Activity 4.2 Environmental Policy Framework

1.   Side-by-Side comparison of three environmental policy/conflict frameworks

 

Framework	Short Explanation	Source
Traditional Conservation vs. Economic Development	This framework pits environmental conservation and preservation against economic development. It assumes that the two goals are inherently at odds with each other and that any policy decision must choose one over the other.	Davis & Lewicki (2003)
Multiple Goals and Interests	This framework acknowledges that there are often multiple stakeholders with competing interests in any given environmental conflict. It recognizes that policy decisions must balance these interests in order to achieve the best overall outcome.	Bryan (2003)
Collaborative Problem-Solving	This framework emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication among stakeholders in order to reach mutually beneficial solutions to environmental conflicts. It recognizes that there may be shared values among stakeholders that can be used as a starting point for negotiation.	Susskind, McKearnan, & Thomas-Larmer (1999)

2. My own environmental policy framework with five frames

Framework	Short Explanation
Ecological Resilience	This frame emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems as a foundation for human well-being. It recognizes that ecosystems are complex and dynamic, and that human activities can disrupt their natural processes. Policy decisions should prioritize the long-term health and resilience of ecosystems.
Social Equity	This frame recognizes that environmental issues often disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Policy decisions should prioritize addressing the needs and concerns of these communities in order to achieve a more just and equitable society.
Sustainable Development	This frame acknowledges the importance of economic development, but recognizes that it must be pursued in a way that is environmentally sustainable. Policy decisions should prioritize balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
Precautionary Principle	This frame emphasizes the importance of taking a precautionary approach to environmental issues, especially in cases where there is scientific uncertainty. Policy decisions should prioritize preventing harm, even if the potential risks are not fully understood.
Adaptive Management	This frame recognizes that environmental issues are complex and dynamic, and that policy decisions must be flexible and adaptive in order to respond to changing circumstances. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that policies are achieving their intended outcomes.

3. Justification for Selected Environmental Policy Framework

After conducting research on various environmental policy frameworks, I have chosen five frames that I believe are crucial for effective policy-making. These frames are ecological resilience, social equity, sustainable development, the precautionary principle, and adaptive management.

The ecological resilience frame emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems as the foundation for human well-being. This frame acknowledges that ecosystems are complex and dynamic and that human activities can disrupt their natural processes. Thus, policy decisions should prioritize the long-term health and resilience of ecosystems. I selected this frame because I believe that it is essential to address the root causes of environmental issues, rather than just treating their symptoms. By prioritizing ecological resilience, we can create policies that are sustainable in the long run and promote the well-being of both humans and the environment.

The social equity frame recognizes that environmental issues often disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This frame acknowledges that environmental policies can perpetuate social inequality if they fail to address the needs and concerns of these communities. Policy decisions should prioritize addressing the needs and concerns of these communities in order to achieve a more just and equitable society. I selected this frame because environmental justice is a critical issue, and policies must be designed to promote equitable outcomes.

The sustainable development frame acknowledges the importance of economic development, but recognizes that it must be pursued in a way that is environmentally sustainable. This frame emphasizes the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection. I selected this frame because it recognizes the importance of economic development but also acknowledges that economic growth must not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.

The precautionary principle frame emphasizes the importance of taking a precautionary approach to environmental issues, especially in cases where there is scientific uncertainty. This frame acknowledges that there may be risks associated with human activities that are not fully understood, and policy decisions should prioritize preventing harm. I selected this frame because it recognizes the need to err on the side of caution in cases where scientific knowledge is limited.

The adaptive management frame recognizes that environmental issues are complex and dynamic, and that policy decisions must be flexible and adaptive in order to respond to changing circumstances. This frame emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that policies are achieving their intended outcomes. I selected this frame because it recognizes the importance of ongoing learning and adjustment to improve policies and their outcomes.

