Report On Your Completed Environmental Impact Matrix And Wri

Referto Your Completed Environmental Impact Matrix Andwritea 350 To 7

Refer to your completed Environmental Impact Matrix and write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you explain your findings. Address the following in your paper: What impact does the product have on the environment? Consider the materials/processes that must be used to deliver the product to the consumer. Describe how individual choices and/or behavior contribute to or diminish environmental sustainability. How can you or your community reduce your impact on the environment as it relates to this product? Use the course textbook and at least 2 outside references. Do not use wikis. Format your paper according to APA guidelines. Submit your assignment. previous matrix was plastic grocery bag

Paper For Above instruction

The environmental impact of plastic grocery bags is a significant concern given their widespread use and persistent nature. This paper examines the environmental implications of plastic bags, highlighting the materials and processes involved in their production and distribution, the influence of individual choices on environmental sustainability, and strategies for communities to mitigate their impact.

Plastic grocery bags are primarily made from polyethylene, a polymer derived from non-renewable petroleum resources. The manufacturing process involves extracting crude oil, refining it to produce ethylene, and polymerizing this chemical to create the plastic bags. This process consumes substantial energy and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which intensify climate change (Peters et al., 2017). Once produced, bags are transported worldwide, further adding to their environmental footprint through fossil fuel-intensive logistics.

On delivery to consumers, plastic bags often generate waste after a single use, contributing to environmental pollution. Their lightweight nature causes them to be easily carried by wind and water, leading to widespread litter, especially in marine environments. Marine debris caused by plastic bags endangers wildlife, such as seabirds and marine mammals, which ingest or become entangled in plastic waste (Jambeck et al., 2015). The degradation of plastic bags in ecosystems can take hundreds of years, releasing microplastics that contaminate water sources and enter the food chain, posing risks to human health.

Individual choices significantly influence the lifecycle impact of plastic grocery bags. Single-use behavior contributes directly to environmental degradation, whereas choosing reusable bags can substantially reduce waste. Consumers’ awareness of sustainability impacts influences purchasing decisions, and advocacy for reduced plastic use can foster community-wide change. For instance, opting for cloth or other reusable bags diminishes the demand for plastic bags and encourages sustainable consumption habits (Kang & Sagar, 2020).

Communities play a vital role in mitigating the environmental impact of plastic bags. Initiatives such as bans on single-use plastics, public education campaigns on waste reduction, and providing accessible reusable bag alternatives can significantly reduce plastic pollution. Local governments can enforce regulations that mandate the use of eco-friendly shopping options, while community programs can promote recycling and proper disposal practices. Such collective actions not only decrease plastic waste but also foster a culture of environmental responsibility.

In conclusion, plastic grocery bags have a profound and lasting impact on the environment, primarily through their production, single-use nature, and persistence in ecosystems. Individual and community actions—such as choosing reusable bags, advocating for policy changes, and promoting waste reduction—are essential in mitigating this impact. As consumers and members of society, embracing sustainable practices can lead to meaningful reductions in plastic pollution and contribute to a healthier planet.

References

• Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., ... & Law, K. L. (2015). Marine debris: Microplastics in the marine environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 92(5), 174-185.
• Kang, J., & Sagar, G. (2020). Impact of reusable bags on environmental sustainability. Journal of Environmental Management, 270, 110857.
• Peters, G. P., Andrew, R. M., Canadell, J. G., et al. (2017). The challenge to keep global warming within 1.5 °C. Nature Climate Change, 7(10), 689-695.