ASD Libraries: Global Issues in Action: Unit 1: Sustainability

Mindful Consumption - General

Mindful Consumption search on Global Issues database
Log in to access the articles here.

Sustainable Consumption by Bridey Heing (Compiled by)
Call Number: 338.92 SUS
ISBN: 9781534507821
Publication Date: 2021
This book examines the role individual consumption plays in climate change, how companies have attempted to become more sustainable and the effectiveness of these practices.
101 Ways to Go Zero Waste by Kathryn Kellogg
Call Number: 640.28 KEL
ISBN: 9781682683316
Publication Date: 2019
Presents tips and advice for responsible consumption and buying choices to reduce your environmental footprint.
Living Without Plastic by Brigette Allen; Christine Wong
Call Number: 640.28 ALL
ISBN: 9781579659400
Publication Date: 2020
A guide to swaping plastic products for a more sustainable living.
Follow Your Stuff by Kevin Sylvester; Michael Hlinka
Call Number: 338.5 SYL
ISBN: 9781773212548
Publication Date: 2019
Examines the often-complex journey of ordinary goods from production right to our doorsteps.
How Bad Are Bananas? by Michael Berners-Lee
Call Number: 363.738 BER
ISBN: 9781788163811
Publication Date: 2020

Overproduction
This site was created by Students for Sustainability.
Exploring the Concept: Mindfulness of Consumption
A presentation from Dr. Sabrina Helm from the University of Arizona
Mindful Consumption Guide
This guide from the University of British Columbia gives a definition of mindful consumption and details some university initiatives to promote it.

2.1 Air Quality

Air Quality in the UAE Search
Articles from the Global Issues database about air quality in the UAE. You'll need to be logged in. You are encouraged to do other searches in this database as well.

Waste and Pollution by Georgia Amson-Bradshaw (Contribution by)
Call Number: 363.72 AMS
ISBN: 9781725339088
Publication Date: 2022
Briefly explores a wide range of ways waste and pollution get into the environment from human activity, and champions ways readers can reduce their waste and pollution footprint.

Global Air Quality
This ArcGIS Storymap explores 19 years of particulate matter in the air we breathe
Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics
"AirNow is a partnership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Park Service, NASA, Centers for Disease Control, and tribal, state, and local air quality agencies."
Air Quality
From the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Air Quality in Dubai
From IQAir. "Today, we operate the world's largest free real-time air quality information platform and engage an ever-growing number of global citizens, organizations, and governments."
UAE Air Quality Index - DOESN'T WORK
A Storymap from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Climate Change: Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
Posted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at Climate.gov
UAE Air Quality Forecast (Air Quality Level – AQL) - DOESN'T WORK
This is a live map from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
MAP: How many people have died from air pollution causes?
This map shows the age-standardized mortality rate attributed to air pollution by countries. The rate is shown as deaths per 100,000 people. The global average is 95 deaths per 100,000 people. Any areas in the map above this rate are shown in red.
MAP LIST: Global Air Quality
This gallery contains maps that show different patterns about air quality globally. The data within these maps is derived from NASA SEDAC particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) data.
Abu Dhabi plans to directly monitor vehicle emissions on road
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle
From the US Environmental Protection Agency
Blue Skies, Blue Seas
Air Pollution, Marine Plastics, and Coastal Erosion in the Middle East and North Africa. From the World Bank Group.
The dangers of school bus idling
From Industrial Safety and Hygiene News
Diesel Exhaust and School Bus Idling
From the Environmental Protection Agency. Published in 2003
Johnson Controls, EmiratesGBC conduct study on UAE schools' air quality
This article is from Trade Arabia, June 2024
Emissions from bus travel
From CarbonIndependent.org

