In this powerful environmental science and civics role-playing activity, students simulate a city council meeting to determine the location for a new landfill on Oʻahu, Hawai‘i. As they represent diverse stakeholder perspectives, students weigh economic, social, environmental, and especially environmental justice considerations, analyzing how land-use decisions affect marginalized communities.

Use this video alongside the Trash Trouble in Paradise lesson plan to promote equity-centered decision-making and real-world civic engagement. For more details on this lesson, click the green button below.

Audio transcript of Trash Trouble in Paradise lesson plan video