As consumers of both essential goods and luxury articles, we constantly make decisions which impact the environment. However, few people are aware of the relationship between their daily behaviour and the current global environmental crisis. Although many citizens are conscious of the need to behave appropriately to achieve sustainable development, they often do not know how to act in an environmentally friendly way. It is therefore essential that consumers be given appropriate information and be empowered to behave with environmental awareness. Environmental education for a sustainable future combined with consumer awareness as a vital role to play in this respect. To this end, a teaching strategy has been developed which bring together both perspectives. This strategy intends to raise environmental awareness and to empower people in relation to responsible consumption and sustainable development. It as also produced positive results among university students on teacher training courses.
Alvarez, P., and P. Vega. Environment and Consumption, a Dangerous Friendship. Educational Proposal for a Sustainable Consumption In Urban Diversities, Biosphere and Well-Being: Designing and Managing Our Common Environment (IAPS 20 Conference Proceedings on CD-Rom). IAPS. Rome, Italy: Aula Magna Sapienza University of Rome, 2008.