2.2 Sound Pollution/ Noise Pollution - PTSA grant

Noise Pollution search in the Global Issues database
You'll need to log in. Do other searches within this database as well.
Noise Pollution
"Noise pollution can cause health problems for people and wildlife, both on land and in the sea."
Clean Air Act Title IV - Noise Pollution
From the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Noise pollution is a major problem, both for human health and the environment
"Noise pollution is a growing problem across Europe and one which many people may not be aware of the impacts of on their health. "
How to Manage Noise Pollution in Your Restaurant
This is from a company that sells acoustic equipment, so be aware of its bias.
How to Reduce Noise in School Cafeteria
Ingenious Culinary Concept is a food service company specializing in school food service programs. Be aware of its bias.
Noise pollution: more attention is needed
A scholarly study published in 2023.
Students Ask “How Loud Is Too Loud?” in the Cafeteria
From the National Institute of Health
Noisy Planet
Noisy Planet is a national public education campaign designed to increase awareness among parents of children ages 8 to 12 about the causes and prevention of noise-induced hearing loss.
Quiet Classrooms
A website funded by the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse

2.3 Composting Program

Remember to check out the "Recycling and Trash - General" box on the top of the page.

What is Industrial Composting?
From the UC Boulder Environmental Center.
Your Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Compost to Enrich Your Garden
From Better Homes and Gardens
Composting At Home
From the US Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Impact of Food Waste
By Move for Hunger
How Overproduction is Food Waste’s Biggest Culprit and Opportunity
From Waste 360
Closing the loop
"Lowe’s commitment to sustainability has resulted in it winning a green Michelin star and the title of Sustainable Restaurant 2022 at MENA’s 50 Best. We find out why."

2.4 Mindful Consumption - Mug Library

Remember to check out the "Mindful Consumption - General" and the "Recycling and Trash General" boxes on the top of the page.

101 Ways to Go Zero Waste by Kathryn Kellogg
Call Number: 640.28 KEL
ISBN: 9781682683316
Publication Date: 2019
"Presents tips and advice for responsible consumption and buying choices to reduce your environmental footprint."
Consumed by Aja Barber
Call Number: 338.92 BAR
ISBN: 9781538709849
Publication Date: 2021
"Barber invites [readers] to participate in unlearning, to understand the truth behind why we consume in the way that we do, to confront the uncomfortable feeling that we are never quite enough and why we fill that void with consumption rather than compassion."

Starbucks and Our Plastic Pollution Problem
"The globe is covered in plastic waste. The "to-go" coffee culture is a big part of this problem."
Reusable or Disposable Which coffee cup has a smaller footprint?
" . . . by reusing your cup for several years and by limiting the quantity of soap and hot water for washing it, the reusable cup should be the way to go."
The disposable cup crisis: what’s the environmental impact of a to-go coffee?
From The Guardian
Use a reusable coffee cup
"Small acts are all it takes to make a big impact"
The environmental benefits of reusable plastic over single-use products
"In October 2022, Zero Waste Scotland launched a campaign to highlight the benefits of long-lasting reusable plastics over short lasting single-use ones."

2.5 Mindful Consumption and Energy Use: Lights

Remember to check out the "Mindful Consumption - General" and the "Recycling and Trash General" boxes on the top of the page.

FACT OR FICTION: SOLAR POWER IS THE MOST EFFICIENT DURING THE WINTER MONTHS
From Blue Raven Solar
Energy Efficiency
From the United Arab Emirates Government Portal
LED Lighting
From the US Department of Energy
Building Bright Futures with Energy-Efficient Lighting for Schools
From a US-based energy company.
K-12 Lighting Toolkit
"K-12 schools can save up to 50% on energy use if they optimize their lighting equipment and operations."
Switched off lights and IT equipment after school
Energy Sparks is a nonprofit in the UK that helps schools become more energy efficient.
When to Turn Off Your Lights
From the US Department of Energy
Shining a light on energy in schools
From Education Business

2.6 Mindful Consumption - MS/HS Lost and Found

Remember to check out the "Mindful Consumption - General" and the "Recycling and Trash General" boxes on the top of the page.

Unraveled by Maxine Bedat
Call Number: 338.4 BED
ISBN: 9780593085974
Publication Date: 2021
"Bédat follows the life of an American icon--a pair of jeans. From a Texas cotton farm to dying and weaving factories in China, sewing floors in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, back to America where they're shipped out by Amazon warehouse workers. [Bédat] follows the jeans to landfills, or, if they've been 'donated,' shipped back around the world to Africa."

