Science for Everyday Decisions
The aim of Science for Everyday Decisions: Education & Environment for Sustainable Development
is to translate science research by earth scientists into easily digestible knowledge for the public and masses in all settings around the world, of all educational levels, so that the everyday implications of our footprint on our environment and the need to pressure our businesses, industries and governments for a more sustainable world—are real and felt.
The project is led by Dr. Radhika Iyengar, Director of Education of Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) of Earth Institute, Columbia University and the curriculum framework and pedagogical approaches are designed and curated by Haein Shin, Education Technical Adviser.
We collaborate closely with content experts who are earth scientists at Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, Earth Institute, Columbia University, with initial inputs by Professors Joaquim Goes, Lex Van Geen and Margie Turrin.
The content also features series of videos with practitioners, experts and activists, including youth, from various industries.
As a part of the Eco Ambassador Program, and through conversations in this series, we hope to raise awareness on the imminent issues of our time that will hopefully prompt you to reconsider your daily choices and decisions - while push for pressuring our businesses, industries and governments to take the drastic measures needed to build a sustainable world.
Reuse and Recycle Plastic for Fashion & Job Creation
Mey Hasibuan, Founder & CEO of The Gallery of Indonesia www.galleryofindonesia.com shares how her new line of eco bags, Inang (which means mother), came about.
Her efforts merge recycled plastic, fashion, economic opportunities for older women and persons with disabilities, to promote a trend of sustainable practices in Jakarta, Indonesia and beyond. She reminds us of an important lesson and the beauty of being inspired and motivated to work on sustainability as a means to seek something greater than just ourselves.
Microplastics & Microfibers
Emmerline Ragoonath-De Mattos, Research Intern at Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory of Earth Institute, Columbia University, shares findings from her research on plastic pollution in the form of micro plastics/microfibers and micro beads in New York / New Jersey area. She also offers practical tips to curb microfiber-related environmental damage for consumers and their daily uses.
Responsible & Informed Consumption & Production:
Fabric, Fashion & Environment
Dana Cohen is an eco-conscious fashion designer who seeks to improve her products and industry more sustainable. In this video, she shares various fabric types and their impact on the environment, as well as points for consideration for a full cycle of fashion wear to consider for more responsible consumption and production.
Find more about her products at: https://hyergoods.com/
We hope this video will give some food for thought for your Black Friday purchases.
Citizen-Science Microplastics Sampling
on Community Beachfront
In this video, we are joined by Plainedge High School's Mr. William Bertolotti and his research students on the study sampling crabs on Long Island's community beachfront.
The samples were examined at the Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory labs at the Earth Institute, Columbia University under Dr. Joaquim Goes.
The students share their research findings ranging from the research process, history of plastic production and consumption, to the magnitude of the plastic pollution issue in our midst.
Mr. William Bertolotti & his research students
Spencer Feehan (Class of 2020)
Ryan Kanyaro (Class of 2022)
Reem Hamdan (2022)
Kaitlyn DiThomas (2022)
Matthew Garcia (2022)
Daniel Freeman (2022)
Jacob Zimmerli (2022)
Erin Keaveney (2022)
Hannah Herman
Spirituality & Sustainability
Welcome to our very 1st Podcast!
on https://soundcloud.com/earthinstitute
We got a chance to speak with Mr. Gopal Patel, Director of Bhumi Project and co-chair of UN's faith advisory council on spirituality & sustainability. Regardless of your faith background, this fascinating conversation prompts us to reflect as we go into this holiday season.
The recording will also be available on Earth Institute, Columbia University's podcast at https://soundcloud.com/earthinstitute
Youth Eco Initiatives
In this webinar/presentation, high school students
Min Kim, Matthias Choi & Ryan Cho present their eco-initiatives.
Matthias Choi (founder) & Ryan Cho of E-Salvage, a website and organization created to educate the community about proper electronic recycling.
Min Kim is a student researcher, who conducted field study in the Dominican Republic with the Mariposa Foundation on eco-design for sustainability using Ecobricks.
Environment News Reporting with Sahana Ghosh
We are joined by Sahana Ghosh, a science journalist with Mongabay India, who shares her experience and work on climate journalism. She reports on biodiversity, climate change, health and gender, and gives insights and tips for our Eco Ambassadors from New York, New Jersey, Rwanda and India, who also share their environment actions and research.
Renown journalist Andrew Revkin shares perspectives on climate change implications for communities and shares ideas and resources on educational tools to further explore environment studies.
Resources shared by participants during the talk:
Boiler Room Tour:
170 Daily Actions (to make a change) by United Nations Office at Geneva:
More on environment journalism and grants:
Mongabay India
"Homework" on Microplastics:
Calendar for March for continued conversations:
COVID-19 with Dr Yanis Ben Amor
Amidst the overwhelming news and alerts that change daily on Coronavirus COVID-19,
we wanted to take a moment to learn and ask questions as a community on the virus within and beyond the EcoAmbassador network.
We are joined by Dr Yanis Ben Amor, the Executive Director of Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) at the Earth Institute, Columbia University, who is an expert in microbiology and infectious diseases.
He is currently teaching at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) of Columbia University, and shares key knowledge and answers questions about COVID-19 with our youth and adults.
For Eco Ambassadors, COVID-19 related assignment can be found here: https://edforsd.org/resources-activities
More videos?
Check out our full series on our YouTube channel!
Spring 2020 Special Video Series
In preparation for 2020 Comparative and International Education Society (CIES)'s annual conference, we have been speaking with experts in the field of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), with special focus areas, such as climate education, gender equality, quality education, conflict and peace education, and disaster risk reduction with SDG 4.7. as a reference point.
SDG 4.7. by 2030 ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
In a special workshop session at CIES, moderated by Christina Kwauk (Center for Universal Education, The Brookings Institution) and Radhika Iyengar (Center for Sustainable Development, Earth Institute, Columbia University), the contents of these interviews with experts will launch a series of discussions among participants.
For full versions of pre-conference interviews , please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkZHqp2zW-VUbmcWFdaKQ-g/videos
We will continue to add more as we approach CIES (March 22-26)!