For two summers, high school teachers and students from Worcester Public Schools were exposed to green chemistry concepts as they investigated how their consumer choices affected the environment. For two weeks on the campus of Worcester State University, participants performed laboratory experiments and collected data to investigate five main consumer themes:  biodegradable plastics, organic food, nail products, metals in jewelry and detergents. After analysis of the data, the group reflected upon the environmental concerns and discussed alternative “greener” consumer choices.  Field trips to a local community garden and craft center offered platforms to introduce “green” alternatives for food and jewelry.  Participants created posters to display in their high schools using the laboratory data from the environmental issue that was of most interest to them. Activities undertaken in the workshop including student perceptions and outcomes will be presented.<br/>

Consumer choices and the environmental effects

256th National Meeting (2018)

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