Decision Earth
Decision Earth, also referred to as Decision: Earth,{{cite web|url=http://www.eric.ed.gov:80/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED354154&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED354154|title=Decision: Earth.|publisher=Education Resources Information Center|accessdate=18 January 2011}} was an environmental education teachers resource for junior high school students issued by Procter & Gamble in 1997. It has been controversial.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/science/slab/beder/story.htm|title=Corporate Manipulation of Science Education|last=Sharon Beder|author-link=Sharon Beder|year=1997|work=ABC Online|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|accessdate=18 January 2011}}
Release of "Decision Earth"
Its asserted aim was assisting students to make informed consumer product choices, and to educate then in the environmental impact of their choices:
The unit focuses on the concept of consumer product life cycle analysis, an approach to assessing the environmental impacts of a product at each stage in its life from raw materials extraction through disposal. Using this approach, a product is evaluated in terms of energy consumed, atmospheric and waterborne emissions generated and solid waste created for disposal.
Procter & Gamble have claimed the package builds critical thinking skills{{cite news|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19940120/1890607/corporate-teaching-aid-gets-low-marks----procter-amp-gamble-text-says-clear-cutting-ok-for-environment|title=Business :: Corporate Teaching Aid Gets Low Marks -- Procter & Gamble Text Says Clear Cutting OK For Environment |date=January 20, 1994|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=18 January 2011}}
Criticism of "Decision Earth"
It has been asserted that "Decision Earth" included a series of controversial claims about waste disposal, mining and forestry issues which was distributed by the Procter & Gamble corporation to roughly 75,000 schools in the United States.{{cite news|title=Battle Over Environment Moves to the Classroom|last=Clifford|first=Frank|date=November 13, 1995|work=Los Angeles Times}}
Procter & Gamble argued in its package that disposable diapers are no worse for the environment than cloth diapers, a claim based on scientific studies funded by the company, which is the world's largest manufacturer of disposable diapers. The package described garbage-fueled incineration processes where energy is recovered as "thermal recycling" without mentioning the toxic ash or emissions that result.name="ABC(Australia)_www.abc.net.au_science_slab_beder"
Decision Earth package
The materials given to teachers and students include overhead transparency masters, student worksheets, and a teacher's guide.
References
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External links
- [http://www.pg.com/en_US/sustainability/environmental_sustainability/index.shtml Procter & Gamble long-term environmental sustainability vision]
{{Procter & Gamble}}