ENVS 105 - The Science of Sustainable Living

5 CR

Introduces the science of sustainability as it relates to our everyday lives. Topics covered include sustainable practices pertaining to buildings, foods and agriculture, environmental health, carbon emissions, life-cycle analysis and waste, renewable energy, transportation, social justice, and personal economic choices. Students who take this course will learn how to make more sustainable choices in their day-today life.

Course Outcomes

Provide a good working definition of sustainability that includes environmental, economic, and social justice factors.
Discuss ways to consume less energy and reduce carbon footprint in the home, business, and transportation.
Describe ways each person can identify and reduce exposure to toxins in everyday life.
Discuss ways to produce, transport, and distribute food more sustainably.
Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources, and describe traditional, as well as new, more innovative techniques for producing, using, and conserving those resources.
Explain economic and political factors that may either help or hinder the movement toward a more sustainable global society.
Discuss how local actions can have a worldwide impact, and include positive and negative examples.
Describe the concept of environmental justice as it relates to sustainability.

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