Category: Environmental Issues

Introduction

The Port of Hastings has always played a significant role in the Australian shipping industry. According to experts, the countrys shipping industry will grow significantly in the coming years. This situation explains why the Victorian Government plans to expand the Port of Hastings. This paper analyses the issues surrounding the expansion of the Port of Hastings. The discussion identifies some of the key players in this issue. The paper analyses the environmental issues associated with the project. The report presents my views and recommendations for this project.

What does the Hastings Port Expansion project involve and who is the project proponent?

The Port of Hastings will remain a key area in the Australian shipping sector. The port will also serve different regions such as Victoria and Melbourne. The approach will be critical towards supporting the proposed expansion in container operations (Port of Hastings: Port Expansion: About the Project 2014, par. 3). After identifying the potential benefits of the project, the Victorian Government has committed over $110 million towards the ports expansion. The government also expects the proponent of the project to obtain all appropriate environmental and planning documentations (Port of Hastings: Port Expansion: About the Project 2014). Such efforts are critical to the success of the project. The Government of Victoria established the Port of Hastings Development Authority (PHDA) to oversee every activity aimed at expanding the harbour. The government-appointed the PDHA to act as the proponent of the project. The PDHA is presently undertaking the relevant environmental assessments and surveys before starting the project. The minister also expects the proponent to create the best business case.

Who are the key players in this issue, and what are their positions on the proposed development?

Every project must have specific key players. Such players determine the effectiveness and implications of the project. The first key player in the issue is the Westernport and Peninsula Protection Council Incorporation. This council is opposed to the proposed project because it will degrade the environment. According to the organisation, the decision will pose a major threat due to marine pests. The project will also cause oil spills. The other player is the Government of Victoria. According to the Government of Victoria, this port is one of the best areas to expand (Wathern 2013). The government expects the new port to promote trade and economic development.

The Victorian National Parks Association is another key stakeholder. This association is planning to educate more citizens about the impacts of the project. The association believes that the project will have negative impacts on Westernport Bay. The agency has conducted various studies to establish potential impacts of the proposed project (Wathern 2013). Blue Wedges is another agency trying to protect the environment from this project. According to the agency, the plan will contaminate the area and increase toxic wastes. The project has the potential to produce disastrous weather events. A local group called Preserve Western Port is working hard to preserve and protect the environment. The group is working with local communities in order to protect the region from degradation and pollution.

What are the potential environmental impacts of the Port of Hastings development?

The above checklist explains why this proposed project might produce numerous impacts. The expansion of Port Hastings will produce a wide range of socio-economic impacts. The project will result in new job opportunities and business activities. The port might support the regions economy (Platt 2014, p. 1). However, the project will have disastrous effects at the local level. People will lose their recreational facilities and beaches. The locals will have to deal with increased noise levels and traffic (Carey & Gordon 2014). The people will be restricted from using the port. However, a proper plan and proposal will ensure the expansion creates new recreational facilities. The government will use financial resources to support the project. According to Wathern (2013, p. 54), the completed port might transform the countrys tourism industry.

The expansion of Hastings Port is a good example of such projects. Some of the projected environmental impacts include loss of habitats and increased sea levels (Raff 2014, p. 3). The project will also affect different species due to increased disturbance and pollution (Platt 2014, p. 1). The project will significantly result in environmental deterioration. The people will have to cope with increased oil spills and loss of their fishing zones. Global warming might become a reality due to extreme weather changes. Flooding and erosion in the coastal region will also become major problems.

What is another technique that could be used to predict and assess the potential environmental impacts of this development?

Engineers and researchers use quality tools to analyse the potential environmental impacts of different projects. Some of the best assessment techniques include networks, overlays, checklists, and matrices (Wathern 2013, p. 27). The proponents and stakeholders of the project can use matrices to evaluate the implications of this project. Matrices are effective because they make it easier for researchers to analyse the interaction between different environmental components and project activities (Wathern 2013, p. 32). These two-dimensional charts facilitate the assessment of different stages and activities. The tool makes it possible for researchers to predict the impacts of different practices or activities. This technique is used in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) because it establishes how various activities affect different environmental components (Wathern 2013, p. 39). Engineers can use the tool to make appropriate decisions. This EIA tool has unique advantages. The tool describes the relationship between two or more factors. Researchers can expand the tool in order to meet their targeted needs (Eccleston 2011, p. 65). This tool identifies the impacts of specific phases and stages of a project. Engineers can use the tool to separate site-specific implications from those affecting the targeted region (Platt 2014, p. 1). The method has several weaknesses. The researcher might not get every required detail or information. The method is also labour-intensive. Engineers must gather their data from different players and stakeholders. Accuracy and dedication are critical whenever using this assessment tool.

What is the significance of the projects environmental impact?

The checklist presented in question 4 identifies several impacts arising from the proposed project. The most critical issue is the projects environmental impact. The word significance refers to the importance or quality of deserving necessary attention (Wathern 2013, p. 73). I have chosen the environmental impact within the context of this definition because it determines the future of different organisms and people (Wathern 2013, p. 78). The environment has always supported life. It also guarantees posterity (Kirkman 2014, p. 6). The targeted port supports different animals, insects, and plants. The decision to expand the port will affect many natural habitats. The project will also affect every food chain. The project will also disturb the natural environment. The proposed project will also disturb many animal species. These animals will migrate thus destroying the beauty of the port. The increased levels of pollution will affect the surrounding environment and make inappropriate for human survival (Kirkman 2014, p. 6). The completed project will attract more container ships.

The economic activities at the port will increase oil spills, thus killing different aquatic animals and plants. People will lose their fishing areas or zones. According to Carey and Gordon (2014), the project will also destroy the environment, increase sea levels, and eventually promote global warming (par. 4). This development will produce new weather changes. Floods and soil erosions will become common in the region. The world is working hard to reduce the impacts of climate change. The Government of Victoria should analyse the impacts of this project. The government should examine the environmental issues associated with this expansion before making its final decision. The approach will safeguard many lives and natural habitats.

What are the key planning stages for this development? What surveys are currently being undertaken?

The proposed Port of Hastings development is characterised by key planning stages. Planning is what determines the success of any project. The first stage is analysing the benefits of the proposed project. The next one is identifying the areas covered by the project. The other critical stage is conducting various surveys in order to establish the appropriateness of the project. Project Assessment Process (PAP) is also a critical stage for this expansion. The next stage is to create the best engineering design using the collected information. The next approach is to identify the resources and efforts required to complete the project. Topographic surveys are critical towards mapping the physical attributes of the targeted port. Marine geotechnical surveys will make it easier for every planner to have the best plan for the proposed expansion (Port of Hastings: Port Expansion: About the Project 2014). The Port of Hastings Development Authority (PHDA) is currently conducting new surveys to examine the environmental implications of the project. The important thing is to ensure such surveys are in accordance with the required laws.

Although this development is still taking shape and details are yet to be finalised, what is your view at this stage?

The Port of Hastings project is still taking shape. The projects details are yet to be finalised. My view is that the Government of Victoria is dedicated to the projects success. The proponents of the project have undertaken various surveys and studies in order to establish its impacts. The current stage explains why more studies are required in order to address the above impacts (Platt, 2014). This project will present two issues to the people. The first one is supporting peoples economic positions due to increased activities. The second issue arises from the projected degradation of the environment.

In conclusion, it is agreeable that the government might not abandon this project despite the efforts availed by different associations and corporations. The port will also affect the surrounding environment and destroy various habitats (Raff, 2014). People will lose their recreational facilities and beaches. I will not support this project because it has the potential to affect the natural environment. The Victorian Government should, therefore, address these impacts before undertaking the project.

List of References

Carey, A & Gordon, J 2014, Hastings port expansion to over-burden Melbournes roads and rail lines, report finds, The Age Victoria. Web.

Eccleston, C 2011, Environmental Impact Assessment: A Guide to Best Professional Practice, CRC Press, Sydney.

Kirkman, H 2014, Impact of proposed Port of Hastings expansion on sea-grass, mangroves and salt marsh. Web.

Platt, K 2014, Government Pressured Over Port Plans. Web.

Port of Hastings: Port Expansion: About the Project 2014. Web.

Raff, A 2014, Future Plans for the Port of Hastings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Web.

Wathern, P 2013, Environmental Impact Assessment: Theory and Practice, Routledge, New York.

Introduction

Hospitality industry, like any other industry, is greatly dependent on the outside environment this is why its concern with certain environmental issues is natural. Lately, the constituents of the hospitality industry demonstrated a clear understanding that environment sustainability is a matter of necessity (Parida and Mishra 2004, p.34) and that environment has a profound effect on the functioning of this industry. Hospitality industry is the one which uses such resources as energy and water to the biggest extent (Lockyer 2007). This makes saving of energy and water resources the first environmental issue which has influence on the hospitality industry. Another issue is water and air pollution. Since some sectors of hospitality industry are closely connected with recreation and health improvement (Fasulo and Walker 2007), quality of water and air are vital for it. They are directly connected with meeting the demands of the customers and obtaining the expected profit. These environmental issues affect lives of people worldwide because they have not only economical, but social and cultural implications as well. Saving energy and water resources is necessary for the hospitality industry, because these are the resources which it utilizes the most. Fighting with water and air pollution, as well as observing the standards of drinking water supply are vital for proper functioning of this industry and health of the consumers. These environmental issues have numerous social and cultural implications which increase their importance.

Discussion

To begin with, saving of energy and water resources is one of the most vital issues in the hospitality industry. The matter is that saving of resources influences directly the welfare of the hospitality industry. This especially concerns energy resources. Hospitality industry consumes a great amount of energy, because it is a diverse industry, a large proportion of which is devoted to servicing the needs of other industries such as the welfare and industrial sectors (Webster 2000, p.61) Hospitality industry may be characterized by an incessant operation, which means that its sectors function all the year round. This is why saving energy each day will influence greatly the overall results of saving of energy resources during the year. This task is rather challenging for the hospitality industry management, because it involves a number of activities which they will have to be in charge of. The management should take into account a wide range of factors which the amount of energy consumed by any sector of the industry depends on. The most significant factors are the size and location of the building, the specifications to which it has been built, the heating and lighting systems that it employs, and the activities that take place inside it (Webster 2000, p.62). When evaluating energy efficiency, it is important to determine which energy costs each sector of an operation requires and then reduce the costs of these sectors depending on the necessity of energy consumption. When planning energy-saving strategies, the managers of the hospitality industry should consider what the current energy requirements of the building are, in order to calculate & the most cost effective measures to implement in the short term (Webster 2000, p.64). Location of the building belonging to hospitality industry is one of the key factors responsible for the consumption of energy by this building. For instance, if the building is situated in the exposed area (for instance, on the seafront) and its frontage is rather broad, more heat will be lost than if a building is located in a sheltered spot, for example in a town centre or in a warmer climate (Webster 2000, p.64). These characteristics should be taken into account by hospitality industry management who should find ways to reduce energy consumption by such buildings or to compensate for it (this can be done through reducing energy consumption by the buildings which do not need much heating).

Saving water resources is especially important for certain sectors of hospitality industry. This concerns lodging industry in the first place, because numerous hotels, camping sites, and boarding houses use water for cleaning, drinking, bathing, fire safety systems, and sanitary purposes; moreover, food and beverage operations use water for food preparation, cooking, and a variety of cleaning purposes; laundry operations are also substantial consumers of water; grounds and landscaping can consume significant amount of water as well (Pizam 2005, p.648). This means that any activity which takes place in this sector of the hospitality industry involves using water resources at least to some extent. Thus, hospitality facilities require relatively large amounts of water and create large amounts of wastewater (Pizam 2005, p.648). The consumption of water depends on the size of the building and such amenities as swimming pools. Each day hotels use large amounts of water:

The hotel water usage ranges from 101 gallons per available room per day in a hotel with less than 75 rooms, to 208 gallons per room per day in a hotel with 500 or more rooms. This amount averages out to 154 gallons per available room per day, or 56.210 gallons of water per room per year. (Chandra 2004, p.295)

This makes tourism (which constitutes 30% of guests in any country) responsible for utilizing 16.843 gallons of water per every room annually. As far as the entire lodging industry is concerned, it has been estimated to use 154 billion gallons per year, with tourism therefore accounting for about 46.2 billion gallons per year (Chandra 2004, p.295). These numbers show that hospitality industry, especially its sectors responsible for lodging, are in a great need of saving water resources. This would add some work for the management of the hospitality industry, which will have to find out ways to reduce the amount of the water utilized by every sector. Management of the hospitality industry should organize campaigns for saving water resources aimed to making people who use their services more environmentally conscious (Jones and Martin 2004). If each sector of this industry will be able to reduce the amount of the consumed water at least to 5-7 percent, the overall numbers will not be so striking. Thus, saving water and energy resources is extremely important for the hospitality industry, because it has a great impact on its functioning and development.

Furthermore, air and water pollution is another environmental issue which the hospitality industry has to deal with. Clean air is commonly associated with any recreation area; the place where people have rest and entertain themselves should, first of all, be useful for their health. This being the reason, air pollution is one of the biggest problems which hospitality industry management encounters. This inevitably influences the state of this industry and the work of its management. Their most important task in frames of this issue is to ensure the best indoor air quality (IAQ) for people who use their services, especially when it comes to the countries where air pollution is the greatest. Ensuring good air quality involves certain expenses which the hospitality industry management should take into consideration. Failure to do this may lead to serious consequences and even bigger expenses; thus, the cost of poor IAQ in the hospitality industry alone exceeds $19 billion. This estimate includes absenteeism and sick leave, health-related costs, turnover, and productivity improvement (Burroughs and Hansen 2004, p.5). Smoking is one of the causes of such pollution. Taking into account that over 20% of the adult population still smoke, the control of the problem contaminant remains a concern to the building owner or manager of facilities that contain smoking designated places (Burroughs and Hansen 2004, p.135). Introducing smoking bans seem to be one of the solutions to the problem of poor indoor air quality. Nevertheless, it is not easy to enforce these bans because it can significantly lower the revenues of such sectors of hospitality industry as bars and restaurants. The managers of these sectors keep to an idea that ventilation or air cleaning, often in conjunction with designated smoking areas, provides acceptable alternatives to smoking bans (Henningfield, Santora, and Bickel 2004, p.190). This is also unlikely to involve greater expenses than those which bars and restaurants will have to bear in case they prohibit smoking in the buildings. Apart from smoking, indoor air quality issues involve the exposure of a buildings occupants to various air pollutants: particles, gases, and biological organisms, for example mold, and a formulation of standards regarding ventilation and health protection (Pizam and Holcomb 2007, p.153). It is the responsibilities of hospitality industry management to follow these standards and to ensure that the buildings correspond to them. Their task in terms of this issue is to organize events and activities aimed at determining required levels of ventilation to sustain acceptable (IAQ) across a variety of facility designs and assessing the effectiveness of IAQ control technologies in controlling human exposure to indoor pollutants (Pizam and Holcomb 2007, p.145).

As it has been already mentioned above, hospitality industry is one of the biggest water consumers this is why water pollution is a no less vital issue for it. Tackling the problem of water pollution for this industry should start with careful discharging of its own wastes, particularly toxic wastes such as pesticides or cleaning chemicals from laundry areas (Barth and Hayes 2005, p.124). Management of hospitality industry sectors bears large responsibility for discharging waste and should be aware of numerous laws and standards this procedure entails. In addition, they should take care about the quality of the drinking water, because this aspect is directly connected with the health of those who use their services. They need to make sure that the following precautions are observed:

Water from a public water system must meet National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and state drinking water quality standards. Water from a nonpublic water system also must meet state drinking water quality standards. Water from a nonpublic water system needs to be sampled and tested at least annually and as required by state water quality regulations. (Arduser and Brown 2005, p.296)

Hospitality industry management is also responsible for the bottle water they supply their customers with. Of course, the primary responsibility lies on the bottle water manufacturers, but it is the managements obligation to obtain goods only from the approved sources (Arduser and Brown 2005). Drinking water pollution cannot be dealt with, but the management should take all possible measures to avoid bacterial infections which spread through drinking water, because it directly influences the reputation of hotels, resorts, and the related sectors of the hospitality industry (Yu 2002). The preventive measures are likely to involve certain expenses, but they will hardly be higher than those which the lawsuits from the consumers who suffered from the polluted water are going to entail. Therefore, management of the hospitality industry should always remember about the air and water pollution and take correspondent measures to protect the consumers from their harmful influence.

Finally, such environmental issues as saving of energy and water resources, as well as fighting with air and water pollution have certain social and cultural implications. Socially, all these issues can help to make people more environmentally conscious. This concerns hospitality industry in the first place, though the influence on other industries will be no less considerable. Among social implications which saving of energy resources may involve, greater awareness of social responsibility (Strong and Hemphill 2006, p.118) is one of the most significant. Desire to save energy resources and to find substitutes for them (such as renewable energy systems) will considerably change social structures and patterns of living:

The influence of modern science and technology will insure that there are considerable improvements to older methods, and subsequently standards of living can be expected to rise, especially in the rural sector. It is impossible to predict the long term effect of such changes in energy supply, but the sustainable nature of renewable energy should produce greater stability than has been the case with fossil fuels (Twidell and Weir 2006, p.24).

This shows that searching for renewable energy systems and utilizing them will involve significant social consequences. Saving of water resources will also entail numerous social changes, such as working out of water supply projects. They will tangibly increase financial and social costs, but will help to fight with water scarcity for food production, which is vital for the hospitality industry. For this, management of this and other industries will need to do the following:

1. Invest in infrastructure to increase the supply of water for irrigation, domestic, and industrial purposes;
2. Conserve water and improve the efficiency of water use in existing systems through reforms in water management and policy, and
3. Improve crop productivity per unit of water and land through integrated water management and agricultural research and policy efforts, including crop breeding and water management for rainfed agriculture. (Resegrant, Cai, and Cline 2002, p.22).

This scenario can be regarded as one of the social implications of saving water resources, because it involves a number of social activities and social costs. One more social implication of water shortages is the increasing price for this resource (Economy and Council of Foreign Relations 2005). Prices for what is rare are always high and water is not an exception; its shortage and increasing of prices for it may serve as a motivation for people to save as much of it as possible. As far as water and air pollution is concerned, the main social implications here are health implication for people who have to consume contaminated water and breathe polluted air. Both polluted and air water may lead to serious health problems (Johnstone, Hascic, and Jones 2008, p.41) in children and adults, this is why fighting with pollution will turn attention of all the people. Another social implication rising from this one is sparing out money for purifiers from the governmental and local budgets, which will affect the welfare of citizens.

Cultural implications of the environmental issues in question are no less serious. What is even more important is that the first issue, shortage of water and energy resources, has both positive and negative cultural implications. Culturally, such environmental issues as saving of water and energy resources and dealing with water and air pollution touch upon every nation and unite them in a common goal. On the other hand, those countries which have more resources at their disposal provoke international conflicts which lead to the enforced limited consumption of these resources (Chall 2000, p.2711). A vivid example of this is the functioning of monopolies in Russia which is attempting to establish strategic control over its energy resources against the preferences of the EU (Aalto 2008, p.56). Monopolies of energy resources may make different nations unequal in possessing of the resources which primarily belong to the nature; this shapes biased opinions regarding definite nations and hinders the development of intercultural. The main cultural implication of water and air pollution is changing of cultural attitudes about the quality of the water and its usage, as well as about the air contamination. For instance, countries which are known for their resorts may become not so popular among tourists because of air and water contamination; this will significantly change the attitude of other people to such countries and their culture. Moreover, this will entail the loss of value of cultural heritage of the nations living in these countries.

Conclusion

In sum, saving of water and energy resources and dealing with water and air pollution are the most important environmental issues which the hospitality industry is currently preoccupied with. Since this industry is one of the biggest consumers of water and energy, the management should take measures to reduce this consumption and to make those who use the services of hospitality industry more environmentally conscious. All the sectors of this industry should observe drinking water standards and take care about proper waste discharging, because they are responsible for health and welfare of people who they supply with their services. Taking measures on preventing the air and drinking water contamination will entail financial expenses, but they will be much less than those which the ruined health of the consumers may involve. These environmental issues have certain social and cultural implications. For instance, energy and water shortages lead to increased prices for these resources, which results in an increased awareness about the necessity of saving these resources by means of implementing different projects and strategies for energy and water supply..Major social implications of air and water pollution include health problems of people who live in contaminated areas, as well as certain costs from local budgets for purifiers, which also affects the welfare of these people. Culturally, shortage of resources leads to cultural conflicts between the nations which possess more of these resources and those which do not have them. Water and air pollution results in losing the value of cultural heritage in those countries whose resorts became contaminated.

References

1. Aalto, P. 2008. The EU-Russian Energy Dialogue: Europes Future Energy Security, p.56. VT: Ashgate Publishing.
2. Arduser, L. and Brown, R. 2005. HACCP and sanitation in restaurants and food service operations: a practical guide based on the FDA food code, p.296. New York: Atlantic Publishing Company.
3. Barth, S.C. and Hayes, D.K. 2005. Hospitality law: managing legal issues in the hospitality industry, 2^nd ed., p.124. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
4. Burroughs, H.E. and Hansen, S.J. 2004. Managing indoor air quality, 3^rd ed., pp.5-135. New York: The Fairmont Press, Inc.
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7. Economy, E. and Council on Foreign Relations. 2005. The river runs black: the environmental challenge to Chinas future, p.94. New York: Cornell University Press.
8. Fasulo, M. and Walker, P. 2007. Careers in the Environment, 3^rd ed., p.24. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.
9. Henningfield, J.E., Santora, P.B. and Bickel, W.K. 2007. Addiction treatment: science and policy for the twenty-first century, p.190. New York: JHU Press.
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20. Yu, L. 2002. The international hospitality business: management and operations, p.14. New York: Haworth Press.

Introduction

Human factors engineering is a field that employs a systems methodology to fit tasks to human abilities and skills while boosting technology and human interfaces (Pene par. 1). It is aimed at abating errors and injury, and making the end products to be user-centered, and not equipment-centered. It identifies and uses information about human capabilities, mannerism, limitations, and other traits to the design of products, machines, jobs, tasks, systems and work environments for the productive, harmless and efficient human use (Rahman et al. 7). Human factors engineering is essential as it is cost-effective, reduces operational errors and increases chances of success. For an industrial engineering graduate with expectations of venturing into the technological world of production of virtual reality (VR) devices, VR platform, or VR applications, having a knowledge base of the human factors issues associated with virtual environments (VEs) is paramount. Individuals and firms with the ability to master the present and future VE technologies, and to invent novel devices which humans can use efficiently, comfortably, and safely are likely to dominate future global markets.

Background

The twentieth century witnessed a chain of significant events in the advancement of interactive digital technologies. Explicitly, the speedy growth in computer graphics hardware and software enabled the launch of computer-generated imagery and animation, scientific visualization, wearable computing, and virtual reality (Stone 152). Virtual reality constitutes the use of computer graphics systems and display and interface devices to elicit the feeling of immersion in an interactive 3D computer-generated environment in which the virtual objects have a spatial presence (Aromaa and Väänänen 140). Conversely, virtual environments are systems that enhance communication between humans and computers. The interest in virtual reality is grounded in the embedded 3D structure of its environment, both in the way of display and interaction. Head-tracked stereoscopic displays present 3D depth signals that are superior to the ones provided with screens of 3D situations that occur on real workstations (Aromaa and Väänänen 140). Similarly, the position and orientation trackers fastened to the users hand give the ability to control objects in 3D space.

Recently, immersive technologies have become easily affordable and commercially feasible. These devices have found application in many fields, and other roles continue to be explored as new sophisticated and efficient innovations are developed. Some of the industries that have benefitted from VR include engineering, military, medicine, design, education, training, and entertainment. Human-factors experts utilize VR for the user-system analysis and design, scientists use VR to display big data, and stock market analysts employ VR to forecast changes in the market environment to achieve optimal profits, while the military uses VR to simulate war scenarios and training exercises (Tokela and 0slerb 255).

The medical profession uses VR as training instruments, and in telemedicine. For instance, in teleradiology and telepathology, clinicians employ the digital viewing environment to make diagnostic decisions or interpretations based on the presented data (Tokela and 0slerb 255). Also, the augmented reality Immersive system is exploited to design patient-specific skull implants. This VE device has been created to provide medical modelers with an operating environment which imitates the traditional workspace and has replaced the costly and elaborate old sculpting procedures like physical sculpting, stereolithography and mold making (Tokela and 0slerb 255). The system is also useful in medical consultation, pre-operative arrangements, implant design, surgical simulation, postoperative assessment, education and global health emergencies (Tokela and 0slerb 255).

As pertains to education, the accessibility of computer and internet to the learning institutions has provided exciting opportunities for teaching, learning, and the whole education process. Online learning software such as Moodle and 3D virtual environments promote interaction between educators, proprietors, and students and enable the use of multimedia tools and text to enhance learning activities (Tokela and 0slerb 256). Now, historical events can be scanned and captured for preservation and distribution for educational purposes. For instance, the 3D scans of the Apollo 11 lunar module from Autodesk have enabled students in classrooms around the world to have an experience of expeditions to the moon (Tokela and 0slerb 255). Similarly, industrial projects are designed with the aid of 3D software engines. In this context, the use of VEs provides a room for discussion, change, creation and delivery of better outcomes as it can easily be understood by non-engineering professionals. Virtual environments have the potential to provide an in silico field training for manufacturing, construction, oil and gas companies, giving the trainees an experience of the expected encounter in the actual field stations (Tokela and 0slerb 256).

The business world has transformed into a service economy as products are now accompanied by a service component (Pene par. 2). Such an economy makes management to be a vital component. In the modern technological world, service companies use state-of-the-art innovations to improve the efficiency of their management and human resource systems. Some adventurous and risk-taking firms utilize second life VEs to recruit and interview potential staff, to establish job networks and attract the best talent. Furthermore, companies brand and market themselves using VR as witnessed by the existence of more interactive virtual establishments that envision companys values, prospects, and strategies, which reflect on the organizational culture and significance (Pene par. 2). Firms have established virtual teams to communicate and relate to other firms or with their multinational subsidiaries.

