Activity 3.3.3.1 Current Events in Plastic Pollution

1. Exploratory

Probe basic facts and knowledge found in the readings. (What research evidence supports _________?Type up several facts and basic knowledge from the readings. Relate this to what you find in other resources, prior activities for stronger scores.))

Firstly, Canada claimed to ban single-use plastics by 2021. I didn’t do much research looking into this came true or not, but I certainly hope it did – seems to be a lot of false promises with people who hold power.

Peru looks like it restricts single-use plastics as well as of 2019. According to Peru’s Environment 
Ministry, the country uses 947,000 tons of plastic each year, only 0.3 percent being recycled. (Peru Restricts Single-Use Plastic, 2019, para. 4)

90.5% of estimated plastic ever made that has never been recycled. 6,300 million metric tons, scientists calculated that around 12 % of all plastic waste has been incinerated, while the rest piles up into landfills and litter. (Plastic Fact Named Stat Of The Year, 2018, para. 1)

 NextWave, a coalition founded by companies including Dell and an environmental group called the Lonely Whale, comes in. By employing people living in coastal regions, the group collects discarded plastic within 30 miles of waterways to prevent it from making its way to the sea. So far, NextWave has focused on two types of plastic commonly found in marine environments: Nylon 6 and polypropylene. (Redirecting Plastic Streams Away From The Sea, 2018, para. 1)

This reclaimed plastic is then shipped to manufacturers who reuse it in lieu of producing new plastic. Plastic collection sites are chosen based on where cleanup could have the biggest impact and where the plastic could more easily be taken to an existing recycling facility. These location decisions are informed by science from chemists Jason Lochlin and Jenna Jambeck, a National Geographic explorer. (Redirecting Plastic Streams Away From The Sea, 2018, para. 2)

 

2. Diagnostic

Probe motives or causes. (Why?(Tell your reader why this occurs. Explain the causes in detail.))

The article explores the issue of ocean plastic pollution and discusses various solutions to address it. The causes of ocean plastic pollution are rooted in our daily human activities, such as the extensive use of single-use plastic items, improper disposal of plastic waste, and lack of effective recycling and waste management systems.

Plastic production has exponentially increased over the past few decades, and single-use plastic items, such as bags, straws, and bottles, have become a ubiquitous part of modern life. However, these items have a short lifespan and often end up in the ocean, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Improper disposal of plastic waste, such as littering, dumping, and inadequate landfill management, also contributes to the problem. Plastic waste that is not disposed of properly can easily make its way into the ocean through stormwater runoff or via rivers and other waterways.

In addition, many countries lack adequate waste management systems, especially in developing countries where plastic waste is often burned or dumped in open landfills. This leads to plastic pollution in nearby waterways and ultimately in the ocean.

Overall, the causes of ocean plastic pollution are complex and multifaceted, and require a concerted effort from individuals, businesses, and governments to address the issue.

 

3. Cause and Effect

Causal relationships between ideas, actions, or events. (If __________ occurs, what happens?)

If plastic waste is not properly disposed of or managed, it can end up in the ocean through stormwater runoff or via rivers and other waterways, contributing to ocean plastic pollution.

If single-use plastic items, such as bags, straws, and bottles, continue to be extensively used and not recycled or disposed of properly, they can accumulate in the ocean and take hundreds of years to decompose.

If effective recycling and waste management systems are not implemented and enforced, plastic waste can continue to pollute the ocean and harm marine life.

If individuals, businesses, and governments do not take concerted efforts to address the issue of ocean plastic pollution, it will continue to worsen and have long-lasting negative impacts on the environment, human health, and the economy.

4. Priority

Seek to identify the most important issue. (What is the most important issue?)

The most important issue highlighted in the article is the problem of ocean plastic pollution. This issue is of significant global concern as it has detrimental effects on the environment, marine life, human health, and the economy. The article discusses the causes of ocean plastic pollution, including the extensive use of single-use plastic items, improper disposal of plastic waste, and lack of effective recycling and waste management systems. It also provides solutions to address the issue, such as reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and implementing policies and regulations to reduce plastic pollution. Given the severity and complexity of the issue, it is crucial for individuals, businesses, and governments to take concerted action to address ocean plastic pollution and protect our planet for future generations.

5. Application

Probe for relationships and connect theory to practice. (How does this apply to you? How is this related to culture as we have studied so far?)

Ocean plastic pollution is related to the concept of environmental sustainability. It is a complex issue that has detrimental effects on the environment, wildlife, and human health, and requires a holistic approach to address it. The solution to this problem involves not only reducing plastic consumption but also implementing effective waste management practices, promoting recycling, and creating policies and regulations to minimize plastic pollution. This aligns with the principles of environmental sustainability, which advocates for the responsible use of natural resources to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

From a practical perspective, reducing plastic consumption and promoting sustainable waste management practices are essential to addressing the issue of ocean plastic pollution. This involves making conscious choices as individuals to reduce the use of single-use plastic items, such as straws, bottles, and bags, and properly disposing of plastic waste. It also involves businesses taking responsibility for the products they produce and implementing sustainable practices in their operations. Governments can play a significant role in addressing this issue by creating policies and regulations that promote sustainable waste management and reduce plastic pollution.

In terms of culture, the issue of ocean plastic pollution is related to the cultural norms and values around consumption and waste management. In some cultures, there may be a focus on convenience and consumerism, which can lead to the overuse of single-use plastic items and improper waste disposal. However, as awareness around the issue grows, cultural norms and values can shift towards a more sustainable approach to consumption and waste management, which can help address the issue of ocean plastic pollution.

6. Critical

Analyze how this challenges your thinking/assumptions. (How did this change your thinking? Did it? Why?)

It also challenges the assumption that cultural norms and values around consumption and waste management are fixed, and suggests that they can change over time with increased awareness and education around sustainability. Overall, analyzing this issue has reinforced the importance of taking a holistic and multidimensional approach to addressing complex environmental issues.'

Citations

Howard, B. C., Gibbens, S., Zachos, E., & Parker, L. (2019, June 10, update). A running list of action on plastic pollution. Environment. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/07/ocean-plastic-pollution-solutions