Module 9 Consumer education - APCEIU

Begin by opening your learning journal for this activity.
Module 1 explores key aspects of the global situation including world consumption
patterns and how they lead to a descending spiral of unsustainable development.
The consumption of natural resources is essential to human life all around the world.
The air, water, energy, timber, food and other resources that come from nature are
the basis of, and sustain, all human activities. We live by producing, processing and
then consuming these products of nature.
However, the rate of resource consumption around the world is rising rapidly. So too
are the many adverse social, economic and ecological impacts of over-consumption.
Increasing consumption is driven by many factors. For example:
Some say global population growth is responsible. Others
focus on the impacts of rapid economic growth.
The lifestyle changes fuelled by urbanisation and
technological change are also said to fuel consumption by
creating new patterns of human needs and wants.
Others see consumption as a sign of a society looking for a
cure for the 'alienation of the spirit' that has resulted
from the lack of meaningful contact with nature and the
'work, consume, and then work some more' cycle of modern
life.
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Consumption has led to improved material living standards - private motor cars,
television sets, overseas holidays, new designer fashions, restaurant meals, etc. - at
least for those who can afford to consume. However, it does not necessarily lead to a
sustainable way of life.
The tension between these positive and negative effects of consumption is a major
influence on the transition to a sustainable future: