Introduction
Consumers can make a difference with regard to environmental issues. The
purpose of this lab is to get you to think about how your individual choices in the
marketplace can affect the local and global environment. For part 1 of this
exercise, go to a large grocery store such as Winn Dixie or Publix, and obtain
the information necessary to answer the questions below. (Note: you don't have
to purchase anything, just record the information. )

Part 2 of this exercise involves the assessment of your own personal
consumption patterns and your impact on the environment. By performing an
honest assessment you may discover new ways to be more efficient and
conservative in your use of materials. You may also become more aware of how
your own personal choices have a global effect in patterns of consumption and
solid waste management.

Note: The success of this exercise depends on the accuracy, honesty, and
insight of the person performing the assessment.

Part 1: Go to a grocery store!
1 .Ask the manager whether they recycle paper and plastic bags. Make sure to
determine whether the bags are actually recycled, or simply labeled recyclable.
What do you think are the environmental costs of paper versus plastic bags?
Which do you think is better or worse? How do these costs change with
recycling? How about reuse?

2. Choose five different products which come in different sized containers.
Examples include flour and sugar (1 Ib versus 5 Ib bags), vegetable oils, wines
(small versus large bottles), or cereal and powdered detergent (small versus
large boxes). Make a short table of the products you chose. For each type
calculate the cost per unit volume of that packaged in small versus large
containers. This is done by dividing the price by the volume. Which is cheaper?
Which uses more packaging per unit volume? Which is the better buy? Make
sure you make comparisons for the same brand name, packaged differently
(e.g. small versus large box of Wheaties).

3. Choose ten different products that come in plastic containers. Examples
include ketchup, milk, peanut butter, etc. Check the bottom or sides of each for
the PETE, PET, or HPDE number, which is an indication of what type of
polyethylene was used to make the container. Numbers should range from 1 to
7. Make a table of the name of the products and the numbers you found. Which
containers can or cannot be recycled in your area? You may need to make a
phone call to your waste collection firm to find this answer.

4. Choose any five different cleaning products and read their labels for
ingredients and warning signs. Examples include floor cleaners, carpet
cleaners, ammonia, bleach, bathroom cleaners, etc. Make a table of the
products, the ingredients and the warnings. For each product you choose list
alternatives which would reduce your use of these substances, many of which
are toxic. Think in terms of non-toxic products that would get the job done.
What do you think would be the savings for your household if you replaced many
of these cleaning products? How about for the environment and human health?

5. Check the labels on five different products packaged in cardboard boxes.
List the products you chose and indicate whether there is any indication on each
about whether these packages are 'recyclable' or made from 'pre-' or 'post-
consumer' recycled products. What do these different designations mean?
Which do you think is preferable and why?

6. Choose several (5+)examples of recycled paper products in the grocery store.
List the products you chose and answer the following questions. What is the
recycled paper content? Is it made from pre or post-consumer recycled
materials? Has the paper been bleached? What are the environmental effects of
paper production?

7. Using the given information, determine the cost of one nonrechargeable
alkaline battery ~ and compare with the cost of one rechargeable nicad
battery ~.
*Assumption: The cost of the electricity to recharge the nicad is negligible
(about $0.01 ).
Nicad batteries can be recharged (reused) 100 times.
A 4 pack of AA nicad rechargeable batteries cost $10.80.
A 4 pack of AA alkaline nonrechargeable batteries cost $3.69.

Part 2: Personal Consumption Patterns
Track your personal consumption over the period of one week. After the one
week period is over, describe your general consumption patterns for each topic
listed below. Answer the questions in each section. Present your information in
table form.

1. Miscellaneous products you buy on a regular basis
(eg. daily/weekly/monthly). List the products in a table and answer the following
questions
a) Does the product have excess packaging?
b) Is the packaging recyclable/reusable/biodegradable?
c) Do you have other options to avoid the dollar and environmental costs
of excess packaging?
d) Does the store stock similar environmentally friendly items?
e) Are the shopping bags reusable/recyclable/biodegradable?
f) Was the purchase item a 'need' or a 'want'?

2 Food
a) Does any of the food you buy have excess packaging?
b) Do you buy many individually packaged items (eg. fast food)?
c) Do you have the option to buy in bulk to decrease dollar and
environmental costs of packaging?
d) Are the packaging/containers reusable/recyclable/biodegradable?

3. Clothing (including accessories and shoes)
a) How many items do you buy, on average, in a month?
b) Are the items 'needs' or 'wants"?
c) How do you dispose of the items when you no longer want them?

4. Newspapers and other periodicals
a) How much do you buy in a month?
b) Are they printed on recycled or recyclable parer?
c) How are they disposed of?

5. Hazardous Materials
a) What kinds of hazardous materials ( eg. bleach, batteries, pesticides,
motor oil, etc.) do you have?
b) Where is the nearest hazardous waste disposal site?
c) Are there any alternatives to using some of these hazardous materials?

After answering all questions, write a short discussion (no more than1 page) on
how choices you make in the store can affect broader environmental issues.