Application Assignment #1
It is surprising that even though expanded polystyrene is so abundant, it is not recycled as much as the other plastics. Expanded polystyrene makes the containers that hold our foods, used as packaging material, used to provide insulation in our homes. Yet, expanded polystyrene is not recycled more. In my opinion, this has to do with the structure of polystyrene. Part of why polystyrene is not recycled more is because it is so light in weight. It makes up only 0.01% of total municipal solid wastes in terms of weight.
However, the biggest impediment to recycling expanded polystyrene is its volume in that it takes up a lot of volume because 98% of it is air. Additionally, methods of recycling expanded polystyrene were burdening to communities because of contamination rates and transportation coordination. However, with advancing technologies, expanded polystyrene shows promise as a packaging material. Emerging technologies show that expanded polystyrene can dissolve when sprayed with rubbing alcohol or limonene. This allows the product to be processed into various products for reuse in packaging.
Many world views have expressed their philosophies pertaining environmental sciences and more particularly the ethics that govern our interaction with the environment. In the previous readings, world views from different Abrahamic religions were put into perspective. Of note here is the Jaina World View that requires us to not harm any form of life. The world view goes on to explain what entails forms of life and the various ecosystems in which they abide (Clowney, & Patricia 100).
According to the world view, when we are reborn amongst the other forms of life, those that hurt other forms of life or allows others to hurt the earth through his actions or inactions shall not experience joy as this is the way of karma. In my opinion, man cannot help but hurt different forms of life as many of them form part of his food. What man can do is tend to the environment while benefiting from it in order to ensure sustainability. Buddhists contend that the height of ecological consciousness is creating intimacy with nature and that meditation is a sure way of doing this. While I do not fault the legitimacy of such arguments, there are other embodiments of ecological consciousness.
Application Assignment #3
Reading Assignment #4
When environmentalists talk about conserving the environment or nature, it is not entirely clear what it is they required conserved. The looming question is what nature is and what does conserving it entails? While I believe the answer to this question is important among other questions, the question remains a mirage amongst most laymen. It is interesting that the Taoist conception of nature acknowledges the need for this answer alongside answers to pertinent questions towards understanding the place of humans in nature and their role in it. I agreement with my views, the Taoist view posits that in the midst of overexploitation of natural resources, pollution and extinction of endangered species, we ought to reflect on our actions and inactions towards nature and the attitude that we should have towards the environment.
The doctrines of Wu wei provide answers to these questions. While the classical rendition regards the doctrines as inaction, my position is in variance (Clowney, & Patricia 120). Preempting environmental catastrophes is far much better than solving them and the doctrines of Wu wei and the Taoist conception of nature unequivocally agree. In summary the Asian, Western and Native American secular worldviews adduce that we are obliged to respect nature. Even if the arguments are premised on different backgrounds, they all talk of similar philosophies be it in different connotations. I cannot agree with this more and even if for nothing else, the experiences that unsustainable exploitation of the nature has a cyclic nature that ends up punishing mankind is premise enough.
Application Assignment #5
Sustainability is a terminology that describes many similar yet varied phenomena in different spheres of life. However, the basic concepts of sustainability are similar in these different spheres. I understand sustainability as the ability to endure. From this basic concept, sustainability can be developed to encompass different aspects in different fields. Putting sustainability to perspective in industrial operations, concepts like energy efficiency and wasted reduction are core concepts. In ecological spheres, sustainability requires the reduction of human impact on the environment so that is able to sustain life for a long period of time. A keen interest into the concept of sustainability will reveal that even in different fields, sustainability entails the same concepts and promises the same consequences and rewards. The height of unsustainability is evidenced by the reckless exploitation of natural resources.
The human impact on the environment is degrading to the environment as evidenced by changing climatic conditions as evidenced in china where night temperatures decrease by almost two degrees and increase by almost a degree Celsius during the day. Attempts towards sustainability are not to be left to the corporate bodies and industries. While they account for the highest percentage of pollution, the effects affect us all. In our own small weighs like reusing containers previously used to package food for other purposes will reduce the waste streams in landfills. Additionally, households can separate refuse into biodegradables and recyclables in order to encourage recycling. This will also reduce the waste streams in landfills.
Reading Assignment #6
Nature is important and essential to our existence. It is an integral part of our lives. From nature, we derive the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the materials we use to provide our other basic needs. Nature is also important in the development of economies and nations. The raw materials that drive industries come from nature (Clowney, & Patricia 140).The energy that powers the industries and our daily lives comes from nature. Even for these reasons, nothing should be spared to reduce the human impact on nature so as to enjoy sustenance. Yet, this is not what is presently happening.
Probably, we need to develop a new kind of ethics towards the environment. It would be important for this new kind of ethics to show us the intrinsic value in the environment. I believe that with such knowledge, mankind will no longer look at nature as just a means to an end. It is my view that nature has a certain order that mankind ought to be knowledgeable of and consequently respect and preserve the order. Breaching this order is catastrophic whether immediately or in the long run.
Application Assignment #7
A good attempt at sustainability and environmental consciousness is not only proactive but also multifaceted. Evidently, the city of San Francisco is aware of this is tackling environmental issues from every perspective it can. Even in its attempts, the city is aware that any attempts towards environmental conservation have to be enforced through laws. The fact that the city has enacted some of the toughest laws in the country is very interesting and befits its rank as the second smartest city after Seattle. Even more interesting is the city’s innovative way of rewarding and encouraging environmental conservation through free breaks on those who recycle. This is very effective given the 72% recycling rate in the city.
It is impressive that the city is endeavoring to reduce emission of greenhouse gases by discouraging driving and providing more energy efficient and environmental friendly alternatives for those that have to drive. The massive campaigns to enlighten the citizens of its endeavors through advertising and innovative applications speak loudly of the city’s resolve to tackle environmental issues. The standards set by San Francisco means that my local community has quite a lot to do. I think that the first thing the local authorities should do is popularize the need for recycling. Through campaigns, households should be enlightened to separate their organic refuse from the inorganic refuse to enhance recycling. Emerging technology allows for the recycling of plastics into reusable products.
Reading Assignment #8
Proponents of environmental ethics in the context of weak and strong anthropocentrism fault the notion of intrinsic value of nature. Their argument is that it is very difficult to defend the concept of intrinsic value. As an alternative, they offer the concept of anthropocentrism. The proponents posit that weak anthropocentrism a concept based on considered human preferences, gives many reasons to encourage environmental preservation rather than the witnessed unnecessary consumption. While it is common knowledge that the environment has value to humankind, the ascription of intrinsic value has been faulted immensely.
I posit that our failure to see the environment as something more than a means to an end is the reason why human activities continue to impact on the environment negatively. Nonetheless, the arguments by the proponents of anthropocentrism are not without merit. Individualistic views are largely to blame for many environmental issues. As such, an environmental ethics that is devoid of individualism is required. The worldview that offers the philosophical basis for this new ethics is subject to in-depth analysis at the moment (Clowney, & Patricia 170).
Works cited
Clowney, David, and Patricia Mosto. Earthcare: An Anthology in Environmental Ethics. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc, 2009. Print.
