Sustainable Solution Organizer
A major component of the video contest is the sustainable solution you present for the
selected global challenge. While the solution is only one part of the larger video entry, it is an
important piece. You will need to strategize how to best articulate your solution within your
60-second video.
This is a general outline for a video. Each of the necessary parts are included in this outline
and are divided up based on the amount of time suggested for each.
What is a Sustainable Solution?
Sustainable development is a multi-faceted approach to problem solving that balances
economic, social, and environmental needs. A sustainable solution meets the needs of a
present issue without negatively impacting future generations.
A sustainable solution:
Works to actively reduce a problem (in this case, the global challenge) without
creating new problems or negatively impacting future generations.
Is rooted in science and evidence-based tactics.
Identifies and listens to the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders (the
individuals, groups, and organizations that have an interest or concern in an issue.)
These partnerships are important so the solution can be carried out.
Is inclusive. It serves the needs of diverse people within that community.
Goes beyond making donations and giving charity.
How to Create a Sustainable Solution:
STEP I: Select a Global Challenge and Define the Problem
Defining a specific problem within your global challenge will help you focus your research,
create a more focused solution, and powerful video. For example, a general challenge is
“pollution” but a specific problem could be microplastics in water.
Example
: In the US, more than 1,000 tons of
microplastic pollute national parks
each year by
rainfall
(the problem).
This plastic contains toxic chemicals and ends up in local water sources,
threatening peoples’ health and harming ecosystems
(why it’s a problem)
. The world’s
production of micro plastic has grown by 5% since 2017
(urgency).
Respond to the questions below to guide you:
1. Which of the three Global Challenge topics have you selected?
2. What is the specific problem you will focus on in your video?
3. Why do you think this problem is important to address?
4. Do you already have an idea for a possible solution? (It can be anything!) Having
ideas in mind can help you focus your research.
STEP 2: Research and Compile Information
You can start your research at the Research Resources page here. There, you’ll find
background readings on your topic and links to sources of information. Remember to use
information from reputable sources such as government organizations, research organizations,
and global non-governmental organizations. If you are looking at an online article, determine if
it’s an opinion article or a news article and make sure that you’re using the most up to date
information.
You must cite your sources. As you are researching and finding information, write down
the Title, Author, Organization, and Publication Date of your sources. Visit Purdue OWL to learn
how to cite your sources. Use the space on the next page to compile relevant information you
find from facts, pictures, graphs, or other information that may be useful. If you have more
than 1 page of information, use additional sheets!
Some questions to ask yourself as you research the problem identified in Step 1:
· What is the scope of the problem (how big is it?)
· Who are the stakeholders (who does this problem impact?)
· What are potential challenges in addressing the problem? (*Use the optional
graphic organizer in this document to list the challenges)
TIP: From all the information that you collect you will want to highlight the most
convincing pieces to demonstrate the urgency of the problem and the barriers to solving it.
These pieces of information (evidence) should direct the design of your solution. Be sure to
include the best evidence in your video! Strong, supporting evidence is what convinces the
viewer that your solution will be sustainable and ultimately solve the global challenge.
List Your Evidence/Information Below:
Example:
“The U.S. produces 4.5 lbs. of trash (solid waste) per person, per day.”
(Your evidence)
Source:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). National overview: Facts and figures on materials,
wastes, and recycling.
https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials#N
ationalPictur
e
Challenges Graphic Organizer
Use the space below to list the real or potential challenges in addressing the problem. Remember to
include reasons showing why it’s a challenge. Identifying what will be difficult in solving the problem can
help you develop a good, sustainable solution.
To add text below (if using Google Docs), click anywhere on the organizer below and select “edit” in the
bottom left corner. Add text, then hit "Save and Close.”
STEP 3: Develop Your Solution
Developing your solution should be an ongoing process, where there is constant editing of ideas
as your understanding of the global challenge grows stronger. As you continue to gather
evidence through research you may be persuaded to take a new direction in solving the global
challenge. Use the space below to write your ideas:
1. Using the information you found in Step 2, what ideas do you have for a
sustainable solution?
2. Do any of these solution ideas already exist? What ideas from your research have
already been used and tried? Were they successful? Why or why not? How would you
modify those ideas to make them sustainable?
3. Of the solutions you listed above, which ideas have the best supporting evidence?
4. Of the solutions you listed above, which one(s) most directly addresses the specific
problem in your global challenge?
5. A sustainable solution is all about connecting knowledge (your research) with action
(your solution). How will you solve the problem you defined in Step 1? Write out a first
draft of your sustainable solution below:
STEP 4: Review Your Solution
Respond to the questions below to review, evaluate, and potentially revise your solution.
These questions do not need to be answered in your video. Rather, they are meant to guide you
through the evaluation process and help you consider the logic and strength of your proposed
solution.
Who will benefit the most from your solution? Is anyone left out?
Will collaboration be necessary to implement your solution? Who will be involved?
Is there a cost to implement your solution? If so, how will it be funded?
What unforeseen drawbacks might your solution have?
Besides money, what other resources are needed to make the solution sustainable?
What is the timeline for your solution? How long will it take before the problem is
solved?
How will you measure or determine “success” of the solution?
How is your solution connected to population growth? (This is a required component of
your video!)
STEP 5: Finalize Your Sustainable Solution
After answering the questions from Step 4 and reviewing the rough draft of your solution,
incorporate all changes in the space below to create your final draft.
The key points from this draft should be included in your video as the narration for your
sustainable solution. Most solutions account for 20-25 seconds of a student video. You have a
whole minute for the video, but the solution is the actionable message that connects and
addresses the main points of the problem, so make sure you explain the solution clearly and
effectively. Be creative in its delivery and get the audience excited to take action!