Systemic Sustainability: 1.1 Curriculum and Instruction

8th Grade Language Arts Lesson: Overpackaging

The assignment: students evaluated product packaging of various items.  They were to put their writing skills into action by informing companies of their concern about over-packaging of particular products and the environmental impact. The  teacher provided a cover letter to the companies that received multiple student letters, such as this one.  Dialogue continued, as responses were received.  Conversations even extended into Social Studies regarding economics and socially responsible companies.  Math classes used this as a springboard to consider the impact, calculating the cost, both financial and with respect to possible waste.  The overall lessons also focused on the power of the individual to impact change.

• Presentation
• Teacher Cover Letter
• Student Exemplar

2017: Students work in groups to determine which consumer products are "over-packaged" and how.  They then write a persuasive letter to the manufacturer requesting more consideration to eco-friendly packaging and delivery.