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Description
In a world that is trying to remove the single-use plastics that are harming wildlife, ecosystems and our oceans it seems like replacing plastic grocery bags with reusable plastic, cloth or paper bags is a simple solution. Consumers presume that substitutes are much better for the environment but when we examine the carbon footprint of various types of replacements, the issue becomes much more complex than asking for a paper bag at the checkout.
This short animated video teaches students that by analyzing factors such as resources used in production or re-usability, what seem like obvious alternatives may not always be the best choice. The answer to which bag is the most sustainable will surprise students while raising their awareness of the importance of carefully evaluating environmental decisions to ensure we are making the best choice for a healthy planet.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
This resource supports Grade 6-9 Science concepts related to how the human use and disposal of plastics has negatively impacted oceans, ecosystems and wildlife. The information about carbon outputs also increases awareness of the links between product manufacturing, air pollution and climate change while developing an understanding of the relationship between sustainable consumption and environmental health.
Reusable shopping bags are only as sustainable as the customers who use them, and one key issue is that shoppers often forget their bags and purchase new ones at the checkout. The manufacturing of new bags still requires material and energy inputs. Students could use this video as the basis of an action project in which they manufacture new bags from old clothing to promote recycling and reuse. The class could then partner with a local grocery store to organize a Saturday “recycled” bag day where these bags are offered, instead of the store bags, in return for a donation to the local food bank. Learning for a Sustainable Future has a “Reusable Bags Action Toolikit” that provides instructions and resources for making cloth bags from recycled clothing. The information about this project can be found here.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
- Step 1Select a province
- Alberta
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Plants for Food and Fibre
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environmental Chemistry
- Knowledge and Employability Science: Environmental Chemistry (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Plants for Food and Fibre
- Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Plants for Food and Fibre
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
- Interactions in Our Environment
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemistry and the Environment
- Knowledge and Employability Science: Environmental Chemistry (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
- Ontario
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Biodiversity
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Earth and Space Systems: Water Systems
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Things
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Living World
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Living World
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon Territory
Themes Addressed
Citizenship (1)
- Sustainable Consumption
Waste Management (1)
- Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle