Tracing the Global Journey

The Impact of Consumer Goods

 

 

Objective: Investigate an item from the Shop Ethical Guide to understand its production process, the global connections involved, and the ethical considerations of its consumption. Present findings using either a video or website.

 

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Key Concepts:

 

• Globalisation: The interconnectedness of different countries through trade, communication, and cultural exchange.

 

• Interconnections: How the production and distribution of goods involve multiple regions and impact economies, societies, and environments.

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• Ethical Shopping: Understanding the ethical implications behind the products we consume, such as fair trade, sustainability, and human rights.

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Steps to success:

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1. Select an Item: Students choose one item from the Ethical Shopping Guide, such as food, clothing, or technology.

 

2. Research the Item: Investigate the following aspects of the chosen item:

 

Supply Chain: Where is the item produced, and which countries are involved in its production and distribution? Identify key locations (farms, factories, etc.) and the transportation routes.

 

Global Connections: What are the connections between the producing countries and the consumers? How does this item tie together different economies and cultures?

 

Ethical Considerations: What ethical issues are associated with the production and consumption of this item (e.g., child labor, environmental impact, fair wages)? Are there any certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance?

 

3. Analyse the Impact of Globalisation: Answer the following questions:

• How does globalisation affect the production of this item?

• How are different countries, people, and environments affected by the interconnections created by this product?

• What are the potential positive and negative impacts of globalisation in this context?

 

4. Propose Solutions: Based on their findings, students should suggest ways consumers can make more ethical choices. This might include alternatives, recommendations for more ethical brands, or suggestions for improving the item’s production process.

 

5. Choose a Presentation Medium (Video or Website):

 

For Video: Duration: 2-4 minutes.

Online tools for video creation (e.g., iMovie, CapCut)

Content should include:

• A clear introduction to the item.

• Visuals to map the supply chain and global connections.

• A discussion of ethical considerations.

• Solutions or recommendations for consumers.

• A conclusion summarising the impact of globalisation on the item.

 

For Website: Should have at least 4 main sections:

Website building (e.g., Wix, Weebly, Google Sites)

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• Home: An introduction to the item and the project.

• Supply Chain: A page with a map and explanation of the global journey of the item.

• Ethical Considerations: A page detailing the ethical issues tied to the item, using data, visuals, or infographics.

• Consumer Solutions: A page offering solutions or recommendations for more ethical consumption.

• The website can include multimedia elements (images, videos, infographics).

 

6. Resources: Shop Ethical Guide: The central resource for finding information about the item.

Additional research on global trade, fair trade certifications, and ethical production.

 

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