Hershey Montessori Students Engage Community in Environmental Impact Book Study
Hershey Montessori adolescents explored hidden environmental impacts through research, life‑cycle analyses, and intergenerational book discussions inspired by Tatiana Schlossberg’s Inconspicuous Consumption.
Physics, Energy, and the Environment
Understanding Hidden Environmental Costs
As part of their academic focus—Physics, Energy, and the Environment—Hershey students read Tatiana Schlossberg’s Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don’t Know You Have, a text that uncovers the unseen environmental impacts behind everyday items and routines.
The book examines four major sectors:
- Technology
- Food
- Fashion
- Fuel
Through seminar discussions, students explored striking examples—such as how streaming a movie in New York can burn coal in Virginia, or how affordable cashmere purchased in Chicago can contribute to desertification in Mongolia. These insights helped lay the groundwork for their own research.
Student‑Led Life Cycle Analysis Projects
Investigating Products from Extraction to End‑of‑Life
Building on the book’s framework, each student selected a commonly used item and researched its entire life cycle. Their investigations included:
- Raw material extraction
- Energy use and manufacturing processes
- Transportation and global supply chains
- Consumption patterns
- End‑of‑life disposal or recycling
By connecting their findings to broader global systems, students gained a deeper understanding of how everyday choices influence environmental outcomes. The insight they gained was transformative. With expanded awareness of the impact of daily decisions, the students felt both empowered and impassioned.
Public Presentations at Chardon Library and Lake Erie College
Empowering Adolescents as Community Educators
The students were then ready to bring their knowledge to others. This work culminated in two public events in late January held at the Chardon Library and Lake Erie College, where students presented their research and facilitated community book discussions. Community members were encouraged to attend with or without prior reading, and many joined out of interest in environmental issues and the opportunity to learn from student leaders.
Both forums were engaging and impactful. Students shared that personal engagement during these events was a highlight of the experience. One adolescent reflected:
“I felt I could tailor my information more towards who I was talking to at that moment and what they were interested in instead of having to make it really general for the whole group. I had many good and eye‑opening conversations with people who brought more info from different generations and perspectives.”
Attendees also expressed deep appreciation for the students’ leadership and engagement. One participant remarked:
“They all were very comfortable stating their opinions in the book discussion. They were attuned to the presentations and showed that they cared. They asked thoughtful questions that showcased their levels of interest. I think we all really enjoyed their insight and appreciated their interest.”
Another community member reflected on the value of participating in both events:
“Both discussions were very informative. I enjoyed hearing what other people had to say about the book. The wider age range (since I went to both the college and library) gave me a broad spectrum of knowledge.”
These reflections highlight the rich, intergenerational learning environment created by this work and the students’ leadership. Attendees described the conversations as eye‑opening, relevant, and highly engaging. The adolescents’ ability to guide discussions, explain complex concepts, and connect the book’s themes to real‑world challenges demonstrated maturity, confidence, and a strong command of the material.
Praise From Lake Erie College
Cari Ritzenthaler, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at Lake Erie College, shared her enthusiasm:
“Their passion, curiosity, and thoughtful engagement were evident throughout both events. They did a fantastic job, and their posters were great. My college students really enjoyed the experience. Looking forward to collaborating again in the future!”
A Montessori Approach to Environmental Literacy
This project highlights Hershey Montessori School’s commitment to hands‑on, meaningful adolescent experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Through deep research, community participation, and leadership opportunities, students strengthened their:
- Critical thinking
- Environmental literacy
- Communication and facilitation skills
- Systems thinking
- Civic engagement
These experiences prepare adolescents to contribute thoughtfully and responsibly to their communities and the wider world.
Thank you to the staff and students and community for your work and contribution to this life-changing project.
Contact us if you are interested in learning more about Hershey Montessori’s Middle and Upper School programs.
Photos from the Inconspicuous Consumption Book Reading Events
Hershey Students Talk with College Students About Their Research Findings
Student Engages Attendee Over the Life Cycle of an Owala
Project: The Life Cycle of an Owala, by Petra
Student Shares Research on Environmental Impact of Vaseline
Student Discusses Inconspicuous Consumption book with community member
Student Shares Environmental Impact of Milk
Student Details Environmental Impact of #2 Pencils
Student Describes Environmental Impact of Beer
Hershey Student Reviews the Life Cycle of an iPad with College Students
Community discussion at Chardon Library
Student Shares Her Research with Community Members
