- Application Assignment
Sustainability, as an important aspect of packaging, is increasingly gaining importance. This is fueled material advances, consumer demand and legislation. The argument that paper-based packaging is the best alternative is not only valid but also necessary. Unlike other packaging material, paper-based packaging uses renewable materials; trees. Unlike other products used for packaging, paper based products are the most recoverable. As such, they can be recycled which enhances the sustainability of using paper-based packaging material.
Throughout the life cycle of paper-based packaging products, they are responsible in that even when they are not recovered for recycling, they are easily biodegradable hence do not pollute the environment. Trends also support this argument. For instance, as light as paper is, more of it is recovered from solid waste streams used by municipalities and recycled compared to the total weight of plastic, aluminum, steel and plastic combined. This goes on to show how viable and environmental friendly paper-based packaging is.
- Reading Assignment
Environmental ethics is an extension of the human philosophy of ethics to apply to the non-human components of the environment. Just like the human philosophy of ethics, environmental ethics use different approaches in looking at the environment. However, the commonality lies in the right thing to do for the environment and the morality of the premise on which most of the actions for and against the environment are based (Clowney &Patricia 10)
For instance, our continued manufacturing of vehicles that are powered by gasoline has been a bone of contention for the proponents of environmental ethics. It is not for lack of knowledge that petroleum is a non-renewable source of energy, and that gasoline as a byproduct of its processing causes environmental degradation. The question is whether it is moral to pump more money in the manufacture of such vehicles that in research for more environmental friendly sources of energy to fuel motor vehicles. It is my opinions that environmental ethics is an important philosophy, and if not for anything else it helps one conceptualize the ramifications of our actions and inactions towards the environment (Clowney &Patricia 15)
- Application Assignment
Other alternatives to plastic-based packaging have been floated. One of them is the use of biodegradable plastics like poly lactic acid polymers. This is advantageous because such polymers are made from renewable materials like corn. However, since corn is used as a food crop in developing countries, its commercialization might affect the food security status in such countries. Another alternative is the blend of calcium carbonate and poly ethylene into a product that feels like paper and can be used for packaging. Calcium carbonate is a rock that is primarily used to make cement. Apart from this use, it is not extensively exploited.
The use of a small percentage (20%) of poly ethylene is advantageous because it reduces the amount of plastic in the packaging material. These alternatives are advantageous because they use biodegradable and renewable materials. As such, they reduce the negative impact that plastics have on the environment. However, the appropriateness of these materials has been questioned. For instance, the polarity of polymers has been doubted. Nonetheless, this setback cannot surpass the numerous advantages that the material has as an alternative packaging material.
- Reading Assignment
Chapter two presents worldviews of the Abrahamic religion in regards to the environment. One such view is embodied in the Book of Genesis (1:1-2:29). The texts in these two chapters of the book (Genesis) were not intended to address any environmental issues. Nonetheless, they have environmental implications. From the texts, God intended us to be stewards to bring the best out of the potential that his environment holds. Human activities that degrade the environment are in contravention of this view (Clowney &Patricia 39)
The texts in the book envision a harmonious existence between human beings and nature; like the one that existed in the garden that God himself planted (Eden) and placed the first man to tend. If the views of the text are anything to go by, and they are, human beings are failing as stewards. God intended for humans to treat it as His treasured property and a sanctuary that is filled with His divine presence. This is the inspiration for the contemporary Jewish and Christian environmentalists (Clowney &Patricia 39)
- Reading Assignment
Another of the worldviews of the Abrahamic religions is the view by St. Francis of Assisi. His view on the environment is unlike any other by other philosophers of his time. According to this view, humans should love and be passionate for the world regardless of whether it is of help to them or not. This worldview personifies the earth, elemental forces and even the celestial bodies. This is because, according to the St. Francis, these three were and are loved by God. His views are congruence with some biblical verses (Clowney &Patricia 42)
This view is important in that it anticipates questions that would emanate from the philosophy of environmental ethics. For instance, an environmentalist might want to know how one is reasonable in respecting the environment if it is viewed as an object. One might also wonder how justifiable it is to view the world as personal. The answers given by St. Francis are not only apt but also practical. In accordance to this worldview, there is the personal presence of God in everything that he creates, the environment seconding the list. As such, it is easy to respect the environment for those that respect God (Clowney &Patricia 45)
- Application Assignment
McDonalds owns a chain of fast food restaurants in many countries in different regions of the world. The restaurants have an effect on the environment and as envisioned in the ideals of corporate social responsibility, McDonalds is tasked to institute measure to reduce the negative impact on the environment. McDonalds is doing this through altering its packaging material. The company has changed the design of its packaging material in order to optimize on space and reduce the weight of the material used to make that packaging material. This ensures increases the efficiency of the packaging material and also reduces on wastes.
The company has also employed the use of renewable materials the making of the packaging material. For instance, the company sources wood from well managed forests to made paper-based packaging materials. The company also uses post consumer resin and corn to make part of its packaging material. While the former is a product of recycling, the latter is renewable. Both are biodegradable hence more friendly to the environment when compared to the previously used plastic-based packaging material that is neither biodegradable nor sustainable.
- Reading Assignment
Many Abrahamic religions hold different views on the environment. Personally, I find the view of stewardship held by Judaism to be very endearing. Unlike Christianity, the view of stewardship by Judaism is more focused on practice than belief. As such, Rabbis writes detailed ways in which Jews can not only believe in the view of stewardship but also practice it. According to this view, humans are put on earth to take care of it, not to keep it.
As such, we are caretakers and not lords. This view tells that we must preserve the environment as it is our essence, our duty and obligation. Central to the teachings of Rabbis, even of the ancient ages is the accountability of mankind to the Owner, a higher being. Implicit in the image of a good person according to the rabbinic teachings is taking care of nature, as it was known then, even though we do not own it. I believe that this view negates the need to view the environment as personal property (Clowney &Patricia 65)
Works Cited
Clowney, David, and Patricia Mosto. Earthcare: An Anthology in Environmental Ethics. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc, 2009. Print
