Module 3: Consumer Consciousness

In this module, we will explore the concept of consumer consciousness, examine the environmental impact of consumerism, and learn strategies for sustainable consumption. We’ll also look at eco-friendly products and packaging options that can help reduce our ecological footprint.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to…

Define consumer consciousness and its relevance to environmental sustainability.
Explain the environmental impact of consumerism and unsustainable consumption patterns.
Identify and use eco-friendly products and packaging in daily life.

The Story of Stuff

The Story of Stuff – YouTube, uploaded by The Story of Stuff Project, 2009.

Understanding Consumerism and Its Environmental Impact

Understanding Consumerism

Infographic: Think Green Before You Shop Infographic – EPA

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Think Green Before You Shop Full Infographic Image (JPG). EPA. Retrieved from Think Green Before You Shop | US EPA.

Infographic titled ‘Think Green Before You Shop’ provides tips for environmentally conscious shopping, featuring illustrations and text bubbles with advice on reducing waste, reusing items, and choosing sustainable products.

Text Transcription:

Title: THINK GREEN BEFORE YOU SHOP

Section 1: Do I need? Will I use? Do I already own? Can I borrow? Be green! When you’re out shopping, carefully choose what you buy and how much of it.

Statistic: 42% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are associated with energy to produce, process, transport, and dispose of the food we eat and goods we use.

Section 2: Do You Really Need It? Need something you don’t use regularly? Borrow, rent, or share items that are used infrequently, like party decorations, tools, or furniture.

Section 3: How “Green” Is It? Companies can design their products to have as little environmental impact as possible. Keep an eye out for products that are designed with the environment in mind!

Does the company that makes your product have green values and practice sustainability? Some companies participate in EPA programs to help green their business practices, and others have eco-labels and standards to help consumers make the greener choice: www.epa.gov/greenerproducts

ENERGY STAR: ENERGY STAR products are independently certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to find energy-efficient electronics and appliances that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

WaterSense: WaterSense labeled products are backed by independent certification, and they meet EPA’s specifications for water efficiency and performance.

Design for the Environment (DfE): The Design for the Environment (DfE) label allows consumers to quickly identify and choose products that can help protect the environment and are safer for families.

Section 4: Is it built to last? The more durable a product is, the less likely you’ll need to replace it.

Is it made of recycled materials and easily recyclable? Check the label to see if the product is made from recycled material and if it can be recycled. Buying products with recycled content encourages manufacturers to make more recycled-content products available.

Is it sustainable? Consider buying sustainable and locally produced products, which may have lower environmental impacts and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Is it more eco-friendly to buy your product in bulk? If you use this product a lot, you could be reducing waste by buying your product in bulk instead of buying smaller, individual amounts.

Section 5: Can You Reuse It? Buy reusable instead of disposable items. For example, bring your own silverware and cups to lunch, rather than using disposable items.

Section 6: Can You Buy It Used? Save money! You can find everything from clothes to building materials at consignment shops and specialized reuse centers. Used items are often less expensive and just as good as new.

Footer: EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

EPA530-F-14-004

For more information on what you can do to reduce, reuse, and recycle, please go to www.epa.gov/recycle

Opportunities to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Materials and Land Management Practices (PDF) http://www.epa.gov/smm/energy/ghg_lan_management.pdf

Eco-Friendly Products and Packaging

Choosing eco-friendly products and packaging can significantly reduce environmental impact. Here are some options to consider:

Eco-Friendly Products

Photo by Superkitina on Unsplash

Description: Eco-friendly products are made with minimal environmental impact, often using sustainable materials and processes.
Examples: Organic cotton clothing, bamboo toothbrushes, and biodegradable cleaning products.

Sustainable Packaging

Meanwell Packaging, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Description: Sustainable packaging is designed to minimize environmental impact. It includes materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or made from recycled content.
Examples: Cardboard, glass, metal, and certain bioplastics.

Reflection Activity

Instructions

Reflect: Take some time to think about what you typically use and consume in your daily life. This includes things like food, clothes, gadgets, and other items. Consider the packaging of these items.
Document: Write down or make a list of these things. It can help to jot down how often you use them and whether you think about where they come from or where they go when you're done with them.
Identify Areas for Improvement: Look at your list and think about ways you could use things more sustainably or reduce what you use. Are there things you could reuse or recycle more? Can you choose products that are better for the environment? After identifying areas for improvement, write or talk about how you feel about making changes. What motivates you to want to consume more responsibly?
Share: If you feel comfortable, share your reflections with a friend or someone you trust. Discuss your ideas for improving your consumption habits and listen to their thoughts too. This can help you both learn and support each other in making positive changes.

Module 2: Fundamentals of Recycling

Module 4: Community and Global Impact