Lost and Found: What gets left behind at schools?
From water bottles to a toaster oven, schools share their most common and unusual unclaimed items and how they attempt to find the owners.
What Happens to the Lost-and-Found Mound at the End of the Year?
From Education Week, May 2024
Found Foundation
This is an organization in the United States that redistributes lost and found items from schools.
New solutions for dealing with lost and found
"Here are some novel ways of dealing with Lost and Found."
Best of WeAreTeachers HELPLINE: Managing a School Lost & Found
"You’ll have better luck getting these items back to their owners if you give a little to thought to how your school is managing its lost & found."

2.7 Mindful Consumption/Zero Waste - CAST

Remember to check out the "Mindful Consumption - General" and the "Recycling and Trash General" boxes on the top of the page.

101 Ways to Go Zero Waste by Kathryn Kellogg
Call Number: 640.28 KEL
ISBN: 9781682683316
Publication Date: 2019
"Presents tips and advice for responsible consumption and buying choices to reduce your environmental footprint."
Consumed by Aja Barber
Call Number: 338.92 BAR
ISBN: 9781538709849
Publication Date: 2021
"Barber invites [readers] to participate in unlearning, to understand the truth behind why we consume in the way that we do, to confront the uncomfortable feeling that we are never quite enough and why we fill that void with consumption rather than compassion."

A ZERO WASTE WORLD
An article from the Journal of International Affairs in the Global Issues database. (You'll need to log in.)
How Communities Have Defined Zero Waste
"Zero waste has been described in various ways by different entities. The following examples share how some municipalities and other organizations have described zero waste."
Zero Waste Movement: A Complete Guide
"The zero-waste movement is all about reducing trash output. The goal is to shrink a person, business, or system's waste production as small as possible by implementing the 5 principles: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle."

Recycling and Trash - General

Waste and Pollution by Georgia Amson-Bradshaw (Contribution by)
Call Number: 363.72 AMS
ISBN: 9781725339088
Publication Date: 2022
Briefly explores a wide range of ways waste and pollution get into the environment from human activity, and champions ways readers can reduce their waste and pollution footprint.
Trashing the Planet by Stuart A. Kallen
Call Number: 363.72 KAL
ISBN: 9781512413144
Publication Date: 2017-08-01
On a global scale, humans create around 2.6 trillion pounds of waste every year. Learn more about the work of the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Ocean Cleanup Array, the zero waste movement, and the many other government, business, research, and youth efforts working to solve our planet's garbage crisis.
You Are Eating Plastic Every Day by Danielle Smith-Llera
Call Number: 363.738 SMI
ISBN: 9780756562298
Publication Date: 2019
Discusses plastic pollutants, covering how it winds up in the food chain, how it becomes pollution, how it moves around the world as pollution, and more.

The woes of poorly sorted waste – an industry perspective
From the journal Recycling Today
‘WISHFUL RECYCLING’: MORE HARM THAN GOOD
From the University of Washington SCHOOL OF MARINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
14 Recycling Contamination Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
From Rubicon Technologies
LANDFILLS: WE'RE RUNNING OUT OF SPACE
From the Roadrunner recycling company
Effects of bin proximity and informational prompts on recycling and contamination
From the Resources, Conservation and Recycling journal.
The Psychology Behind Why People Don't Recycle
From the Huffington Post
HOW OUR TRASH IMPACTS THE ENVIRONMENT
From the site EarthDay.org
Wildlife Over Waste
From the site Environment America
Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know
From the Natural Resources Defense Council
Marine & Ocean Pollution Statistics & Facts 2020-2021
From Condor Ferries
Eight Million Tons of Plastic Dumped in Ocean Every Year
From National Geographic in 2015
The Effects Of Plastic Pollution On Seabirds
From the Ocean Blue Project
A whopping 91% of plastic isn't recycled
From National Geographic

