?” We investigate precisely how damaging the meat industry is. The main takeaway is that reducing meat consumption can be a great way to have a more sustainable diet.

Besides that, you should consider where you get your food from, as small markets and butchers might be better than big supermarkets. In addition, try to buy items with as little single-use plastic packaging as possible.

15. How can I reduce my food waste?

There are many ways to reduce food waste. The first is to keep track of the food in your fridge and cupboards. Keep older items near the front and make meal plans that use up all of your food.

Then, you can compost any vegetable peels and odd bits or use a food-sharing app like Olio to share any food that is about to go off and you know you won’t eat.

17. What is sustainable fashion?

Sustainable fashion can come in different forms. It’s mainly sustainable to buy second-hand clothes from thrift stores, charity shops, and apps like Depop, so long as you don’t then try to sell them for much more money afterward.

It’s also sustainable to look after your own clothes by caring for them properly and sewing or tailoring them when they break. Brand-wise, sustainable fashion is made with eco-friendly materials, designed and manufactured ethically, and ensures that everyone involved is paid fairly.

18. What’s the most sustainable way to travel?

Many carbon emissions come from transportation, with a large majority of those emissions coming from road vehicles. Flying is also not great for the environment.

The most sustainable way to travel is either by foot or bike, but this is obviously not possible in many scenarios. Public transport like buses and trains are a good option, and if you do need a car for work, consider buying an electric or even hydrogen-powered car.

19. What is sustainable technology?

Sustainable technologies tend to use renewable energy, which is made from materials that don’t have a negative environmental impact and are usually energy-efficient. Examples include electric vehicles, LED lights, carbon storage technologies, and solar panels.

20. How can I bank sustainably?

You may not have considered banking on your sustainability journey before, but switching banks is one of the most impactful decisions you can make. This is because big banks are not only the cause of many financial crises but also the biggest funders of fossil fuels.

Some examples of ethical banking alternatives include Triodos and Nationwide. App alternatives like Monzo and Starling are also better than those of traditional banking giants.

21. How can I reduce my energy usage?

Switching to renewable energy is something constructive that you can do, and companies like Big Clean Switch can help you make these changes without the hassle. If you’re happy with your provider, you can try to keep tabs on how much energy you use by installing a smart meter or trying our Sustainable Energy Access for Communities course.

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Sustainable development FAQs

22. What are the sustainable development goals?

The Sustainable Development Goals (or SDGs) were created to map out a series of goals that would tackle the world’s most critical challenges, with a deadline set for 2030. They include goals related to ending poverty, providing access to education, protecting and preserving life, fixing inequalities, and tackling climate change.

23. Who created the SDGs?

The Sustainable Development Goals were created in Rio de Janeiro 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. They replaced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) created in 2000 as part of a global effort to fight poverty and hunger.

24. How will the progress of the SDGs be monitored?

An SDG Tracker website presents data across all indicators in the Our World in Data database. These statistics are taken from the UN and other official international organizations and form a free, open-access publication that monitors global progress toward the SDGs.

This enables the public to see how their country is doing, so they can hold their government accountable if it fails to make changes.

25. What happens if we don’t reach the SDGs?

There is a high chance that many of the SDGs will not be reached by 2030. While this won’t all be related to COVID-19, the pandemic has certainly increased global inequity and made it harder to track data related to the SDGs.

However, the goals are still essential to have in place because they remind us what our hopes and aims for humanity are and help us strive for something better.

26. How can design thinking help with sustainable development?

Design thinking might be a key tool when thinking about sustainable development. In our Designing for a Sustainable Future course by Samsung, you can learn more about how technology companies can use design thinking to solve problems and find innovative solutions to the world’s problems.

27. What is the difference between ESG and sustainability?

ESG is an acronym for environment, social, and governance, so we can see that the concept will have some overlap with sustainability. The main difference between the two is that ESG is specific and measurable, whereas sustainability is a broader and more vague term.

This means that companies can use ESG criteria to make tangible decisions and steps in their company to become greener, more ethical, and better governed.

28. What is sustainable construction?

Sustainability in construction is a hugely important part of development, as it can help to build a more eco-friendly world for future generations. Sustainable construction requires you to make with renewable and recyclable materials, with consideration about the amount of energy and resources being used and the environment surrounding the construction site.

29. What counts as a green building?

The World Green Building Council defines a green building as ‘a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment’. Features that can make a building green include using renewable energy, non-toxic materials, and waste-reduction measures.

30. What does it mean to have a sustainable economy?

The economy is probably not something you usually associate with sustainability, but it’s essential. A sustainable economy is about not favoring economic growth at the cost of social, environmental, and cultural factors and balancing development and responsibility.

This is not only beneficial for the planet, but can also benefit big corporations by reducing wasted effort, time, and money.

31. What is meant by the green economy?

A green economy takes this one step further. The UN Environment Programme defines it as low-carbon, resource-efficient,, and socially inclusive. In a green Economy, public and private investments go into assets and infrastructure that reduce emissions, pollution,, and biodiversity loss and enhance energy and resource efficiency.

Careers in sustainability FAQ

32. What are some careers in sustainability?

If you’re interested in sustainability, there are a bunch of careers you might be interested in, depending on your particular passion. You might want to work in renewable energy, wildlife conservation, animal welfare, or green technology, but you can also work for an ordinary company and try to make sure they push for sustainable practices.

