Abstract:
As the global community seeks solutions to counter the impacts of industrialization, resource
depletion, wealth inequality and climate change many countries are committing to sustainable
development initiatives. Necessity is driving innovation and new technologies flood the global
marketplace to support sustainable, resilient lifestyles worldwide. Yet, the countries and communities
most vulnerable and ill equipped to meet these global challenges face the greatest barriers for creating and
acquiring sustainable technologies.
The purpose of this creative project was to offer a practical, multidimensional approach for
implementing sustainability education and research within local communities to support the global vision
set forth by the United Nations in The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Literature regarding
technology diffusion and transfer, education for sustainable development (ESD), and place-conscious and
popular education theories and methods were thoroughly reviewed to find best practices relevant to
technology and curriculum diffusion. Key findings supported the development of an introductory
curriculum outline and lessons to complement the diffusion and transfer of a sustainable agricultural
technology known as the Garden Tower™2 – a 50-plant vertical garden and composter. The Garden
Tower 2 Introductory Curriculum integrates the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and is
designed to be widely transferable and applicable. Further evaluative research of this pilot curriculum is
suggested.
