Money and the Common Good
Unit of 3 Lessons
Grade Levels:
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Subjects:
Mathematics
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Issue Area:
Financial
Focus Question
How do our decisions about spending affect the common good?
Unit Overview
Participants learn about issues related to fair trade, fair labor practices, fast fashion, sustainability, and ethical consumerism. They consider ways to promote the common good by learning how their personal spending choices affect people across the world.
Service Experience
Prior to purchasing a good or service, learners get in the habit of assessing the issues of fair trade, fair labor practices, environmental impact, and voting with their dollars. They commit to the practice of making their spending choices align more closely with their values. People can research companies using websites like Ethical Consumer to help them.
Lessons in This Unit
Discuss and debate the issues related to fast fashion, its impact on people and the planet, and how the issue can be addressed to promote responsibility and the common good.
Young people discuss and debate the issues related to ethical consumerism and the common good, and consider how their spending habits reflect their values.