Exploring Responsible Consumption in Latvia: Consumo Justo Multiplier Events
What is behind the products we use every day? How are our choices connected to environmental, social and economic impacts? And how can responsible consumption be introduced through practical and engaging learning experiences?
These questions were explored during three Consumo Justo multiplier events organised by Ecological Future Education in Latvia. Two events involved a total of 33 teachers, while an additional event brought together 10 young people in Gulbene.
The events introduced participants to the Consumo Justo project, its educational approaches and the practical resources developed by partners from France, Spain, Latvia, Poland and Norway. Participants also had an opportunity to test the Consumo Justo App and explore how it could support learning about responsible consumption.
Introducing Consumo Justo to teachers
Two multiplier events were organised for teachers, reaching 33 participants in total. The events introduced the main goals and results of Consumo Justo while creating space to discuss why responsible consumption is relevant in education.
Participants explored how everyday products are connected to wider environmental, social and economic systems. The discussions addressed topics such as sustainable and ethical consumption, fair trade, production conditions, use of natural resources, waste and the long-term consequences of consumer choices.
Particular attention was given to practical education. Responsible consumption can be a complex topic, especially when it includes global supply chains and the relationship between individual choices, businesses and public policy. The Consumo Justo approach helps make these connections more understandable through examples, discussions, games and participatory activities.
Teachers reflected on how the project’s methods could be adapted for different age groups, subjects and learning environments. The events demonstrated that responsible consumption does not need to be addressed only as a separate environmental topic. It can also be connected with social responsibility, economics, citizenship, geography and everyday decision-making.
Discovering and testing the Consumo Justo App
During the events, participants were introduced to the Consumo Justo App and tested it themselves. This allowed them to explore the platform directly rather than only hearing about its content.
The app brings together practical activities, educational resources and information related to responsible consumption. Participants could examine how the available materials might be used to prepare learning sessions, support discussions or introduce young people to specific topics.
Teachers considered how the app could complement their existing educational activities and provide inspiration for more participatory learning. Having the resources available digitally also makes it easier to return to the materials after an event and adapt selected activities to the needs of a particular group.
The Consumo Justo App is available in English, Latvian, French, Spanish, Polish and Norwegian, making the project’s resources accessible to users across all five partner countries and beyond.
The Consumo Justo App is free to explore on both iOS and Android:
App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/lv/app/consumojusto/ id6755227445
Google Play:
A separate event for young people in Gulbene
An additional multiplier event was organised for 10 young people at the Ecological Future Education office in Gulbene. The smaller group created a comfortable environment for discussion, participation and the exchange of personal experiences.
The event began by connecting the topic with participants’ everyday consumption habits and choices. Instead of starting with formal definitions, young people were invited to share what responsible consumption meant to them and identify examples of local, ethical, fair and sustainable consumption.
Participants then explored what can be found behind the products they consume. The activities encouraged them to consider where products come from, how they are made and how their choices may be connected to environmental, social and economic impacts.
The session also focused on realistic alternatives and small changes that can be introduced into everyday life. Responsible consumption was presented not as a requirement to make perfect choices, but as a process of becoming more informed, asking questions and considering the wider effects of consumption.
Learning through participation
Hands-on learning was an important part of the event. Young people experienced selected Consumo Justo activities and explored the topic through active participation rather than a formal lecture.
The Consumo Justo App was also tested during the session. Participants explored its content and discovered where they could access the project’s activities and resources after the event.
The programme concluded by inviting participants to identify ideas or choices they could take into their everyday lives and communities. A final reflection gave them an opportunity to share their main takeaways and provide feedback about the experience.
Extending the project’s impact
Together, the three Latvian multiplier events directly reached 43 participants: 33 teachers and 10 young people. However, their value extends beyond the number of people who attended.
Teachers can continue sharing the project’s approaches with pupils and other educators, while young people can apply what they learned through their everyday choices and conversations with others. The Consumo Justo App also allows participants to return to the resources and continue exploring the topic after the events.
By working with both educators and young people, the multiplier events demonstrated how responsible consumption can be approached from different perspectives while remaining practical, relevant and connected to everyday life.
Although the Consumo Justo project is approaching its conclusion, its methods, resources and digital tools will remain available. We invite teachers, youth workers, educators and young people to explore the Consumo Justo App and continue turning responsible-consumption learning into action.
Erasmus+ Cooperation partnership
Consumo Justo
Project No. 2024-1-FR02-KA220-YOU-000248910
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
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