33. Are sustainability jobs in demand?

Sustainability is a fast-growing industry, so more jobs are becoming available. Interest from young people and students in sustainability is mainly driving the rise of sustainability careers. Some of the most in-demand jobs include clean transport manufacturers, urban growers, and recycling plant operatives.

34. What are the benefits of working in sustainability?

Working in sustainability can be very rewarding because you know you’re positively impacting the world. In addition, sustainable companies should pay and treat their workers well to reflect their values, and if they don’t, it will be easier to hold them responsible. Finally, as sustainable initiatives rise, you will have decent job security in this field.

35. How can you champion sustainability at work?

The best thing you can do is to talk to your colleagues and leadership team about sustainable practices. You don’t need to preach to them, but by discussing options, pointing out the benefits of sustainability, and being sustainable yourself, you will likely have a positive impact.

36. Why is corporate sustainability important?

Corporate sustainability is so important because it helps organizations strive for more sustainable practices and think about something other than profit. This is especially essential because just 100 companies are responsible for over 70% of emissions, so more responsibility needs to be taken by corporations than is currently happening.

37. How can I be more sustainable at work?

There are several things you can try to be more sustainable at work. Creating a green team that focuses on sustainable initiatives can be a good idea, or you could try to go paperless at work, ride your bike on your commute, or cut down on single-use plastics.

38. What does a sustainability officer do?

A sustainability officer (or CSO) has the role of analyzing and predicting the stability and environmental impact of the company. They’re in charge of setting policies, goals, and objectives that will help the company meet ecological policies and make a profit.

39. What does a sustainability consultant do?

A sustainability consultant has the job of working with different companies and businesses to help them become more responsible and conscious of sustainable and ethical practices. They evaluate the impact that the company is currently having by looking at things like its carbon footprint, and then they come up with tangible solutions.

40. How can I run a sustainable business?

Luckily for you, we have some great courses that’ll help you get started with running a sustainable business. Try our Social Enterprise: Growing a Sustainable Business course or our Upcycling: From Green Ideas to Starting a Business course, both by Minca Ventures.

41. Can I study sustainability at university?

Yes, you can. They all vary a bit depending on which aspect of sustainability you want to work in eventually, but sustainability degrees are becoming increasingly common. From studying climate change to sustainable development or even sustainable fashion, plenty of options exist. One of our courses will make an excellent starting point.

Sustainable future FAQs

42. What is climate change?

Put, climate change is the long-term shift in weather patterns and global temperatures, often seen on a large scale. It’s a natural part of life and existed for centuries before humanity was born. Still, when we talk about climate change today, we’re usually referring to the fast rise of temperatures that we’ve seen in the last 100 years due to human activity.

43. What are the biggest causes of climate change?

There are several main causes of climate change. The biggest one is the burning of fossil fuels, as this is the primary cause of global warming as a result of more greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere. The other big causes of climate change are deforestation, as this releases C02 and halts the release of oxygen, and many practices in the agricultural industry.

44. What is the impact of climate change?

The impact of climate change is extremely far-reaching, affecting our environment, fellow living creatures and society. Some of the biggest repercussions of climate change include extreme weather events like flooding and droughts that lead to forest fires; mass extinctions of animal and plant species; melting ice glaciers that lead to rising sea levels; and changing wildlife habitats that can negatively affect many ecosystems.

45. What are fossil fuels?

The three main fossil fuels are coal, crude oil and natural gas. They’re named fossil fuels because they were formed from the fossils of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago, and their origins are the reason why they have a high carbon content. Fossil fuels are extracted using a range of methods, including mining, drilling, fracking and acidizing, all of which are extremely harmful.

46. What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy comes from energy sources that replenish themselves, and is, therefore, often naturally sustainable. For example, wind and sunlight are powered by nature itself, and so we can always rely on them for energy as long as the weather permits it. Renewable energy has been around for centuries in the form of waterwheels and windmills, but it was first used commercially in 1927.

47. What is my carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint can belong to an individual or company, and is essentially a measure of the total amount of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere as a result of your actions. It’s usually measured in tonnes of CO2e. Reducing your carbon footprint is one tangible way you can try to make a difference and become more sustainable.

48. What does greenwashing mean?

You might have heard this term being thrown around lately, since greenwashing is becoming more popular in today’s society. Greenwashing is when a company tries to market themselves as environmentally friendly or sustainable without actually working to reduce their environmental impact or become more ethical. Essentially, it’s a deceitful advertising tactic used to appeal to those who want to shop sustainably.

49. How can we design for a sustainable future?

It will take a lot of work and commitment to ensure that we design for a sustainable future, and this requires us to educate ourselves. Luckily, we have plenty of courses created with that in mind.

Try our Systems Thinking for Sustainability: Complex Systems Analysis ExpertTrack for a deep dive into complex systems analysis and sustainable design, or start off with our Tackling Environmental Challenges for a Sustainable Future course if you’re new to this.

50. Can sustainable technology help save the world?

The role of technology is undoubtedly crucial when we consider saving the world from environmental, economic,, and social collapse. Technologies such as renewable energy and electric vehicles are certainly game-changing, so we hope that even more solutions will emerge soon.

However, we can’t just rely on technology – human behavior and simple actions will make all the difference.

51. What can we do to create a more sustainable future?

There are so many things we can do. In our section on living sustainably, we discussed how changing your food, fashion, transportation, banking, and energy habits can make a real difference. You can also push for legislation by attending peaceful protests, writing to your MP and local councilors, and advocating for sustainability on social media.

Source: This article was originally posted on FutureLearn Blog

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