Everywhere today we hear things about the environment. Our schools and cities are making serious efforts to recycle. Our states are passing legislation to help handle waste and prevent future pollution. Our country’s president and vice president are very much concerned with preserving natural resources and finding ways to clean up air, water, and land pollution. Then there is a seemingly endless list of environmental groups that range from local grassroots to international. All are trying to work out ways to help solve our environmental problems.
The issues are complicated, but some things have become clear. One thing that has become clear is that our current consumer habits are causing major environmental problems.
I have taught consumer math for the past six years. We have worked almost exclusively with money matters. This unit has been written as a way of bringing environmental considerations into the consumer math curriculum. Its purpose is to develop environmental responsibility by increasing our awareness of the link between everyday choices and major environmental problems. The unit is made up of five activities. It will take two to three weeks to complete.
