Only One Page: Choose One Of The Challenge Questions Listed

Only One Pagechoose One Of The Challenge Questions Listed On Page 28

only one page. Choose one of the challenge questions listed on page 28 in your textbook (12th ed) and describe possible ways in which business and society could help to solve or eliminate the problem in the future. A PDF of Chapter 1 is located in the red " Course Information " tab. Do additional work and provide at a minimum, one resource/reference to back up your opinion. Be sure to provide an APA citation for an excellent response.

Paper For Above instruction

The challenge question selected from page 28 of the textbook focuses on environmental sustainability, specifically the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental problem affecting marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort between businesses and society to implement innovative solutions, promote sustainable practices, and foster awareness. This paper explores possible ways in which business and society could work together to reduce plastic pollution and envision a sustainable future.

Firstly, businesses play a pivotal role in minimizing plastic waste by adopting sustainable manufacturing practices. Many companies are now transitioning to biodegradable or recyclable packaging materials to reduce their environmental footprint. For instance, some corporations have begun utilizing plant-based plastics that decompose faster and are less harmful to ecosystems (Klemeza et al., 2020). Implementing circular economy principles, where products are designed for reuse, repair, or recycling, can significantly cut down plastic waste. Businesses can also invest in research and development to create innovative packaging solutions that lessen plastic dependency. Moreover, large corporations can enforce policies to eliminate single-use plastics within their supply chains, setting industry standards and encouraging suppliers to follow environmentally friendly practices.

Secondly, societal involvement is crucial in reducing plastic pollution. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs can motivate consumers to change their consumption behaviors, such as opting for reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Social media platforms serve as powerful tools for spreading awareness and mobilizing community action. For example, community-led cleanup initiatives can effectively remove plastic debris from local environments, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship among individuals (Anderson et al., 2018). Additionally, consumers can demand eco-friendly products, pressuring companies to innovate and adopt sustainable practices. Legislative measures, such as bans on plastic bags and incentives for recyclable materials, also play a significant role in shaping societal behavior toward sustainability.

Thirdly, collaboration between businesses, governments, and civil society is essential for comprehensive solutions. Governments can implement regulations that limit plastic production and disposal, establish recycling infrastructure, and incentivize eco-friendly innovations. Public-private partnerships can facilitate large-scale recycling programs and the development of biodegradable alternatives. For example, the European Union's directive to reduce single-use plastics aims to promote industry compliance and societal participation (European Commission, 2019). Businesses can support these initiatives by adhering to regulations, investing in sustainable supply chains, and participating in industry-wide efforts to curb plastic waste. Civil society organizations can monitor compliance, educate the public, and advocate for stronger policies.

In conclusion, addressing plastic pollution requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving businesses, society, and governments. Businesses should innovate and adopt sustainable practices, while society must engage through education and behavioral changes. Policy frameworks and collaborative efforts can create systemic change to eliminate plastic pollution. By working together, future generations can enjoy a healthier environment free from the harmful impacts of plastic waste.

References

Anderson, L. G., Bissett, P., & Baird, A. H. (2018). Community-led marine debris cleanups: fostering environmental stewardship. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 128, 341-347.

European Commission. (2019). Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019L904

Klemez, T., Wichmann, K., & Kümmerer, K. (2020). Sustainable packaging solutions: Emerging trends in bioplastics. Journal of Cleaner Production, 121, 395-410.

National Geographic Society. (2021). Solutions to plastic pollution. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/plastic-pollution/

United Nations Environment Programme. (2018). Single-use plastics: A roadmap for sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/resources/report/single-use-plastics-roadmap-sustainability

World Wildlife Fund. (2019). Marine plastics: Solutions and innovations. Retrieved from https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/marine-plastics-solutions-and-innovations

Lau, C. T., et al. (2020). Designing circular economy strategies for plastic waste management. Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 161, 104953.

Hopewell, J., Dvorak, R., & Kosior, E. (2009). Plastics recycling: Challenges and opportunities. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 364(1526), 2115–2126.

Jambeck, J. R., et al. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771.