As the urgency of environmental challenges mounts, the need for sustainability education in schools has garnered overwhelming public support. According to the 2024 ALPLA Sustainability in Education Survey hosted at Plastic Reimagined, a staggering 72% of Americans believe sustainability education should be a core part of the school curriculum, and 80% see it as critical to the planet's future. However, despite this widespread support, only 28% feel that current sustainability programs in schools are adequately funded. This dichotomy between public sentiment and policy highlights a significant opportunity—and challenge—for educational institutions and policymakers.

Broad Support Across the Board

The survey of 1,000 American parents reveals a surprising level of consensus on the importance of sustainability education, cutting across political and demographic lines. While environmental issues are often divisive, the notion of equipping students with sustainability knowledge seems to transcend traditional divides.

Key findings include:

  • 72% believe sustainability should be a core subject, on par with traditional pillars like reading and mathematics.
  • 79% support integrating sustainability concepts into all subjects, emphasizing the interconnected nature of sustainability with other disciplines.
  • 68% advocate for at least weekly sustainability lessons, with nearly 30% pushing for daily instruction.

These figures demonstrate that sustainability education is no longer seen as a niche topic but as a necessary foundation for preparing students to face real-world challenges.

Integrating Sustainability Across Subjects

The survey also highlights a shift in how Americans view sustainability instruction. Nearly 80% of respondents believe it should not be confined to standalone classes but woven into broader curricula. This approach acknowledges the multifaceted nature of sustainability, touching on economics, technology, and social systems.

For instance, ALPLA, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has partnered with an Atlanta-area elementary school to demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated into everyday learning. Students were encouraged to examine the lifecycle of objects they encounter daily—whether it's a water bottle or the blade of a wind turbine—and to think critically about their environmental impact. This hands-on approach underscores the potential of integrated sustainability education to foster critical thinking and creativity.

The Funding Gap

Despite the enthusiasm for sustainability education, significant obstacles remain. The survey underscores that funding is a critical barrier, with only 28% of respondents believing current programs are adequately resourced. Furthermore, just 29% think teachers are sufficiently trained to deliver effective sustainability instruction.

This funding gap has tangible implications. Without adequate resources, schools struggle to hire specialized instructors, invest in teaching materials, or implement programs like the one ALPLA supports. Moreover, the lack of teacher training limits the potential for integrating sustainability concepts into diverse subjects effectively.

However, there is hope: 73% of respondents support increased funding for sustainability programs. This widespread willingness to invest suggests that public opinion could drive tangible policy changes.

Long-Term Impacts

The benefits of sustainability education extend far beyond the classroom. According to the survey:

  • 77% believe students become more environmentally conscious through sustainability instruction.
  • 63% say it has a lasting impact on students' lives.
  • 80% see it as critical to the planet's future.

These findings underscore the transformative potential of sustainability education. By equipping young minds with the knowledge and tools to address environmental challenges, schools can nurture a generation of informed, proactive citizens.

A Call to Action

The 2024 ALPLA Sustainability in Education Survey paints a clear picture of public support for sustainability education. However, the gap between aspiration and reality highlights the need for immediate action. 

Policymakers, educators, and private organizations must collaborate to translate public sentiment into tangible outcomes.

ALPLA's partnership with schools serves as a blueprint for what's possible. By integrating sustainability into everyday learning and providing the necessary resources, they demonstrate how public and private sectors can work together to bridge the funding gap and inspire meaningful change.

For policymakers, the survey results provide a mandate: the public is ready to back increased funding for sustainability education. For educators, it's a reminder that sustainability can—and should—be a cornerstone of 21st-century learning.

Conclusion

As environmental challenges grow in complexity, the importance of sustainability education becomes increasingly evident. The 2024 ALPLA Sustainability in Education Survey shows that Americans recognize this, with broad support for integrating sustainability into school curricula and increasing funding to support these efforts.

While challenges remain, particularly around funding and teacher training, the public's willingness to invest in sustainability education provides a clear path forward. By aligning resources with public sentiment, we can equip future generations to navigate—and mitigate—the challenges ahead.

The time to act is now. Sustainability education is no longer optional; it's essential.