Sustainable

Article 1: What Isn’t for Sale?

According to Michael Sandel, what is the difference between a market economy and a market society? And what is your opinion about these two? In other words, do you want a market economy or a market society, and why?

What are the two reasons that we should worry that we are moving toward a ‘market’ society where almost everything can be bought with money?

Do you agree with Michael Sandel, that market reasoning empties public life of moral argument? Give examples.

Article 2: The iPhone and Consumer Guilt

Do you remember a time when you succumbed to advertising and bought an item you truly didn’t need? What was that item? What drove you to do so?

‘True Price Questions’ activity:

Examine a product that you are thinking of purchasing or you already bought and ask the questions provided.

What is the item? _______________

1. Is the item a want or a need?

2a. What are the positive effects of this item on you, other people, animals, and the environment?

2b. What are some of the negative effects of this item on you, other people, animals, and the environment?

3. What systems support, promote and perpetuate this item?

4. What would be an alternative or a change to a system, that would do more good and less harm?

Who, in your opinion, is responsible for the mistreatment of workers and the environment caused by overconsumption?