6-2 Journal: The Role of Human Consumption in SustainabilityIDS 150 Module Six Journal Guidelines and Rubric Overview In this module, we have learned that human consumption significantly impacts sustainable

6-2 Journal: The Role of Human Consumption in SustainabilityIDS 150 Module Six Journal Guidelines and Rubric Overview

In this module, we have learned that human consumption significantly impacts sustainable development by overusing resources and generating waste. To support sustainability, consumption must become more efficient and minimize environmental harm. Considering personal consumption habits can be a valuable way to improve sustainability practices.

Directions

In this journal assignment, you will reflect on personal consumption habits and the role human consumption plays in sustainable development. Consumption refers to the use of resources such as food, water, energy and transportation.

First, for two or three days, observe the consumption habits of your household, workplace, or specific place in your community. By tracking consumption habits for a few days, you will be better prepared to describe what you noticed and explain your discoveries.

Then, use Video Note to record your responses to the prompts below. Video Note is recommended for this assignment, but you may optionally submit your journal as a written document. See specifications in the What to Submit section.

Specifically, you must address the following:

1. Describe personal consumption habits of your household, workplace, or specific space in your community over two or three days.
   1. How much were resources like water, food, energy, and transportation consumed each day? Use your best estimate when measuring consumption.
   2. Was more of each resource consumed than necessary?
   3. How were each of the resources consumed?
2. Explain what you discovered about these consumption habits.
   1. Are the consumption habits better or worse than you expected? If so, how?
   2. Did you notice any trends in the consumption habits? If so, what were they?
   3. How do consumption habits relate to sustainable development as a whole?
3. Describe some changes in human behavior that could reduce consumption or improve sustainability.
   1. What can be changed now?
   2. What can be changed over time?
   3. How can these changes reduce consumption or improve sustainability?
   4. What are the pros and cons of these changes?

What to Submit

Submit your journal as a 2- to 3-minute video note. If you need assistance using the Video Note tool, please refer to the resources in the Start Here module. No sources are required.

Instead of using video note, you may optionally submit your journal as a 1- to 2-page Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. No sources are required.

Supporting Materials

The following resource will support your work on this assignment:

Global Footprint Network Calculator

You may use this optional resource to reflect on how consumption categories like food, shelter, transportation, goods and services