Conserving Resources

Conserving and recycling the world's resources is something that all Canadians can do, no matter what their ages. Young people are concerned about the environment and are often eager to be part of efforts to safeguard it. Role modeling conservation and recycling in the foods lab may have a significant impact on the students' adopting of a conserving lifestyle.

Foods Lab Conservation and Recycling Project

Using their new knowledge from Learning Objective 1.7, have the students analyze the current degree of conservation (reduce and reuse) and recycling in the foods lab. Evaluate such things as
     • purchasing patterns: bulk buying, buying items in recycled packaging, selecting items with limited packaging, purchasing items in reusable containers, etc.
     • storage and use of leftovers or unused portions
     • what is done with food that has been prepared but not consumed by the class
     • recycling/reuse of packaging and containers
     • use of local food crops
     • other

In what ways does current practice support the conserving of resources and in what ways could current practice be improved? Challenge the students to make reducing a first priority. Have the students develop a plan to implement all practicable suggestions.

Enrichment Activity
Interested students could develop a web site or video to record their findings and their implementation plan. This resource could then be used to educate other foods classes.

Return to top