Consumer Stuff for kids (PDF, 6.2 MB) - Consumer Affairs Victoria

Conclusion
Ask the students to reflect upon and discuss:
“How does my consumption of goods and services impact on the environment?”
Ask students to consider two personal actions they can undertake at home or at school which will reduce
the impact of their consumption on the environment.
After the whole class discussion, students individually prepare answers to the questions
Students can complete a reflection strip statement. For example:
Next time I am shopping I will ......
Going Further/Early Finisher Tasks
Contact the Local Council/Shire
Contact the local shire/council by letter, phone or email and ask where the local landfill and recycling facilities
are located. Find out if there are plans to expand the recycling facilities.
5 Whys
The 5 Whys strategy is an effective way to analyse important consumer issues.
For example:
Why are consumers creating too much waste?
“Because consumers buy lots of stuff (goods and services).” Why?
“Because consumers feel good when they buy the newest goods and services.” Why?
“Because consumers think it is cool when someone has the newest stuff.” Why?
“Because ads make the newest models look really cool.” Why?
“Because shopkeepers and companies need to make a profit so they try to make really cool ads
so consumers buy their goods and services.”
Students decide upon an environmental issue that affects them.
Ask students to apply the 5 Whys strategy to analyse that issue.
Trash and Treasure
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Organise a market day for the school where students and teachers can sell or exchange unwanted
DVDs, CDs, books etc. Money raised could go to a charity or environmental organisation.
Make items from recycled materials. Students collect discarded items from home and create a ‘tip’
in the classroom. Working in groups, students select a number of items and create new products.
For example wall hangings made out of wire to hold photos, postcards or messages.
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Organise a class party with a very limited budget. For example students could design e-card invitations
to save paper, create decorations from recycled paper and make the party food themselves.
Random Letter Collage
Each letter from the alphabet is displayed around the classroom. Students apply the random letter technique
to come up with ways to reduce waste going to landfill. For example:
A B C
Always choose goods with
less packaging.
Borrowing things saves
buying and reduces landfill.
Compost reduces landfill and
is great for gardens.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS VICTORIA NEED CONSUMER HELP? 1300 55 81 81 www.consumer.vic.gov.au
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