In conclusion, the five frames that I have selected for my environmental policy framework are ecological resilience, social equity, sustainable development, the precautionary principle, and adaptive management. I believe that these frames are essential for effective policy-making that promotes both environmental sustainability and social justice. By considering these frames in policy development, we can create policies that are robust, sustainable, and effective in addressing environmental issues.

References:

Davis, C. B., & Lewicki, R. J. (2003). Environmental conflict resolution: Framing and intractability--an introduction. Environmental Practice, 5(3), 200-206. DAVISandLEWICKI_2003_Environmental_conflict_resolution__Framing.pdf

Bryan, T. (2003). Context in environmental conflicts: Where you stand depends on where you sit. Environmental Practice, 5(3), 256-264. BRYAN_2003_Context_in_environmental_conflict Framing.pdf

Lawrence Susskind, McKearnan, S., & Thomas-Larmer, J. (n.d.). The consensus building handbook : a comprehensive guide to reaching agreement. https://nvclibrary.on.worldcat.org/search/detail/846492950?queryString=Susskind%2C%20McKearnan%2C%20%26%20Thomas-Larmer%20%281999%29 

Activity 4.1 US Environmental History and Major Regulations

Historical Summary

The United States has a complex and varied history when it comes to environmental thought and policy. The early American colonists viewed the land and its resources as something to be conquered and exploited for personal gain. (Russell, E., & Fairfax, S. K. , 2014) This exploitative attitude towards the environment continued through the Industrial Revolution and into the 20th century. However, there have been several key moments in American history that have shifted this attitude towards the environment.

In the mid-19th century, Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and other transcendentalists began to promote a more holistic view of the environment, seeing it as interconnected and valuable in its own right. ( Theis, T., & Tomkin, J. (Eds)., 2018) This thinking inspired the conservation movement in the late 19th century, led by figures such as John Muir and Gifford Pinchot, who sought to preserve the country's natural resources for future generations.

Theodore Roosevelt, who served as President from 1901 to 1909, was a major proponent of conservation and used his executive powers to create national parks, wildlife refuges, and national forests. The creation of the National Park Service in 1916 was a major milestone in American conservation history.

In the 1960s, concerns over pollution and the environment began to take center stage. Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring, published in 1962, brought attention to the negative impacts of pesticides and inspired the modern environmental movement. (Russell, E., & Fairfax, S. K. , 2014) In response to growing public concern, the federal government passed several major environmental laws in the 1970s, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.

The 1980s saw a shift in environmental thinking towards market-based solutions, with the introduction of emissions trading and other market-based mechanisms for addressing pollution. The 1990s saw a continued focus on environmental protection, with the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency's voluntary emissions reduction program.

In the early 21st century, climate change has become an increasingly pressing issue, with cities and states taking action to address the issue even as the federal government has become less proactive on environmental issues. Despite these challenges, there is still significant momentum behind efforts to protect the environment and address the impacts of climate change.

Work cited

Russell, E., & Fairfax, S. K. (2014). Guide to U.S. Environmental Policy (Links to an external site.). CQ Press. Chapter 28, see specifically pp. 400 - 407.

Theis, T., & Tomkin, J. (Eds). (2018). Sustainability: A comprehensive foundation. OpenStax CNX.  THEISandTOMKIN_Sustainability-a-Comprehensive-Foundation-45.1.pdf

Activity 3.3.3.1 Current Events in Plastic Pollution

 "Major food and drink companies to reduce plastic pollution in poorest countries" published on The Guardian on March 25, 2023 

Link to article (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/25/major-food-and-drink-companies-to-reduce-plastic-pollution-in-poorest-countries). 

1. Exploratory

According to the article, what research evidence supports the initiative by major food and drink companies to reduce plastic pollution in the poorest countries?

The article mentions a report by Tearfund, which reveals that the poorest countries are disproportionately affected by plastic pollution.

The report highlights that people in these countries are more likely to live near polluted rivers, with limited access to clean water and sanitation, leading to increased health risks. The initiative by major food and drink companies is based on their commitment to addressing the plastic waste problem and reducing their environmental impact.

