Exploring Sustainability in the Modern World

On the 9th of March, students involved in ESS, Biology, Geography, and the Recycling and Sustainability service group headed on a field trip to the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) for a session on learning about waste management, especially within Sri Lanka.

The presentation gave us a comprehensive insight into how the real world deals with waste management, especially considering economic factors. We discovered methods several countries employ to achieve a more circular economy, optimally with zero waste. One example was producing natural fertilizers from fecal sludge in the form of pellets as well as liquid.

As an HL Biology student, I was able to make several key links to the Nitrogen and Phosphorus cycle and understood ways in which the work at IWMI is able to aid in fixing problems humans bring towards nutrient cycling, such as within agriculture.  I was also able to make links to Economics as the idea of a circular economy was brought up often throughout the presentation. We learned the benefits of a circular economy in optimizing our society in terms of pollution, waste management and reducing our consumption of natural resources. Also, as a Chemistry HL student, I understood the relevance of the Born-Haber cycle in the production of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gas which is key in the large-scale synthesis of fertilizers.

Learning Objectives:

LO6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

By engaging with the presentation we learned a lot about the issues the modern world faces and what industries are wanting to do in pushing toward a circular economy. We also understood the conflict in making these solutions economically viable in modern society.

LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

We learned how our choices as consumers affect the overall economy, especially in terms of how our actions can make a positive impact in making our country ecologically clean through spreading awareness, engaging in clean-ups, being environmentally aware on our purchases & etc.