Decision Earth

Decision Earth, also referred to as Decision: Earth,[1] was an environmental education teachers resource for junior high school students issued by Procter & Gamble in 1997.[2] It has been controversial.[2]

Release of "Decision Earth"

Its asserted aim was assisting students to make informed consumer product choices, and to educate then in the environmental impact of their choices:[1]

The unit focuses on the concept of consumer product life cycle analysis, an approach to assessing the environmental impacts of a product at each stage in its life from raw materials extraction through disposal. Using this approach, a product is evaluated in terms of energy consumed, atmospheric and waterborne emissions generated and solid waste created for disposal.[1]

Positive assessments of "Decision Earth"

Procter & Gamble have claimed the package builds critical thinking skills[3]

Criticism of "Decision Earth"

It has been asserted that "Decision Earth" included a series of controversial claims about waste disposal, mining and forestry issues which was distributed by the Procter & Gamble corporation to roughly 75,000 schools in the United States.[2][3][4] Procter and Gamble argued in its package that disposable diapers are no worse for the environment than cloth diapers, a claim based on scientific studies funded by the company, which is the world's largest manufacturer of disposable diapers. The package described garbage-fueled incineration processes where energy is recovered as "thermal recycling" without mentioning the toxic ash or emissions that result.[5]

Decision Earth package

The materials given to teachers and studends include overhead transparency masters, student worksheets, and a teacher's guide.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Decision: Earth.". Education Resources Information Center. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 Sharon Beder (1997). "Corporate Manipulation of Science Education". ABC Online. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  3. 1 2 "Business :: Corporate Teaching Aid Gets Low Marks -- Procter & Gamble Text Says Clear Cutting OK For Environment". The Seattle Times. January 20, 1994. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  4. ↑ Clifford, Frank (November 13, 1995). "Battle Over Environment Moves to the Classroom". Los Angeles Times.
  5. ↑ name="ABC(Australia)_www.abc.net.au_science_slab_beder"

External links

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