2. Diagnostic

What are the motives or causes behind the plastic pollution problem in the poorest countries, and how are major food and drink companies addressing them?

The causes of plastic pollution in the poorest countries are multifaceted and include inadequate waste management systems, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and a lack of awareness about the negative impacts of plastic waste on the environment and health. Major food and drink companies are addressing these causes by committing to reduce their plastic waste production, investing in recycling and waste management infrastructure, and raising awareness about the issue.

3. Cause and Effect

If major food and drink companies reduce their plastic waste production and invest in recycling and waste management infrastructure, what impact could it have on the plastic pollution problem in the poorest countries?

The reduction of plastic waste production by major food and drink companies could result in less plastic waste entering the environment, which could have positive impacts on the health of people living in the poorest countries. Investing in recycling and waste management infrastructure could help to address the inadequate waste management systems in these countries, leading to improved environmental conditions and reduced health risks.

4. Priority

What is the most important issue in addressing the plastic pollution problem in the poorest countries?

The most important issue in addressing the plastic pollution problem in the poorest countries is to improve waste management systems and infrastructure, which can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the environment and negatively impacting people's health.

5. Application

How does this initiative by major food and drink companies to reduce plastic pollution in the poorest countries apply to you, and how is it related to the culture as we have studied so far?

As an individual, I can reduce my plastic waste production and support initiatives that aim to improve waste management systems and infrastructure in my community.

This initiative by major food and drink companies highlights the need for collective action and responsibility to address the plastic pollution problem, which is a global issue that affects everyone. It is related to the culture as we have studied so far, as it emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

6. Critical

How does this initiative challenge your thinking/assumptions about plastic pollution, and did it change your thinking? Why?

This initiative challenges my thinking about the role of major corporations in addressing environmental issues and their impact on society. It has changed my thinking by showing that large companies can take responsibility for their environmental impact and contribute to positive change in the world. However, it also raises questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of these commitments, and the need for continued monitoring and accountability.

Activity 3.3.3 – My Plastic Use

 

Microplastics: A Growing Threat to Our Environment and Health

In recent years, microplastics have emerged as one of the most significant environmental and health concerns globally. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5mm in size, have been found almost everywhere, from the depths of the ocean to the air we breathe and even inside our bodies.( Haab, S., & Haab, K. ,n.d.) In this essay, we will explore the definition of microplastics, their sources, and how they pose a threat to our health and the environment.

Definition of Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are smaller than 5mm in size. They can be categorized into two types: primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are manufactured to be small, like microbeads in personal care products or pellets used in industrial processes. Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, are created when larger plastics, like bottles or bags, break down into smaller particles due to weathering, sunlight, and other environmental factors.

Where are Microplastics Found?

Microplastics have been found almost everywhere, from the deepest parts of the ocean to the highest mountain peaks. They are present in freshwater systems, seawater, soil, and even the air we breathe. Research has shown that microplastics are present in many everyday products, including personal care items, household products, clothing, and packaging materials. They are also found in marine animals, such as fish, shellfish, and plankton, and can enter the food chain, ultimately ending up on our plates.

Distribution of Microplastics in the Environment

Microplastics are found in almost all natural environments, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and soil. In the oceans, microplastics have been found in high concentrations in regions known as "garbage patches," where ocean currents converge and trap large amounts of plastic debris. These patches are located primarily in the North Pacific, but are also found in other ocean basins. Microplastics are also present in freshwater systems, with high concentrations found in areas downstream from urban areas and wastewater treatment plants.

How do Microplastics get there?

Microplastics can enter the environment in various ways. One of the primary sources of microplastics is the breakdown of larger plastics, such as bags and bottles, which release small particles into the environment. Microplastics are also released during the manufacturing process of plastic products, especially when producing microbeads and pellets.(Van Sebille, E. ,2013) Other sources of microplastics include the washing of synthetic clothing, abrasion from tires, and the degradation of fishing gear.

