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Ecoliteracy: A Further Educational Understanding

What do people perceive as “ecoliteracy”? How many of them have extend

knowledge of this word and a truly comprehension of its deep meaning? Briefly

explained, it is a term defined as “an understanding of the principles of the organization

of ecosystems and the application of those principles for creating sustainable human

communities and societies” (Capra 1997, 2002, Center for Ecoliteracy 2013b). This

essay will focus on exploring ecoliteracy in relation to the environmental and

educational field, and analyzing its relevance and meaning towards the world.

Ecoliteracy is an important part of understanding the environment and how to be

more sustainable. It involves comprehend the complex relationships between humans,

nature and the environment, and how we can create a better future for ourselves and our

planet. By learning about ecoliteracy, we can become more aware of our impact on the

environment and make better decisions in our everyday lives. Several researches have

shown that most attitudes are formed at an early stage in life, and this is why it is so

important for developing the concept of ecoliteracy in childhood. Children grow

healthier, wiser, and more content when they are more fully connected to the natural

environment in as many educational settings as possible. These benefits are significant

and helpful to their future well-being and the contributions they will make to the world

as adults. A great demonstration of ecoliteracy applied to schools would be the program

built in California by The Center for Ecoliteracy in 2021 called California Food for

California Kids. Its initiative builds the capacity of public-school districts to provide

students with locally-grown food and reinforce connections between the classroom,

cafeteria, and garden in order to educate them about the food system and its connection

to the environment. In that way, therefore, children of all ages experience and
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understand how nature sustains life and are inspired to live in ways that benefit people

and the environment.

Ecoliteracy is a growing field of study that looks at how we can use knowledge

about our environment to create better solutions for the following years. It involves

learning about sustainability, biodiversity, climate change, pollution, and other

environmental issues. “An ecoliterate person is prepared to be an effective member of

sustainable society, with well-rounded abilities of head, heart, hands, and spirit,

comprising an organic understanding of the world and participatory action within and

with the environment” (Environmental literacy, ecological literacy, ecoliteracy: What

do we mean and how did we get here? 2013, p. 14). Ecoliterate individuals have an

understanding of how their decisions affect the natural world and how the natural world

affects them; thus, they strive to make choices that are beneficial for both people and

nature by incorporating sustainable practices in their daily lives, such as starting to

conserving resources, reducing waste and carbon footprint, and protecting biodiversity.

For instance, there is an initiative called Community Solar Panels undertaken by groups

of individuals or organizations who collectively harness the potential of solar energy

with the purpose to make it more accessible. They collect sunlight and convert it into

usable power, which is then equitably distributed among individuals who engage in the

projects. Such community solar projects have the potential to democratize access to

renewable energy while also empowering local communities. One of the most

successful in the world is the Clean Energy Collective’s Community Solar Program,

which leads the community solar industry, with over a hundred projects in sixteen US

states. In Clean Energy Collective (CEC) thousands of individuals and businesses

benefit from renewable energy without needing personal solar panel installations, and

subscribers support local solar projects while enjoying lower energy bills. This initiative
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promotes solar energy growth and broadens its accessibility, fostering a sustainable

urban environment.

As stated before in this essay, ecoliteracy is an important aspect of

environmental education since it helps to recognize the relationship between humans,

other living organisms, and their environment. Furthermore, it is essential for

developing a sustainable future that will encourage to preserve natural resources for

future generations. When it comes to ecoliteracy, everyone has the power to make a

positive difference in their communities and help create a more worthwhile world.

References:

Capra, F. (2022). A Science for Sustainable Living. Routledge Handbook for Creative
Futures. https://tinyurl.com/2ame9ubm

Center for Ecoliteracy. 2013 a. What we do. Center for Ecoliteracy, Berkeley,
California, USA. http://www.ecoliteracy.org/about-us/what-we-do
Center for Ecoliteracy. (2014-2023). Ecological Education.
Retrieved from ecoliteracy.org | Education for the Sustainability of People and the Planet

Clean Energy Collective. (2016). https://cleanenergycollective.com/

McBride, B.B., Brewer, C.A., Berkowitz, A.R., & Borrie, W. T. (2013). Environmental
literacy, ecological literacy, ecoliteracy: What do we mean and how did we get here?
Ecosphere, 4(5), 2-20. https://tinyurl.com/shz6d32y
Solartechadvisor (2023). Community Solar: A Path to Clean, Affordable, and
Accessible Energy. Retrieved from https://solartechadvisor.com/community-solar/