Billions of tons of plastic have been made over the past decades, and much of it is becoming trash and litter, finds the first analysis of the issue.
Plastic Water Bottle Pollution: Where do all the Bottles End Up?
From the website Healthy Human
Everyday Plastic Ingredient BPA Damages Brain Cells And Affects Mood And Memory
From Medical News Today
Microplastic pollution in oyster bed ecosystems: An assessment of the northern shores of the United Arab Emirates
A scientific study published in Environmental Advances
Bisphenol A (BPA)
From the journal America's Children and the Environment
The UAE is on its way to becoming a hub for plastic recycling
From The National
Blue Skies, Blue Seas
Air Pollution, Marine Plastics, and Coastal Erosion in the Middle East and North Africa. From the World Bank Group.

5.1 Mindful Consumption - Elementary Lost and Found

Remember to check out the "Mindful Consumption - General" and the "Recycling and Trash General" boxes on the top of the page.

Lost and Found: What gets left behind at schools?
From water bottles to a toaster oven, schools share their most common and unusual unclaimed items and how they attempt to find the owners.
What Happens to the Lost-and-Found Mound at the End of the Year?
From Education Week, May 2024
Found Foundation
This is an organization in the United States that redistributes lost and found items from schools.
New solutions for dealing with lost and found
"Here are some novel ways of dealing with Lost and Found."
Best of WeAreTeachers HELPLINE: Managing a School Lost & Found
"You’ll have better luck getting these items back to their owners if you give a little to thought to how your school is managing its lost & found."

5.3 Precious Plastics

Remember to check out the "Mindful Consumption - General" and the "Recycling and Trash General" boxes on the top of the page.

Precious Plastics
"Precious Plastic exists to reduce plastic waste."

Plasticus Maritimus by Ana Pego; Isabel Minhós Martins; Bernado P. Carvalho (Illustrator)
Call Number: 363.72 PEG
ISBN: 9781771646437
Publication Date: 2020
This book explains how plastics are ever more present in our oceans, lakes, and streams.

Tashkeel - Precious Plastics
Information about a Precious Plastics workshop in Dubai in 2021.
This Open-Source ‘Precious Plastic’ Project Is Changing What Waste Means And How Recycling Is Done
An article from Forbes from 2020
Precious Plastic’s world’s first open-source building brick from plastic waste

5.4 Mindful Consumption/Zero Waste - Markers and Gluesticks

Remember to check out the "Mindful Consumption - General" and the "Recycling and Trash General" boxes on the top of the page.

101 Ways to Go Zero Waste by Kathryn Kellogg
Call Number: 640.28 KEL
ISBN: 9781682683316
Publication Date: 2019
"Presents tips and advice for responsible consumption and buying choices to reduce your environmental footprint."
Consumed by Aja Barber
Call Number: 338.92 BAR
ISBN: 9781538709849
Publication Date: 2021
"Barber invites [readers] to participate in unlearning, to understand the truth behind why we consume in the way that we do, to confront the uncomfortable feeling that we are never quite enough and why we fill that void with consumption rather than compassion."

A ZERO WASTE WORLD
An article from the Journal of International Affairs in the Global Issues database. (You'll need to log in.)
How Communities Have Defined Zero Waste
"Zero waste has been described in various ways by different entities. The following examples share how some municipalities and other organizations have described zero waste."
Zero Waste Movement: A Complete Guide
"The zero-waste movement is all about reducing trash output. The goal is to shrink a person, business, or system's waste production as small as possible by implementing the 5 principles: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle."

5.5 E-Waste

Remember to check out the "Mindful Consumption - General" and the "Recycling and Trash General" boxes on the top of the page.

E-Waste by David M. Barker
Call Number: 621.38 BAR
ISBN: 9781532110221
Publication Date: 2017
Humanity's impact on the natural world can have disastrous effects.
What Is the Impact of Excessive Waste and Garbage? by Peggy J. Parks
Call Number: 363.72 PAR
ISBN: 9781682828632
Publication Date: 2020
According to the World Bank, more than 2.2 billion tons (2 billion metric tons) of waste and garbage are produced every year. This has created, and continues to create, serious environmental problems for the world's land and oceans.

