Contextualization

Introduction

The 'economy' is an integral component of society and plays an important role in the interaction between 'man' and 'nature'. Humans depend on nature for their survival and well-being and at the same time have a substantial impact on nature through their economic activities. The economy, on the other hand, is instrumental in determining how natural resources are used and distributed.

Currently, we are experiencing a period of unprecedented environmental crisis. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, air and water pollution, and unsustainable use of natural resources are just some of the many ways human activity is disrupting the natural balance of our planet.

Relevance and Real-World Application

The concept of 'man, economy, and nature' is therefore fundamental to understanding and responding to these challenges. It helps us understand how our economic practices can affect the environment and how we can modify these practices to reduce our environmental impact.

For example, by understanding the relationship between the economy and nature, we can develop and implement public policies that promote sustainability, such as regulations that limit pollutant emissions or tax incentives for companies that adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Obviously, this interaction is complex and multifaceted, involving not only the economy but also science, technology, politics, culture, and many other aspects of human society.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: The Impact of Our Consumption Habits

Project Objective

The objective of this activity is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the relationships between man, the economy, and nature. Through a personal and critical analysis of their own consumption habits, students will be challenged to consider the economic and environmental implications of their consumption choices and reflect on how they can modify these choices to promote sustainability.

Detailed Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people, with each group responsible for conducting a 'consumer audit' within their homes. The 'consumer audit' will involve a detailed inventory of all goods and services consumed by the group members over a week.

Students should record each item consumed (e.g., food, clothing, electricity, water, etc.) and investigate the 'ecological footprint' of these items. This involves understanding the production chain (how and where the product was produced), transportation (how it reached the consumer), and disposal (what happens to the product after its use).

Research for the 'ecological footprint' can be done through internet searches, reading product labels, contacting producing companies, among other sources of information.

Necessary Materials

• Paper and pencil (or a computer with a spreadsheet) to record consumption.
• Internet access for research.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Explain to the groups that they will be conducting a 'consumer audit' over the next week, and that their goal is to investigate how their consumption choices affect the economy and the environment.
3. Instruct students to record all goods and services they consume during the week.
4. Ask them to research the origin of these products, how they were produced, and what happens to them after they are used.
5. Students should gather to share what they have learned and together discuss how they can change their consumption habits to minimize their negative impacts on the environment and the economy.
6. Finally, each group should produce a detailed report on the 'consumer audit', including a description of their consumption habits, an analysis of the ecological footprint, and suggestions for adopting more sustainable consumption practices.

Project Deliverables

After the consumer audit is completed, each group should produce a report documenting their findings. This report will facilitate understanding of the theory, concepts covered, and applied practice.

The report should include:

Introduction

Students should introduce the topic, its relevance and application, as well as the project's objective.

Development

The report should detail the theory behind the 'Man, economy, and nature' theme, explain the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used, and present the results obtained. It should contain the consumption inventory, information on the ecological footprint of the items consumed, and the discussions held by the group.

Conclusions

Each group should draw conclusions regarding the consumer audit. What have they learned? What were the main findings? How did the activity impact their understanding of the economy and the environment? What consumption behaviors could they change to reduce their impact on the environment?

Bibliography

Students should indicate all sources used throughout the project, including books, web pages, videos, among others.

In addition to the report, students should present their conclusions to the class, allowing for a rich debate on the impacts of our consumer society on the economy and the environment.