Why are Microplastics Problematic to Humans and the Environment?

Microplastics pose a significant threat to both the environment and human health. Here are some of the reasons why:

Environmental Impacts

Marine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of microplastics. When ingested, they can lead to blockages in the digestive systems of marine animals, resulting in injury or death. Microplastics can also act as a vector for other pollutants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), that can accumulate in the food chain and ultimately end up on our plates. (Environmental Protection Agency (EPS), 2018)

Additionally, microplastics can cause physical harm to marine animals, such as entanglement in fishing gear, which can result in injuries or death. Microplastics can also affect the behavior of marine animals, leading to changes in migration patterns, feeding habits, and reproduction. (Parker, L. ,2018)

Human Health Impacts

Recent research has shown that microplastics have been found in our food, water, and even the air we breathe, raising concerns about the potential health impacts on humans. When ingested, micro plastics can cause physical harm to the digestive system, such as inflammation or irritation.( Dudas, S. ,2018) can also act as a vector for other pollutants, such as POPs and heavy metals, that can cause health problems such as cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological problems.

Furthermore, microplastics can enter our bodies through inhalation, and there are concerns about the potential long-term health effects of inhaling plastic particles. Research has also shown that micro plastics can accumulate in organs such as the liver and kidneys, which could lead to long-term health impacts.

In conclusion, micro plastics are a growing threat to human health and the environment, and their presence in almost all natural environments is cause for concern. While the full extent of their impact is still being researched, there is growing evidence that micro plastics can have negative effects on both human health and the environment. (Simons Foundation Science Sandbox (Producer). ,2019) It is essential that we continue to raise awareness of this issue and take steps to reduce the release of micro plastics into the environment. This includes actions such as banning micro-beads in personal care products, improving waste management practices, and promoting the use of sustainable materials. (Environmental Protection Agency (EPS), 2018) By taking action now, we can help to mitigate the impact of micro plastic pollution and protect the health of our planet and its inhabitants.

My plastic use in one day

These are the items that are used within one singular day that contain plastic, as well as the items that contain plastic that I threw away. I try to keep down my plastic consumption as low as possible but that doesn’t always happen due to mainly everything containing some kind of plastic, especially micro plastics, even though some of the items that I have contain plastic, I make sure to get their full use out of them before throwing them away or recycling them if possible for one I have my vitamin holder which I have had for a couple years now it is made out of plastic but it still works and I will not throw it away until it breaks. Another thing is my headphone case is made out of plastic. It is to protect my headphones, so I won’t be throwing that away anytime soon either so my containers that I own such as my toothpaste, my lotion, and my perfume are all made of plastic as well, but I am sure to get every last drop out of each and every one of them .

WORKS CITED

Dudas, S. (2018). Microplastics are everywhere [Video]. TEDx Binghampton University. Retrieved from Microplastics are everywhere | Sarah Dudas | TEDxBinghamtonUniversity

Environmental Protection Agency (EPS). (2018). National overview: Facts and figures on materials, wastes and recycling. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials

Haab, S., & Haab, K. (n.d.). The environmental impacts of microplastics: An investigation of microplastic pollution in North Country waterbodies. Adventure Scientists. https://www.adventurescientists.org/uploads/7/3/9/8/7398741/haabhaab2016_environmental_impacts_of_microplastics.pdf

Maximenko, N., Chao, Y., & Moller, D. (2016). Developing a remote sensing system to track marine debris. Earth and Space Science News.  https://eos.org/meeting-reports/developing-a-remote-sensing-system-to-track-marine-debris

Parker, L. (2018). Planet or plastic. National Geographic Magazine Online. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/plastic-planet-waste-pollution-trash-crisis/

Simons Foundation Science Sandbox (Producer). (2019). World class explorers help scientists collect elusive data [Video]. World Class Explorers Help Scientists Collect Elusive Data

Van Sebille, E. (2013). Charting the garbage patches of the seas[video]. University of New South Wales. Charting the garbage patches of the sea