A Systematic Review of E-Waste Generation and Environmental Management of Asia Pacific Countries
A scholarly study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Electronic Waste, an Environmental Problem Exported to Developing Countries: The GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY
"Electronic waste (e-waste) is a rapidly developing environmental problem particularly for the most developed countries. There are technological solutions for processing it, but these are costly, and the cheaper option for most developed countries has been to export most of the waste to less developed countries."
The only R2 compliant E-Waste processing facility in the UAE and Africa
An E-waste business in the UAE.
This UAE startup, BANTgo, reimagines the recycling of e-waste
An article from Wired from August 2024

5.6 Sustaining You!

Attention Hijacked by Erica B. Marcus
Call Number: 153.7 MAR
ISBN: 9781728404677
Publication Date: 2022
"Using mindfulness techniques, this book teaches readers how to intentionally take charge of their technology use."
Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community by Lady Gaga
Call Number: 361.2 BOR
ISBN: 9781250245588
Publication Date: 2020
"Through the years, they've collected stories of kindness, bravery and resilience from young people all over the world, proving that kindness truly is the universal language."

How to Cultivate a Sense of Belonging in Schools
"Belonging is a fundamental human need."
New research highlights long-term mental health benefits of school belonging
"A groundbreaking study has shed light on the crucial role school belonging plays in shaping mental wellbeing in adolescents."
Wellbeing Matters
From the KHDA - "A guiding framework for the monitoring and improvement of wellbeing in Dubai private schools."
250 New Schools Join the ‘Well Schools Network’ to Enhance Positive Education and Wellbeing Principles
From the UAE National Program for Happiness and Wellbeing

5.7 Noise Pollution - upcycling tennis balls

What You Need to Know About Off-Gassing
From Architectural Digest
Noise Pollution search in the Global Issues database
You'll need to log in. Do other searches within this database as well.
Noise Pollution
"Noise pollution can cause health problems for people and wildlife, both on land and in the sea."
Clean Air Act Title IV - Noise Pollution
From the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Noise pollution is a major problem, both for human health and the environment
"Noise pollution is a growing problem across Europe and one which many people may not be aware of the impacts of on their health. "
How to Manage Noise Pollution in Your Restaurant
This is from a company that sells acoustic equipment, so be aware of its bias.
How to Reduce Noise in School Cafeteria
Ingenious Culinary Concept is a food service company specializing in school food service programs. Be aware of its bias.
Noise pollution: more attention is needed
A scholarly study published in 2023.
Students Ask “How Loud Is Too Loud?” in the Cafeteria
From the National Institute of Health
Noisy Planet
Noisy Planet is a national public education campaign designed to increase awareness among parents of children ages 8 to 12 about the causes and prevention of noise-induced hearing loss.
Quiet Classrooms
A website funded by the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse

5. 8 Carbon Footprint of Travel

Evolving climate math of flying vs. driving
From Yale Climate Connections
Climate change: Should you fly, drive or take the train?
From the BBC in 2019
United Nations Carbon Offset Platform
Calculate Your Travel Carbon Footprint
"Use our carbon footprint calculator to calculate your travel emissions and purchase carbon offsets."
Which form of transport has the smallest carbon footprint?
How can individuals reduce their emissions from transport?
Carbon Pollution from Transportation
From the US Environmental Protection Agency

Noodletools

Noodletools This link opens in a new window
NoodleTools is an online research management platform that helps you evaluate information, build accurate citations, archive source material, take notes, outline topics, and prepare to write. Sign in with Google.

Noodletools Help
This guide will answer all of your questions about how to use Noodletools.

MLA In-Text Citations Help

Assignment Information

GIA Unit 1 Study Guide

Resources for all topics

Sustainable Development Goals Libguide
This ASD Libguide has a page for each of the SDGs that you can use to explore a variety of topics.

