Contextualization

Introduction

Hello, class! Today we are going on an exciting journey to explore the world of 'Conscious Consumption'. Have you ever stopped to think about how the things we buy can affect our planet? Well, that's what we're going to talk about.

When we talk about 'Conscious Consumption', we are referring to a lifestyle where we carefully choose what we buy, thinking not only about ourselves but also about the impact our choices have on the environment and other people.

Every day, we are bombarded with ads telling us what to buy and how to live. And often, we end up buying things we don't need or that are bad for the environment, such as non-recyclable packaging. Conscious Consumption invites us to stop and think before buying: 'Do I really need this? Is this good for the planet? Are there more sustainable alternatives?'

Importance

Now, you must be wondering: why is this important? Well, our planet is facing many challenges, such as air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change. And guess what? Many of these problems are related to what we buy and how we live.

If all of us start making small changes in our consumption habits, we can make a big difference. For example, if we all start using reusable bags instead of plastic bags, we can reduce the amount of plastic ending up in the oceans. And if we all start recycling, we can reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.

But Conscious Consumption is not only about the environment, it's also about people. When we buy products that are made fairly, we are supporting workers who are treated fairly and receive fair wages. And when we buy from small local producers, we are helping our community thrive. Did you get a better understanding of the importance of Conscious Consumption? Let's continue our journey!

Practical Activity

Activity Title: 'Conscious Supermarket'

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to create a small fictional supermarket, where you, in groups, will simulate the buying and selling of products. The difference is that all products sold in the supermarket must be 'sustainable' and 'socially just', meaning they should be products that do not harm the environment and were produced fairly for the workers.

Detailed Project Description

Each group will be responsible for creating their own supermarket, with products made from recycled or reusable materials. You will also need to create labels for the products, with information about the product's origin, if it is recyclable or reusable, and if it was produced fairly.

After creating the supermarket, each group will receive a amount of 'fictional money' to make their purchases. You will have to think carefully before buying each product, considering if it is really necessary, if it is sustainable, and if it was produced fairly.

At the end of the activity, each group will present to the class the products they bought and why they made their choices. The idea is for everyone to learn together about Conscious Consumption.

Necessary Materials

• Cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, newspapers, magazines, etc. (materials for creating the supermarket and products)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Colored pens
• Paper for making labels
• Fictional money (which can be created by the students themselves)
• Office supplies to write down ideas and make drafts

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Group Formation: Students will be divided into groups of 4 to 6 members.

2. Research and Planning: Each group should research about Conscious Consumption and discuss ideas about the products they will create for the supermarket.

3. Supermarket Creation: With the available materials, each group must create their supermarket, with shelves, aisles, cash registers, etc. Remember to use creativity!

4. Product Creation: Now is the time to create the products that will be sold in the supermarket. You can make food, cleaning products, clothes, toys, etc. Remember to use recycled or reusable materials!

5. Label Creation: For each product, you must create a label with information about the product. The label should include the product's name, price, origin, if it is recyclable or reusable, and if it was produced fairly.

6. Shopping Simulation: Each group will receive a amount of fictional money to make purchases at the supermarket. Remember to consider if the product is necessary, if it is sustainable, and if it was produced fairly before buying.

7. Presentation Preparation: Each group should prepare a small presentation for the class, explaining the products they bought, why they made their choices, and what they learned from the activity.

8. Final Presentation: Each group will present to the class. Then, everyone can visit the supermarket, see the products, and learn more about Conscious Consumption.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and learn together! Good luck, supermarketers!