Definitions
LEARN
Discover definitions around sustainability.
Sometimes we see or read some BIG words and we might not know what they mean.
Sonny and Skye have broken down some of these words for everyone to understand.
Come have a look at what some of Sonny and Skye’s favourite words mean!
Sustainability Definitions
infrastructure
Buildings, machinery or equipment (resources) that are available to be used to manage, collect or provide services for water, waste or collect and use energy.
Reduce
To make smaller or use less of.
resource management
How we look after and make decisions on what to do with our resources.
Reuse
To use again in the same way. However, some items can also be used again in a new and different way, for example an empty jam jar with a lid can be reused to store things in safely.
processed
Turned into something new.
natural resources
Something found in nature which can be used by people. Earth’s natural resources include water, light, air, soil and the ground.
recycle
To process or turn old things into new things; reuse materials to make new items.
resources
A stock or supply of things such as money, materials, people or things used to make or collect natural resources such as energy, water and use of our land or soil.
sustainability
Meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
climate change
A long-term change in the average weather patterns.
Energy Definitions
coal
A black or brownish-black fossil fuel that is burned to make energy.
Energy
finite
Limited. It will run out one day.
Hydropower
Power that is made from water.
non-renewable energy
Renewable energy
Energy from a source that does not run out when it is used, like wind or solar power.
wind turbine
A device that converts the wind’s energy into electricity.
Electricity
The flow of tiny particles that can create energy.
Energy Efficiency
Using less energy to perform the same task.
Fossil fuel
A natural fuel such as coal or gas formed in the past and made from the remains of living organisms.
Natural Gas
A fossil fuel that can be burned to make energy.
power
To give something mechanical or electrical energy.
Solar power
Energy that comes from the sun’s rays.
Wind power
Power that is made from wind, through the use of a wind turbine.
Waste Definitions
Avoid
To choose not to use something or to make a better choice.
biodegradable
Able to be broken down naturally by micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi.
contamination
Something that should not be in the yellow lid bin or the green lid bin. For example, in the yellow bin contamination could be food or drink left in the containers.
fungi (fungus)
A living kingdom of lots of tiny spore organisms like mould, yeast and mushrooms
microorganisms
Microscopic single celled organisms that thrive and can help us out by breaking down organic (once living) matter when it is died.
microscopic
So small you can only see with a microscope.
rot
To decompose or separate into smaller parts or pieces due to the action of fungi or bacteria.
bacteria
Microscopic single celled organisms that thrive and can help us out by breaking down organic (once living) matter when it is died.
breakdown
Organic (once living) matter decomposes or separates into smaller parts or pieces due to the action of fungi or bacteria.
decompose
Organic (once living) matter rots or breaks down into smaller parts or pieces due to the action of fungi or bacteria.
litter
Things that have been carelessly disposed of or thrown away.
microplastics
Tiny pieces of plastic that are between the size of a grain of sand and a grain of rice they are so small.
organism
A living thing that has an organised structure that can grow and adapt.
rubbish
Stuff that has been thrown away or unwanted.
Water Definitions
Black Water
Waste water and sewerage from toilets.
Condensation
The process of turning water from gas to liquid.
Drought Tolerant
Something, usually a plant, that can go a long time without water.
Evaporation
The process of turning water from liquid to gas.
Grey Water
Waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines and other kitchen appliances.
Pathogens
reservoir
A very large storage space for drinking water.
Waste water
Water that has been made dirty from human use
Water treatment plant
A place which takes out any particles that can be harmful to humans.
catchment
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Conserve
To protect or save.
Drought
A long time between rainfall, which can lead to a water shortage.
Infiltration
How water on the ground surface enters the soil.
Laboratory
A place where treated water is tested to ensure it’s always safe for us to drink .
precipitation
A big word that means water falling from the sky. Or in other words -rain!
treated water
A process that ensures our drinking water is of a high standard.
Water efficiency
The smart use of water, to avoid wasting it.
Wicking Bed
An Australian invention which waters plants from below, rather than above.
Let us have fun
Getting involved
Let's Play
Games
Play the Sonny the Sustainability Arcade Games and test your skills
Let's Play
Colouring Sheets
Download some fun water, waste and energy colouring in sheets here.
Let's Learn
Sonny
Join Sonny and Skye on their mission to scout more ways to be sustainable always.
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STORIES
Read Sonny's top tips for recycling and other great sustainability stories.
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ACTIVITY SHEETS
Earn Water, Waste and Energy badges with Sonny and Skye!
Let's Learn
FACT SHEETS
A range of fact sheets to help you become more sustainable.
PARENT TEACHER RESOURCES
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FOR CHILDREN
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FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS
Content on this site has been designed using the NSW and Australian Curriculum syllabus outcomes for Stages 1, 2 and 3. The information and fact sheets have the relevant syllabus outcomes listed
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