How to Be a Global Citizen by DK
Call Number: 323 HOW
ISBN: 9780744029956
Publication Date: 2021
Be the change in your community! This illustrated guide takes you through challenges the world is facing and how you can help overcome them.
How I Resist by Maureen Johnson (Editor)
Call Number: 320 HOW
ISBN: 9781250168368
Publication Date: 2018
A collection of essays, songs, illustrations, and interviews about activism and hope.
The Age of Sustainable Development by Jeffrey D. Sachs; Ban Ki-moon (Foreword by)
Call Number: 338.9 SAC
ISBN: 9780231173155
Publication Date: 2015-03-03
Provides tools, metrics, and practical pathways to help the reader achieve sustainable development goals.
The Story of More (Adapted for Young Adults) by Hope Jahren
Call Number: 363.738 JAH
Publication Date: 2021
This young adult adaptation of acclaimed geochemist and geobiologist Hope Jahren's highly respected nonfiction work is the perfect book for those interested in learning about climate change and how they can contribute to creating a more sustainable future.

UAE SDG Data Hub
"The SDG Data Hub is a comprehensive platform that aims to track, monitor, and report milestones and progress towards the implementation of the SDGs in the UAE."
UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

UAE and the SDGs

UAE SDG Data Hub
"The SDG Data Hub is a comprehensive platform that aims to track, monitor, and report milestones and progress towards the implementation of the SDGs in the UAE."
Atlas of Sustainable Development Goals 2018
Choose United Arab Emirates on the homepage to see details specific to the UAE.
UAE and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
This report was produced in 2022.
UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Making UAE Schools Healthy
Integrated Waste Management in the UAE
From the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
UAE Air Quality Forecast (Air Quality Level – AQL) - DOESN'T WORK
This is a live map from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
New strategy to be developed to protect UAE wetlands
A new campaign to protect wetlands across the UAE - and the diverse species that inhabit them - will be developed at a strategic meeting next month.
UAE Energy Strategy 2050
The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 aims to triple the contribution of the renewable energy and invest AED 150 to AED 200 billion by 2030 to meet the country’s increasing demand for energy as a result of a rapidly growing economy.
Average person in UAE
Compare the average person in Greece to the average person in the UAE
UAE mangroves the largest in the Gulf, study finds
Analysis of satellite images acquired from the King Abdul-Aziz City for Science and Technology recently published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment show that the UAE is now home to nearly 50 per cent of all mangroves in the region. Moreover, the mangrove coverage in the Emirates has nearly doubled.
Tens of thousands of mangroves to be planted across the UAE
Tens of thousands of mangroves will be planted and coral gardens cultivated in a bid to reduce the impact of climate change.
UAE's mission impossible: Cooling the desert
From Reuters news service. 2011
Why the UAE's mangroves are so important — and how to save them
Mangroves are estimated to cover more than 150 square kilometres of the UAE's coastline, acting as a "green lung" for big cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while also providing habit for wildlife and recreation grounds for humans.
GeoDubai
Create a free account and then request access to the data you are looking for.
The UAE is on its way to becoming a hub for plastic recycling
From The National

Search for Books

Destiny Library Catalog
Look for library books related to your topic. When you get to the catalog, don't forget to sign in!
Sora
Follow this link or download the SoraApp to access the library's ebook collection. Sign in with Google.

Recommended Databases

A to Z Databases
This link will take you to all of the databases that the ASD libraries subscribe to. For login information, see the secure document below.
ASD Databases Login Information
You must be signed in to your ASD account to view these passwords.

Britannica School This link opens in a new window
Britannica School is a general encyclopedia that's useful for all subjects. Choose your level: elementary, middle, or high.
Credo Source This link opens in a new window
Credo Source is a one-stop research platform combining citable reference content with instructional videos and tutorials, as well as access to other subscription databases. Credo Source is a great starting point for research.
Global Issues This link opens in a new window
Provides a global perspective, integrating news, global viewpoints, reference materials, country information, primary source documents, videos, statistics, and more. Citations export directly into Noodletools.
Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new window
Find overviews, news, and opinions on hundreds of today's important social issues. Citations export directly into Noodletools.
New York Times - School Pass This link opens in a new window
Use this link to set up your access to ASD's New York Times subscription.