Likewise, virtual reality allows designers to generate new devices for engaging entertainment that can provide a more intimate and emotional experience. Thus, VR is perceived as a next-generation storytelling platform and has already featured in some films and games, e.g., Stingray 3D game engine and Adr1ft (Pene par. 2). Also, VEs are applied in the built environment. Real-time rendering engines are significant in making designs. They enable architects to present their proposed projects better, simulate their designs to portray how those blueprints would work if they were erected and functional, and showcase their ideas to clients (Pene par. 2).

The information existing as building information models (BIM) is sent to a VR device to produce 3D images (Pene par. 3). The user gets a chance to walk through the 3D schemes created as if they are real and experiences the various aspects of those designs in high-quality visualization. This way, designers develop buildings that appropriately match the expectations and desires of their clients. Equally, designers and engineers in the automotive industry have employed virtual environments, e.g., VRED to create product showcases, design reviews and build virtual prototypes (Pene par. 3). The designers experience all the elements of the car model accurately since they feel they are sitting in the car instead of viewing it as a 2D image on a PC screen. Volkswagen and Volvo are some of the automobile manufacturers that have already adopted the technology (Pene par. 3).

Human Factors Methods

For VR technologies to be useful and well received by end users, they must have been designed with some human factors being considered (Qiu et al. 2). The relationship between the user and the system within the VEs is so intricate that it becomes impossible to separate human factors from design issues when aiming to attain the full potential of VE technology (Qiu et al. 2). That is so because it is the abilities and limitations of the user that often determine the effectiveness of virtual worlds. Knowledge of human-factors issues is essential in providing a rational foundation on which to direct future VE research efforts intended to advance the technology to better satisfy the needs of its users (Qiu et al. 2). The human-factors issues in VEs include human performance efficiency in virtual worlds, health and safety concerns, and the social impact of technology (Gao et al. 874). Firstly, suitable VEs are the ones that have the maximum efficiency of human task performance in them.

Human performance is predicted by elements like the navigational complexity of the VE, the measure of presence accorded by the virtual world, and the users performance on standardized tests (Gao et al. 874). It is influenced by various factors, e.g., task and user characteristics, integration aspects with multimodal interaction, design limitations imposed by the human motor and sensory physiology, and the possible requirement of new auditory, visual and haptic design metaphors exclusively matched to VEs (Gao et al. 874). Secondly, the protection of the health and welfare of users of the VR technology is essential. To neglect human elements in VEs result in discomfort, harm or injury to the users. The health and welfare elements that may affect users of VEs include both minor direct effects on tissues and significant body dysfunctions, e.g., trauma, cybersickness, and indirect physiological aftereffects and psychiatric instabilities (Gao et al. 874). Thirdly, the social impact of VR is another factor worth consideration. The misuse or abuse of VR can lead to many adverse social implications, e.g., promoting addiction and orchestrating violence. As such, there are many unanswered social questions about the probable psychological, character, personality development, social fitness, and behavioral effects that VE use might pose to individuals (Gao et al. 875).

The responsibility of addressing human factors issues in the VE product design and support lies with the human factors/ergonomics engineers. The traditional engineering practice was that of assembling tangible objects to produce complex machines. However, the main drawback of this approach which was based on the inflexible concept of analytical thinking was that flaws in the usability of these machines were often discovered belatedly to make socio-technical corrections (Faas et al. 140). Comparatively, ergonomics is based on the concept of design thinking and factors in technological possibilities, economic viability, and peoples requirements (Faas et al. 140). The human factors engineering practice is interwoven with the whole of the engineering process. It begins with the mission and activity evaluations during design and continues through to the manufacturing level with failure mode analyses, operational sequence examination, workload assessment and risk analyses (Faas et al. 140).

The functional requirements of a VE device are ascertained at the early design stages of a project (Stone 152). It is at this level that human factors engineering expertise is most useful. The functional requirements mold the usability of the product or system that is being designed. Designing in usability is an initial objective of any project. Nevertheless, where the right human factors proficiency and concern for the users and operators of the device were overlooked at the start, specialists can propose redesigning of completed products which consumers cant use efficiently or are uncomfortable with (Stone 152). Evaluating a product design concept is a critical step in the concept development. The main aim of evaluation is to decide whether to initiate the concept utilization, iterate the idea further or to discontinue it. Assessment helps to identify reception of the early product prototypes among the intended user group and to evaluate the design from a human factors stance (Stone 152).

