Do you try to minimize your consumption?
Our current consumption patterns mean we are using up our natural resources quicker than they can be replaced. Every year, the speed at which this is happening increases. Modeling our choices encourages awareness of the impact of our lifestyle and consumption patterns on the environment, and can help young people to make informed and better choices.
Scout and Guide leaders appreciate how we share and use the earth’s resources affects the health of the planet and everyone with who we share it – now and in the future. They recognise the inequality of the ecological footprint between different regions of the world. They appreciate that our relationships with the earth needs to acknowledge the limits of finite resources and human rights of all. They actively support a sustainable lifestyle which preserves a healthy planet for future generations.
Does your unit look for alternative ways to acquire things other than buying them new?
Borrowing, using second hand items, or ‘trading’ services are all alternative ways of sourcing the things we need. This both minimizes our ecological footprint and develops out cooperation and participation skills.
Scout and Guide leaders appreciate how we share and use the earth’s resources affects the health of the planet and everyone with who we share it – now and in the future. They recognise the inequality of the ecological footprint between different regions of the world. They appreciate that our relationships with the earth needs to acknowledge the limits of finite resources and human rights of all. They actively support a sustainable lifestyle which preserves a healthy planet for future generations.
Do you think about the social and environmental impact of how things are made before you buy them?
We make choices about what we buy and we should try to make these choices as consciously and responsibly as possible. Things to think about are: the environment, fair trade, and the working conditions of the workers in the supply chain.
Scout and Guide leaders are aware of injustice and inequality present in both behaviour and systems. This includes access to and unequal distribution of power, wealth and natural resources both within countries and between countries. They should understand some of the causes of inequality and reflect on how past events have impacted on current local and global problems. They should be aware of the impacts of inequality on the dignity and quality of people’s lives and the health of the planet.
Do you consider the environmental and social impact of your unit‘s activities, eg. transport, waste management?
If we keep in mind our water footprint, carbon footprint, and ecological footprint, we can make informed decisions about our unit’s activities.
Scout and Guide leaders appreciate how we share and use the earth’s resources affects the health of the planet and everyone with who we share it – now and in the future. They recognise the inequality of the ecological footprint between different regions of the world. They appreciate that our relationships with the earth needs to acknowledge the limits of finite resources and human rights of all. They actively support a sustainable lifestyle which preserves a healthy planet for future generations.
Do you use ethical criteria when looking for potential partners, sponsors, and donors?
When we find other organisations to work with, we learn about their values and whether they are compatible with those of our unit. There are no strict rules for ethical decisions regarding sponsors and partners; what is important here is discussing our priorities and maintaining our integrity.
Scout and Guide leaders recognise that people, places, economies and environments are interconnected and mutually dependent. They understand that these interdependencies impact on relationships locally, globally, have been shaped by history and will shape the future. They are aware that everyday choices and actions have intended and unintended impacts on the lives of others and the environment both locally and globally.
