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Economics for the Common Good

A “triple bottom line” consideration of people, the planet and profit is essential for shaping a sustainable economy. This program examines ways to shape an economic system that provides long-term health and well-being for people, the environment, and communities.

Take a program tour.

Topics: The “Commons” and ecosystems services; ecological economics; thermodynamics and the economy; externalities; policies, accountability, and governance; ecosystem services; globalization and trade; local economics; culture; economics indicators; business structures; ideology and greenwashing; life cycle analysis

Audience: 6-8, 9-12, higher ed, adult ed

Disciplines: economics, business, civics/government, environmental science

Career Connections: economics, business, marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, law, international relations and diplomacy, public- and environmental policy

Additional Resources:

"Loop Scoops" is a collection of short videos with lessons for grades K-4 to "help kids think about the stuff in their lives." Developed by WGBH (Boston) with Creative Change as content consultant.

"Sustainability and Economics 101," an article by Creative Change's Executive Director, Susan Santone. The beginning of the article has an overview of ecological economics that is useful for any reader; the last part identifies teaching strategies for elementary.

Bring Economics for the Common Good to your classroom or organization.

Get instructional materials in our Curriculum and Resource Center, or combine that with a professional development package to support the revision of units, courses or programs.

Interested in getting a quote? Complete the Interest Form for K12 Institutions or Higher Education.

Broaden students' understanding of needs, wants, well-being, and happiness.
Make economics relevant to all students.
Help students critically assess the roles of "stuff" and money in their lives.
Set a foundation for more advanced economics and life cycle analysis in later grades.

Bring economic concepts to life with hands-on activities.
Integrate social studies, science, and civics.

Revamp economics or business courses to reflect the growing emphasis on the environment.
Make economics relevant for learners of all backgrounds.
Integrate economics with democratic values, equity, and civic engagement.

Higher education/teacher education faculty

Introduce ecological approaches to micro- and macro- economics courses.
Revise business courses to reflect a “triple bottom line” approach.
Teacher educators: Infuse social studies methods courses with sustainability perspectives.

Subscribe to our multimedia curriculum library, or customize a professional development package to get the resources and training you need to introduce adult learners to the intriguing field of ecological economics.

Economics for the Common Good

A “triple bottom line” consideration of people, the planet and profit is essential for shaping a sustainable economy. This program examines ways to shape an economic system that provides long-term health and well-being for people, the environment, and communities.

Take a program tour.

Bring Economics for the Common Good to your classroom or organization.

Get instructional materials in our Curriculum and Resource Center, or combine that with a professional development package to support the revision of units, courses or programs. Interested in getting a quote? Complete the Interest Form for K12 Institutions or Higher Education.

Get instructional materials in our Curriculum and Resource Center, or combine that with a professional development package to support the revision of units, courses or programs.

Interested in getting a quote? Complete the Interest Form for K12 Institutions or Higher Education.