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Exploring the itinerary of a product: An exercise for high school students

Currently, most products we use daily go through an itinerary that involves at least three places: the place of collection, the place of transformation, and the place of consumption. It is essential for students to understand the impact these processes have on the environment and the global economy. Through a practical exercise, students can learn about the main renewable and non-renewable energies, as well as the complexities of a product’s itinerary.

Part 1: The itinerary of a product

The itinerary of a product refers to the places it goes through before reaching the final consumer’s hands. This can include the place where raw materials are collected, the place where they are transformed into a final product, and the place where the product is sold and used.

To begin the exercise, students can choose a product and map its itinerary. For example, if the chosen product is a T-shirt, the itinerary can be the following:

Place of collection: cotton from a cultivation field in Texas, USA. Place of transformation: the textile factory in Mexico where cotton is turned into thread and woven into fabric. Place of consumption: a clothing store in New York, USA.

This exercise helps students understand how the product’s place of origin can affect its environmental and economic impact.

Part 2: Renewable and non-renewable energies

Students must understand the difference between renewable and non-renewable energies and how this can affect a product’s itinerary. Renewable energies are those that can be naturally generated and replenished over time, such as solar and wind energy. On the other hand, non-renewable energies are those that do not naturally replenish, such as fossil fuels, and their exploitation can have a significant environmental impact.

Students can research and present examples of products that require different types of energy. For example, a chocolate bar may require renewable energy for cocoa cultivation and non-renewable energy for transportation and production.

Part 3: The environmental impact of a product’s itinerary

A product’s itinerary can have a significant impact on the environment, from the extraction of raw materials to transportation and waste disposal. Students can research the environmental impact of different stages of a product’s itinerary and present their findings.

For example, they can investigate the environmental impact of cotton cultivation at the T-shirt’s collection place and discover how agriculture can affect water and soil quality. They can also research the environmental impact of transportation and waste disposal associated with the T-shirt’s place of consumption.

Part 4: The economic impact of a product’s itinerary

A product’s itinerary can also have a significant economic impact on different parts of the world. Producers in developing countries often receive a very small fraction of the final value of the products they export. For example, in the case of coffee, farmers may receive only 10% of the retail price of coffee in Western supermarkets. This situation has led to increased attention in the last decade on the need for fair and sustainable business practices, such as fair trade and organic certification.

In addition, the production and distribution of fossil fuels have a significant impact on the global economy. The economies of many countries depend heavily on the revenues generated by the sale of oil and gas. Fluctuations in oil prices can have a domino effect worldwide, affecting inflation, employment, and overall economic stability.

In contrast, investment in renewable energies can have a positive economic impact. The production and use of renewable energies can create local jobs and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, which can improve energy security and economic stability.

Part 5: Final reflections and conclusions

In summary, a product’s itinerary can be a complex and multidimensional issue that involves environmental, social, and economic aspects. It is important to consider a product’s impact at each stage of its itinerary, from production to consumption

It is crucial to reflect on our own consumption and how we can make positive changes in our daily choices. Some actions we can take include: Choosing locally produced products with sustainable practices Reducing consumption of highly processed and packaged products Using sustainable transportation options such as walking, cycling, or public transport. Conserving energy and water at home and in the workplace. Considering investing in renewable energy and spreading information about its importance. Considering investing in renewable energy and spreading information about its importance

Ultimately, education about a product’s journey and the impact of our daily choices can foster greater commitment to sustainable practices and a more just and equitable future for all.