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Sustainability and Individual Action — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS3-4

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This reading passage for grades 6-8 introduces the concept of sustainability, defined as meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Students will explore sustainable development and the balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. The passage explains the idea of an ecological footprint and provides quantitative examples of resource use per person. It describes practical steps for individuals to reduce their impact—such as reducing, reusing, recycling, conserving energy, and making responsible food choices. The text also emphasizes the importance of collective action, including community involvement and citizen science, and highlights careers in sustainability. Designed to align with NGSS standard MS-ESS3-4, this passage encourages students to see themselves as empowered agents of change. Glossary, quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers are included. All materials are audio integrated for accessibility.

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Close-up of a person picking up trash on a sandy beach, promoting environmental care. — Person picking up trash on a sandy beach, promoting environmental care. Image by Los Muertos Crew / Pexels.

Sustainability is the scientific principle of meeting the needs of people today without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept is crucial as the world’s population grows and the demand for natural resources increases. Many scientists are asking: how can we balance human development with the health of our planet? To answer this, researchers use data and scientific models to study the connections between resource use, the environment, and society.

Understanding Sustainability and Ecological Footprints
One key idea in sustainability is sustainable development, which aims to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental health. Scientists use the term ecological footprint to measure how much land, water, and other resources a person or community uses. For example, the average ecological footprint in the United States is about 8 global hectares per person, while the world average is closer to 2.8. If everyone lived like Americans, we would need almost five planets’ worth of resources! This shows why it’s important to find ways to use resources more efficiently.

Reducing Our Impact: Individual and Collective Action
Individuals can lower their ecological footprints by following the reduce, reuse, recycle principle. This means using less, finding new uses for items, and recycling materials. Energy conservation—such as turning off lights, using public transportation, or choosing renewable energy sources—also makes a big difference. Making sustainable food choices, like eating more plants and less meat, can reduce water and land use. When individuals act together through community cleanups, citizen science, or environmental advocacy, their impact grows even larger. For example, communities that set up recycling programs can reduce landfill waste by up to 30%.

Hope, Empowerment, and Careers in Sustainability
Solving environmental challenges requires both scientific knowledge and social cooperation. There are many careers in sustainability, including environmental scientists, green engineers, and conservation officers. These professionals use evidence from research and fieldwork to create solutions that benefit people and the planet. Students can get involved through school projects, volunteering, or science-based clubs. By understanding cause-and-effect relationships, young people can help lead change and inspire others.

Sustainability is not just a scientific goal; it’s a shared responsibility. When people work together and make informed choices, they help ensure a healthy, fair, and thriving world for the future.

Interesting Fact: If every household in the United States replaced just one light bulb with an energy-saving LED, it would prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking 800,000 cars off the road each year!

What is the main idea of sustainability as described in the passage?

Meeting current needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs.Using as many resources as possible for economic growth.Focusing only on the needs of plants and animals.Developing new technology for entertainment only.

What does the term 'ecological footprint' measure?

The number of animals in a habitat.How much land and resources a person or community uses.The depth of oceans.The speed of population growth.

According to the passage, what can communities achieve by setting up recycling programs?

Increase landfill waste by 30%.Reduce landfill waste by up to 30%.Stop all pollution immediately.Grow more plants automatically.

Which of the following is NOT a way to reduce your ecological footprint according to the passage?

Eating more plants and less meat.Turning off lights to save energy.Using renewable energy sources.Using more single-use plastics.

What is an example of collective action mentioned in the passage?

Community cleanups.Watching TV.Shopping online.Ignoring waste.

In context, what does 'reduce, reuse, recycle' mean?

Buying new things every week.Throwing away everything you use.Using less, reusing items, and recycling materials.Saving only money.

What is a career in sustainability as described in the passage?

Conservation officer.Movie actor.Professional athlete.Fashion designer.

Why do scientists use models and data to study sustainability?

To guess randomly about the future.To understand the connections between resource use, environment, and society.To teach only in universities.To create more pollution.

True or False: If everyone lived like Americans, we would need almost five Earths’ worth of resources.

TrueFalse

True or False: Energy conservation has no effect on greenhouse gas emissions.

TrueFalse