Module 3 – Consumerism

Module 3 – Consumerism explores how a culture of consumption affects our societies and our educational systems. We begin by contrasting consumption with consumerism in an effort to better understand both phenomena. Then, we dive into how consumerism has affected society. Finally, we explore the impact that it has had in schools and educational systems.

Sections

Consumption VS Consumerism

Here, we contrast consumption and consumerism as a way of understanding the implications of both concepts.

Consumerism in Society

Here, we explore how consumerism continues to affect our societies.

From Schools to the Future

Here, we hone into the effect consumerism has on our educational systems.

Teaching Resources

Fiches

Activity 3 – The Planet in 50 Years

This activity encourages students to reflect on a future impacted by climate change and to imagine what Earth will be like in 50 years, followed by a discussion about hope and despair.

Open Activity 3

Module 2, Activity 3 – What’s in a T-shirt

This activity allows students to reflect on the life cycle of clothing by tracing the path taken by a single item of clothing from the country where it was made to the place it was purchased.

Open Activity 3

Module 3, Activity 1 – Waste Audit

This activity gives students the opportunity to conduct a waste audit, an important tool for understanding the quantity and composition of waste, as well as how it changes over time.

Open Activity 1

Module 3, Activity 2 – The Museum of Found Art

This activity introduces the concept of found object art, where students use materials they typically consider “trash” to create works of art, sparking a discussion about what trash really is.

Open Activity 2

Videos

Immaterial Joys : Exploring Alternatives to Consumerism

This video proposes activities designed to encourage reflection about materialism, present alternatives to consumerism, and guide students toward a broader sense of happiness and gratitude.

Planning a Garden

This video introduces the process of planning a school garden with students, from plant selection to creating a garden map.

Making a Garden Map

This video walks you through the process of creating a school garden map with your students as an important step to facilitate planting.