What is a global citizen?

What is a global citizen?

Use the characteristics below and any others you can think of to develop a definition of “global citizen.”

A global citizen is someone who:

Two areas of global citizenship

We are going to explore two characteristics of a global citizen for our activities: consumer awareness and reducing consumption.

Consumer awareness

Consumer awareness refers to the buyer’s knowledge of a particular product or service, which helps them to make an informed decision about their purchase. This is important because the things we buy are made all around the world and affect the lives of the people that make them in different ways.

Consumer awareness includes learning about:

• the resources used to make the product and how they are extracted
• the manufacturing process and treatment of workers
• the packaging and transportation used to get the product to consumers
• the cost of the product and how long it will last
• the waste produced during these processes
• understanding your consumer rights in case there is a problem with the product

Reducing consumption

Reducing consumption involves changing how and what we consume to act in a more sustainable way. This is important because sustainable consumption helps to reduce our carbon footprint, which makes for a healthier planet.

Reducing consumption includes:

• reusing old products and materials
• using products made of durable materials that can be repaired
• using energy efficient products
• using low-emissions transportation
• using renewable resources and sustainable extraction methods
• using biodegradable or recyclable packaging

Understanding global impacts

Let’s explore how our consumer behaviours effect the environment.

Did you know? In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, there is a whirlpool of garbage that continually swirls and grows. It is called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Access the following video, “Plastic Ocean,” in which the Water Boys sail into the Pacific Ocean to see this huge patch of garbage.

As you explore the video, think about how we can change consumer behaviour to benefit the environment. You can record your ideas using a method of your choice.

Researching products

Researching products that we use

You are now going to research three different products that you use. These can be any products from the “Plastic Ocean” video you explored, or products that you are interested in learning more about.

Record your findings using the graphic organizer below or an organizational tool of your choice. Consider the following questions:

• What is the product?
• Where was it originally manufactured?
• How is it manufactured?
• How is it packaged?
• How does this product impact the environment?
• Is there a way to make any changes to this product that can reduce its impact on the environment?

Complete Researching Products That I Use in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.

Creating a media text

You are going to create a media text about reducing consumption. What do you think is the most important piece of information that others need to know? It could be about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, one of the products that you researched, or the idea that our consumer choices affect the environment.

Plan your media text using the organizational tool of your choice. Consider the following as you plan:

• Your intended message. What is the information you want to share?
• Your target audience. Who do you want to share this message with?
• Your techniques. What do you think is the most effective way to share your message?
• Your inspiration. What examples of media texts did you find to be effective?
• Your medium. What type of media text do you want to create?

Remember to keep your message simple but impactful!

Let's reflect

Use the following questions to reflect on your learning. You can record your responses using a method of your choice.

What skills and knowledge did you need to interpret the media texts in this learning activity?

Reflect on the media text you have created. What did you learn from the process? How will that influence the way you interpret other media texts?

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.