Activity 3.3.3.1 Current Events in Plastic Pollution

 

Six-Point Critical Analysis of Current Event

 

My blog posting is available online at:

 

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.))

·        An investment company called on the United Nations Member States to set up a global treaty to get rid of plastic pollution at the February March 2020 UN Environment Assembly. (As you Sow, 2022)

·        They sought to have a legally binding treaty (As you Sow, 2022)

·        This had the support of more than 2 million people and three quarters of UN member states. (As you Sow, 2022)

 

2. Diagnostic                                     

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

 

I believe that many companies are wanting to turn away from plastic pollution to save face. Many companies in recent years have been caught in a bad light when the public sees their branded materials flooding oceans and other aquatic spaces. We now see the harm these plastics are causing and the companies that are at fault for continuing the trend. I think that that is why we are beginning to see companies switch to 100% recycled bottles so that the push to eliminate plastic is delayed or stopped all together.

 

3. Cause and Effect                         

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

 

If we ban plastic for in the United States alone, we will see a lot of lashing out from companies in terms of cost and how to get their products out to the public. We have gotten so use to plastic products, think of when many stores got rid of plastic bags and said that you had to bring your own bags. People were angry and wanted to stick to the way things were out of convenience.

 

4. Priority                                           

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

 

The most important issue is getting rid of plastic where we can, where it is practical to do so. Medical equipment would be one of those places where it would not be practical to do so out of safety concerns but replacing plastic bottles at your local 7-11 with something such as a reusable metal option would be ideal. But again, people will want to go for what is cheaper and what is more convenient and fight back against it. I believe our best option is to just do it like places have with plastic bags and simply not provide that option anymore. If you want to purchase a reusable option in store you can.

 

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?)

 

I believe this applies to me in terms of convenience over what is the better option for our environment. Willing to make changes but there will be a transitional period. I look at my every day and I see many things that I could swap or do to make a difference, but I allow small inconveniences to impede my better judgment. Things such as recycling is confusing in my apartment complex, the green bags like to biodegrade in my trash can, I forget everything including my reusable water bottle ALL THE TIME, I don’t have room in my tiny apartment to sort out my recycling and more. People want what is convenient and cheap so that is what they will go for and ultimately vote for.

6. Critical                                           

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

 

This challenged my assumptions on the priorities of people. If over 2 million people are backing this change that is about a million more than I had previously expected. We have been crying out for changes and it seems like people are finally following through and accepting the inconveniences that can come with it. People are making our planet a priority rather than just throwing money at it to help alleviate their guilt.

 

 

Works Cited:

As You Sow. (2022, October 11). As you sow investor call for a global treaty on Plastic Pollution. As You Sow. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.asyousow.org/blog/investor-call-for-a-global-treaty-on-plastic-pollution