Energy Resource Lesson Seven : Using a Product's Life Cycle
Garbage 2: Recycling, the second in a two-part lesson plan on the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Science NetLinks web site, informs students about the problems of waste disposal and how recycling can help reduce the amount of waste. The focus is on what goes into everyday items that are typically discarded and how valuable materials can be recovered through recycling. Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?Grade=3-5&BenchmarkID=8&DocID=386
The Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability has links to sustainable product standards and certification programs for various types of products and services (e.g., forest products, organic foods, electric power, buildings) that meet third-party social, economic, and environmental criteria. Retrieved July 11, 2018, from http://mts.sustainableproducts.com/
The Life Cycle of Everyday Stuff, a curriculum for grades 8-12 from the National Science Teachers Association, examines energy and material flow associated with common items. Seven sections designed to stand alone or as a series include hands-on activities. Reeske, M. and Ireton, S. (2001). The Life Cycle of Everyday Stuff. Arlington, VA: National Science Teachers Association. Life Cycle of Everyday Stuff is a book for sale. Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.nsta.org/store/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9780873551878
Pollution Prevention (P2) in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s web site for pollution prevention information and assistance, includes resources for energy efficiency, recycling, and green purchasing, plus links to business partnership programs and the Retired Engineer Technical Assistance Program (RETAP). Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3585---,00.html
Projects: Michigan Recycling Measurement Study, a two-part report on collection and diversion of municipal solid waste and the economic impact of recycling, points out that Michigan’s 20-percent recycling rate amounts to a $2 billion industry in the state. The project report provides the most detailed information available about the status of recycling in Michigan. Michigan Recycling Coalition. (2003). Lansing, MI: Michigan Recycling Coalition. Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.michiganrecycles.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23&Itemid=9
The Quest for Less: A Teacher’s Guide to Reducing, Reusing, Recycling. Unit 1: Product Life Cycles. This unit of a curriculum from the U.S. Environmental ProtectionA gency Office of SolidW aste and Emergency Response develops a foundation for understanding the importance of managing waste properly. Students will learn where common products come from, how much and what kind of waste is created during production and disposal, and why it is important to prevent waste in the first place and to recycle, compost, and reuse. Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.epa.gov/wastes/education/quest/pdfs/unit1/chap2/u1-2_product-life.pdf
Stuff: The Secret Lives of Everyday Things is an 86-page book that traces how nine common items are produced, how they impact the environment, and what we can do as consumers to reduce our impact. Ryan, J. and Durning, A. (1997). Stuff: The Secret Lives of Everyday Things. Seattle, WA: Northwest Environment Watch. Available for $14.95. Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.northwestwatch.org/publications/stuff.asp
Stuff: The Secret Lives of Everyday Things Curriculum Guide, developed by the British Columbiabased nonprofit group NEWB C to accompany Northwest EnvironmentaWl atch’s 1997 book of the same name (above), takes an approach to science, social studies, and environmental education that encourages students to think about what really goes into the items they use every day. NEW BC (2000). Stuff: The Secret Lives of Everyday Things Curriculum Guide. Victoria, BC: NEW BC. Retrieved July 11, 2018, from http://www.sightline.org/research_item/stuff_resources/