Reference no: EM132326754
Write a response to student J.G.. Incorporate at least 1 resource in APA style.
Discussion: Think Globally, Act Locally
What items that you frequently use do you think have the greatest negative impact on the environment?
- I definitely use plastic products way more than I would like to. I use them mostly for the convenience of them, but I am aiming to find sustainable alternatives. For example, when I work out in the morning I use a plastic water bottle. If I just used a reusable water bottle and took the extra 2 minutes to fill it up, I could help the problem. I also use plastic bags a lot. I put snacks in them for my day, but I could be using Tupperware containers or reusable bags!
Explain how the use of the item impacts the environment and the people in your community?
- Unfortunately, plastic takes a long time to degrade. This means it stays in our environment for longer than we think and sits in landfills. If plastic is burned, it releases toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. This affects not only yourself, but anyone in the near vicinity of your community (Umbra, 2016).
What steps do you or your family members take to lessen your impact on the environment?
- My parents always encourage me to turn off the water when brushing my teeth or washing my face to help conserve water. I also try to eliminate my carbon footprint via animal products. I rarely eat meat, and when I do I try to find sustainably sourced animal products. Animal/meat production has a very high source of carbon dioxide that is released into our atmosphere.
What are some approaches communities could take to encourage members to reduce waste?
-I think our community should have more daily goals. On the news, they could advertise like one day free of single use water bottles. Another day could be carpooling to work with a coworker to save on gas. Another idea that has been proposed is meatless Monday's, to lessen the carbon footprint that way. I think if communities advertise it as a way to save money and also help the planet, people will definitely be on board.
Reference:
Umbra®, A. 2016, June 22. What's worse, burning plastic or sending it to a landfill? Retrieved from https://grist.org/living/whats-worse-burning-plastic-or-sending-it-to-a-landfill/