This paper stresses the need for consumer education programs which reflect social changes and which will be relevant in the future. Specifically, it explores ways in which educators can develop and implement consumer education programs which stress quality of life, simplified lifestyles, and changing American consumption habits. Quality of life is interpreted to include a degree of excellence in lifestyle that could be available to all citizens, rather than wealth, privilege, affluence, and materialism. Many of the ideas upon which recommendations for changes in consumer education curricula are based derive from a contemporary social movement called "Voluntary Simplicity." One of the best known advocates of this simplicity movement, Michigan Senator, Philip A. Hart, is often cited throughout the paper as an example of an intelligent and thoughtful consumer. Recommendations regarding how to develop consumer education programs based on quality of life concepts are presented in three areas--consumer decision making, consumer resource management, and consumer citizen participation. Recommendations include teaching students how to make a conscious effort to reduce nonessential possessions, encouraging students to become less dependent on large institutions, stressing knowledge and skills needed for citizen participation, helping students understand how consumption habits affect other people and the environment, and helping students mesh their desired lifestyle with their career goals and future earning capacity. The conclusion is that educators should learn more about the simplicity movement and should incorporate its objectives and concepts into consumer education programs. (DB)