Analyzing Packaging: A Creative Approach to Reducing Environmental Impact
This course focuses on analyzing packaging materials to reduce environmental impact. Students will evaluate the proportion of packaging vs. product, recyclability, material sourcing, and redesign a product's packaging for sustainability and cost effectiveness.
Analyzing Packaging: A Creative Approach to Reducing Environmental Impact
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Presentation Transcript
Objectives: instructor • Skills: analytic, teamwork, evaluate information • Use science as tool for analysis • Personal connection/engagement, relevant application to daily life • Creativity • Informed decisions • Students produce new knowledge
Prep (listen/read) • http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6506897 • Britain’s effort to reduce packaging • http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111672574 • paper/plastic/reusable – probably doesn’t matter b/c real environmental impact is from packaging on products you buy
Online questions (pre-lab) • 1) If you were to go to the store to buy ___, what proportion of your purchase do you think is represented by packaging? • 2) what proportion is recyclable? • <look at some data – rates of packaging recycling/in landfills, etc – analyze?>
Activity • Bring one item with you to lab that you think is a packaging offender. • Analyze your purchase: • Proportion packaging vs. product (weight, volume) • Proportion packaging is recyclable • Where do packing materials come from? • Etc.
Assessment • Redesign a product’s packaging. • Explain how it is an improvement (materials, space) • Explain why it is feasible – accommodates store shelving, still visible/can be manipulated by consumer • How will this save manufacturer $ (materials, transport, marketing) • Marketing support – how will it be displayed in store, etc.