This video provides a fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. Using cartoon graphics, host Anne Leonard explores the many connections between global economic, environmental, and social issues, and challenges us to create a more sustainable world. By exploring the life cycle of manufactured goods, the video highlights the role that governments and large corporations play in encouraging us to spend and consume at the expense of dwindling resources, environmental degradation and unfair labor practices.
A lesson plan to support the video can be found here.
This video could be used as an effective introduction to the study of sustainable consumption. It would motivate discussion on the role of government and big corporations in promoting and benefitting from our spending. It could also be used in science class to introduce or summarize outcomes involving energy use, exploiting natural resources and environmental contamination.
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