For my proposal I decided on the topic of Recycling and/or reusing. This topic is not explored in depth within our sustainability textbook, however it is directly relatable to some of the environmental ethical theories found in our primary readings.
I first noted this topic arising in Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethnic, Leopold discussed that man and land are to be considered as one entity, stating that man does not have dominance over the land. In his own way, I believe that Leopold was hinting at a belief that all things are meant to coexist without negatively affecting one another survival.
Another environmental theory that relates to my topic is Consumerism. In the world that we live in today, mankind is obsessed fulfilling its every desire with whatever solution is the fastest. This mentality is greatly contributing the pollution of our planet. By instilling proper ethics within society, the human race could learn to not just use, but to re-use.
A great example of the necessity to recycle can be found in the theory of Ecocentrism. Ecocentrism explains that the needs of the planet should be in the spotlight, while the needs of Humanities should be put on the back burner. The easiest place to apply this theory would be through the implementation of recycling.
Recycling materials and reusing others is a small but necessary step towards preserving and restoring our planet. The teachings of Environmental ethical theories are on the forefront, helping to guide mankind in the effortless battle of giving up their comfortably, but wasteful, lifestyles, and push through to a more sustainable tomorrow. (Link to video cited at bottom of page)
Dent, Andrew. “To Eliminate Waste, We Need to Rediscover Thrift.” TED, TED Conferences, LLC, Nov. 2017, www.ted.com/talks/andrew_dent_to_eliminate_waste_we_need_to_rediscover_thrift?utm_campaign=tedspread”
I was also thinking that instead of using the two Ethical theories that I wrote about that it might just be easier to use “Deep Ecology” to link everything together.
Teachers Response:
“Title of reference page should be centered. References should be double spaced. Leopold should be listed in your reference list. Use of third person required--you should not use "I" or "you" or "we". This is a paper about your topic, not about you or your reader. Don't say "I believe. . . " just say it--your reader will know it is your opinion.
Looks like you've made a great start on this. Keep in mind that in a short paper like this, you won't really be able to cover 2 or more environmental theories--you need to choose one and focus on how it applies to your topic.
Remember that when you turn this in to Assignments, it needs to be in proper MLA formatting.”
Final paper instructions:
“Instructions
Final Paper/Project - to be submitted as an MS Word attachment, unless you choose to do a Powerpoint presentation.
This assignment is the fulfillment of your proposal from the Week 5 Forum and Assignment.
Final papers should be between 1250-1500 words (not counting headers, references or direct quotations), due at the end of Week 8, 12 point font, double-spaced, and formatted in the MLA Style. The case study/topic should be addressed with the environmental ethic of one of our weekly, primary authors. This list includes Holmes Rolston, Aldo Leopold, Rachel Carson, Arne Naess, Peter Singer and Paul Taylor. See the Course Outline in our Syllabus for the weekly readings. Approximately 1/3 of your paper should be a description of the primary author's work and application to the case study/topic.
Sample Solution