Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to understand the concept of sustainability in business, how it affects business operations and consumer behavior, and how glass recycling can contribute to sustainable business practices.

Materials:

  • Whiteboard and markers

  • Handouts and worksheets

  • Videos and images related to sustainable business practices and glass recycling

  • Case studies of businesses that have implemented successful sustainability practices

Introduction (15 minutes): Begin by asking students what they know about sustainability in business. Use the whiteboard to create a mind map of their responses. Ask them to identify common sustainability challenges in business and explain why sustainability is important in the corporate world. Briefly discuss how glass recycling can contribute to sustainable business practices. Explain that today's lesson will focus on sustainability in business, with an emphasis on glass recycling.

Main Activities (60 minutes):

  1. Sustainable Business Presentation (20 minutes) Provide an overview of sustainability in business and its challenges, such as supply chain management, waste reduction, and stakeholder engagement. Discuss how sustainability can affect consumer behavior and company reputation. Show students a video about sustainable business practices and provide examples of successful sustainable business initiatives.

  2. Glass Recycling Case Study (20 minutes) Provide students with a case study about a business that has successfully implemented a glass recycling program, such as a glass bottle manufacturing company or a brewery. Discuss the benefits of this program, including the reduction of waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and the conservation of natural resources. Ask students to analyze the case study and to identify the key factors that contributed to its success.

  3. Sustainable Business Simulation Activity (20 minutes) Provide students with a sustainable business simulation activity, such as the Fishbanks Game. Instruct them to work in teams to manage a fishery and to make decisions based on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Encourage them to use their critical thinking skills to balance competing interests and to make decisions that promote sustainability.

  4. Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes) Gather students together to reflect on what they learned during the lesson. Ask them to share their thoughts on sustainability in business and the importance of circular economy initiatives, such as glass recycling. Encourage them to brainstorm ways that businesses can incorporate sustainable practices into their operations and to share their ideas with their peers.

Wrap-up (15 minutes): Review the key takeaways from the lesson and emphasize the importance of sustainable business practices for the future of our planet. Provide students with handouts and worksheets with additional information and resources on sustainability in business and glass recycling. Encourage students to continue to learn about and advocate for sustainable practices in the business world.

Conclusion: This lesson on the business of sustainability and glass recycling is designed to educate and empower students to become responsible global citizens and to prepare them for careers in sustainable business practices. By promoting sustainable practices, such as glass recycling and the circular economy, businesses can help protect our environment and preserve natural resources for future generations. As educators, it is our responsibility to instill a sense of environmental stewardship and a passion for sustainability in our students. By equipping them with the knowledge and skills to take action, we can help create a more sustainable world for all.