Consumerism and Sustainability

Consumerism and SustainabilityCo-Curricular ProjectCannon/DassFall 2012Purpose?Analyze/Evaluate environmental and economic data for 2 countriesDetermine whether the countries are on a sustainable path for future growthAssess the effects of consumerism on the countryEnvironmental/Economic issues are often intertwined!GoalsEvaluate World Banks definition of countries as developed/developingDescribe the role of consumerismEvaluate the sustainability of the countriesDevelop collaboration/communication skillsUse technology in a practical senseDeepen critical thinking skillsWhat do we have to do?Research research research!We have created research guides to send you in the right directionYou may find other topics as well!Present information in the form of a video comparing the two countriesTurn in a written script/essay that summarizes data and points of viewWhat is consumerism?Basically, consumers drive the economy, not suppliersRelies on free-market principlesOften used in a negative connotation

What is consumerism?ProsPrices reflect demand for goodsSuppliers produce what society needs/wantsIncreases consumer satisfactionDrives GDP higher

ConsIn richer countries, can create unnecessary products, which drain resourcesIncreases wasteDrives prices higher, typicallyEconomy ebbs and flows on consumer behaviorDiscourages saving!!!!!

What is sustainability?Living off of our planets natural resources without using them up. Living within a balance between what we need and what the Earth can provide us.

What is a carbon footprint?A measurement of how much carbon containing pollutants we release into the atmosphere.These pollutants are related to climate changes such as global warming.

Developed vs. Developing?The criterion for classifying economies as either developing or developed is based on a countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP), GDP is the value of all goods and services produced in the countrys borders.GDP per capita is even more accurate because it takes the GDP and divides it bythe population of a country, thereby,calculating the productivity per person.Next steps?Get to know your group membersExchange contact information!Dont hesitate to contact each other outside of class!Research research research!There are 8 categories of information to look upDIVIDE WORK in a way that makes senseTimelineYou have Today, Friday, and Monday to researchNEXT Monday and Tuesday we will be back in the media center/lab 407. At that time, you should have all your research completed and begin working on a script/filmingThe actual due date is somewhat pending, depending on how things go, but we are aiming for Nov. 1st!Final ThoughtsThis is new for ALL of US. Well figure it out togetherThe amount of information may seem daunting, break it upASK QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!READ THE RUBRIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!If it seems hard, its supposed to be, but thats how we improve!Country AssignmentsGroup #, Assigned Countries, and Location for Monday & TuesdayUS/Cambodia (Media Center)Norway/ Zimbabwe (Media Center)Iceland/Haiti (Media Center)Germany/N.Korea (Media Center)Canada/Ethiopia (Media Center)Japan/Afganistan (Lab 407)Saudia Arabia/Columbia (Lab 407)New Zealand/India (Lab 407)China/Kenya (Lab 407)Australia / Brazil (Lab 407)