As evidence of the growing ecological crisis mounts, it is imperative that sociologists speak to this social problem and incorporate a sociological perspective on environmental issues into the curriculum. Central to understanding how social issues relate to environmental problems is an examination of the ties between consumption and its ecological consequences. This article describes a lesson that facilitates students' reflection on their own role within the broader ecologically destructive economic order. An examination of personal consumption allows students to see how their individual behavior contributes to broader environmental problems, but it also provides insight into how social institutions shape their lives in ways that are beyond their individual control. Ideally this lesson imparts important sociological understanding while also encouraging engagement in the political process necessary to devise real solutions to environmental problems. (Contains 1 table.)