PRODUCT PAIRS

In advance

	Buy a selection of product pairs that are relatively good or bad from a sustainability point of view in the area you want to consider - economic, social, environmental or general.
	Number each product, e.g. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B etc. See Product pairs (attached)

In the classroom: making choices

	Place the ’paired products’ on a table at the front of the class where everyone can see them.
	Ask students to imagine they are going shopping and have your chosen products on their shopping list. Ask them to choose one item from each pair, to note their choice and add a brief reason why they made the choice (e.g. looks better, know the brand). Do not mention sustainability - they should make their choices as ordinary pupils.
	Report back on reasons for choices. Write them on a board and summarise the main criteria people use when making decisions as consumers.

The issue of sustainability

	Raise the question of sustainability – is it a criterion commonly used in decisions as consumers?
	At this stage, teachers may choose either to stop the activity and return to it when more work on sustainability has been completed, or follow up the sustainability issue immediately.
	To continue, give students background information about the two products and their relative sustainability.
	After the explanations, ask students to reconsider their choices. Does the knowledge lead to any changes in their choices?