Planting the Seeds of Green Consumerism Instructional Program
File(s)
Date
1996-08Author
Jones, Kathleen M.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The purpose of the recycling instructional program that was implemented
at the Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Elementary School during the 1995-1996 school
year was to develop awareness and knowledge of recycling skills, attitudes of
responsibility towards consumer practices, and skills for evaluating and
reporting concerns of environmentally unfriendly consumer practices.
The project involved students from grades first through fourth. Ninety
three students participated in a series of learning experiences concerning
recycling. Parents participated by completing extended lessons at home. The
methodology used to assess the results of the learning experiences consisted
of two descriptive surveys, one for the participating students and one for the
participating parents. Students and parents were also required to complete
the survey prior to the time the lessons began . These surveys were again
completed in May. Data from both surveys was compiled at the end of the year.
The rationale behind the construction and the implementation of the
program, is that much of the solid waste problems we have in our country today
could be eliminated by source reduction which is commonly called recycling.
But in order for this to happen, consumers of today and tomorrow need to be
educated about the problem and its possible solutions.
The findings indicated there was a good growth amongst the third and
fourth grade students, some growth amongst the first and second grade
students, and little growth on the part of the parents of participating students.
The conclusions drawn from this study were that the participating
students who were most actively involved showed the greatest growth on the
survey. The parents who were the least actively involved showed the least
growth. The implications for present and future consumers are that seeds of
awareness and knowledge of the solid waste problems in our country and the
means of reduction of solid waste through consumer choices have been
planted. The Students and parents are aware of the problem, they have been
instructed in basic knowledge of the history, present state of the problem, and
the future of the problem.