Read and Discuss the Application

This is an excerpt from a real Southern California Gas Company bill, for a one-person household.

In economics, “Opportunity Cost” is the value of the next best alternative lost by choosing one activity over other possible activities.  For instance, if you could spend the afternoon sunbathing in your back yard, but you choose instead to spend it insulating the water heater pipes, then the opportunity cost of your choice is the lost afternoon of sunbathing.

DISCUSS:  If this is your household, would you hang-dry your clothes and insulate your water heater pipes?  Tell us why or why not.  [There is no “right” answer, I want to hear what you think, and why.]  This is an interactive discussion, please share your thoughts about your classmates’ postings. The discussion contributes toward your points for class participation.

Answer Preview-Read and Discuss the Application