The Hidden Story Behind Everyday Stuff

🎯 Goal: Understand what LCA is, why it matters, and how to evaluate the environmental impact of products

🗂️ Course Outline

🧩 Part 1: What Is Life Cycle Assessment? (10–15 min)

• Definition: LCA is a method to evaluate the environmental impact of a product from creation to disposal
• Why it matters: Helps us make smarter, more sustainable choices
• Real-world examples:
  • Comparing plastic vs. metal water bottles
  • The journey of a t-shirt: cotton farm → factory → store → laundry → landfill

🔄 Part 2: The 5 Stages of a Product’s Life (15–20 min)

Stage	Description	Example
1. Raw Material Extraction	Getting natural resources	Mining metals, harvesting cotton
2. Manufacturing	Making the product	Energy, water, chemicals used
3. Transportation	Moving it around	Trucks, ships, fuel
4. Use	How we use it	Electricity, washing, wear and tear
5. End of Life	What happens after	Trash, recycling, composting

🧠 Tip: Use a relatable item like a smartphone or pair of jeans to walk through each stage.

🧪 Part 3: Mini Activity (20–30 min)

• Students choose a common item (e.g., pencil, soda can, hoodie)
• In pairs or small groups, they:
  • Map out its life cycle
  • Identify environmental impacts at each stage
  • Suggest ways to reduce harm (e.g., reuse, recycle, buy less)

⚖️ Part 4: Why It Matters (10–15 min)

• Big picture: Climate change, pollution, resource depletion
• Smart choices: How LCA helps consumers, companies, and governments
• Discussion: “Would you change how you shop or use things after learning this?”

🏁 Wrap-Up & Reflection (5–10 min)

• What surprised you?
• What product would you like to assess next?
• Optional challenge: Do a mini LCA at home (e.g., your backpack or lunch)

📄 Handout: “LCA Cheat Sheet”

• Definitions of each stage
• Space to sketch a product’s life cycle
• Reflection box: “What’s one change I can make?”