The users performance and preferences are based on their answers to the final questionnaire, regarding their experience in VE designs. A group of unbiased representatives of the target users segment evaluates the concept in the VR environment. Several sets of users may guide further design modifications and are selected according to age group, medical condition, culture, and geography. In addition to the use of questionnaires (data collection technique), there are other numerous human factors methods that virtual engineers can employ to evaluate VR technologies. These include task analysis, cognitive task analysis, charting, human error identification, situation awareness measurement, mental workload measurement, team performance analysis, interface analysis, system design, and performance time assessment techniques (Faas et al. 142). For example, interface analysis methods are useful in assessing aspects of HVEI like usability, user satisfaction, layout, labeling, error, and the controls and displays used (Faas et al. 143). Under interface analysis category, some methods are also available  usability assessment approaches, error analysis procedures, and general interface assessment techniques (Faas et al. 143). All these processes aim at reducing or excluding the necessity of training to promote usability.

Industry Assessment of the Importance of Human Factors

The complicated process of design and virtual prototyping of the manufacturing workplaces is characterized with a high level of human factors, and these are improved by various VE tools  HMD, tracking and gesture recognition systems, and haptic devices (Rahman et al. 8). In any industry, human factor engineering has some significant benefits. The first is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency with which work and other operations are achieved (Rahman et al. 8). Ergonomics lead to increased ease of use, improved productivity and reduced errors. The second importance is to boost some appropriate human values, including enhanced safety, increased comfort, reduced fatigue and stress, higher user acceptance, better job satisfaction, and improved quality of life (Rahman et al. 8).

Thirdly, human factors play a role in the designing of methods and operation, system and interface, product and equipment, task and job, workstation, work arrangement and working environment, and information (Rahman et al. 8). Similarly, it helps to reduce production cost by eliminating the process of redesigning complete products to make them user-centered. Human factors engineering has ensured continuity of VE technology. In fact, the survival of any technological innovation rests upon its ergonomic quality since equipment that is perceived to be unsafe cannot be manufactured further. Poor human factors application in the virtual reality industry and all manufacturing firms results in less production output, more lost time, higher physiological cost, higher risk of accidents, higher employee turnover, increased chances of error, more fatigue and higher injury rate (Rahman et al. 10).

Personal Assessment of the Human Factors Methods

As stated above, there are numerous human factors methods for the evaluation of HVEI. I assess that whichever technique ergonomics specialists decide to employ, they must consider the task at hand, i.e., whether it is an assessment and evaluation of the existing activity, the design lifecycle of a process or a system, or analysis of performance in a novel and current environments. Additional features that are worth considering in the choice of a human factors method are the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. A suitable technique should be easy to use, require little training, of low cost, be structured, offer a direct assessment of the VE system or device under analysis, provide immediately useful data, and be reliable, valid and exhaustive.

Conclusion

This paper has explored the relevant information on the various human factors issues relating to VEs, the role of VE technology in the society, the different human factors methods applied in the VE tools design, production and support, and the importance of ergonomics in the industry. The recent high rate of technological advancement has generated the need for considering ergonomics early in the design and development stage, and in an orderly approach. Because of the intricacy of many new and modified systems, it is often impossible to make adjustments after they have been produced. Also, the cost of redesigning has been frequently exorbitant. Therefore, the initial designs of virtual systems, products, equipment, and environment must satisfactorily consider human factors.

Works Cited

Aromaa, Susanna, and Kaisa Väänänen. Suitability of Virtual Prototypes to Support Human Factors/Ergonomics Evaluation during the Design. Applied Ergonomics, vol. 56, no. 1, 2016, pp.11-18.

Faas, Daniela, et al. The Influence of Immersion and Presence in Early Stage Engineering Designing and Building. Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Design, Analysis and Manufacturing, vol. 28, no. 1, 2014, pp. 139-151.

Gao, Wei, et al. Enhancing Fidelity of Virtual Assembly by Considering Human Factors. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol. 83, no. 1, 2016, pp. 873-886.

Pene, Brian. 5 Ways Virtual and Augmented Reality is Changing our Lives. World Economic Forum on Latin, 2016, Web.

Qiu, Shiguang, et al. Human Factors Automatic Evaluation for Entire Maintenance Processes in Virtual Environment. Assembly Automation, vol. 34, no. 4, 2014, pp. 1-27.

Rahman, Chowdury, et al. Importance of Human Factors in Industrial Engineering and Design. SEU Journal of Science and Engineering, vol. 8, no. 1-2, 2014, pp. 7- 13.

Stone, Robert. Getting VR Right Then and Now& The Indispensable Role of Human Factors and Human-Centered Design Presence, vol. 25, no. 2, 2016, pp. 151- 160.

Tokela, Saniye, and Veysi 0slerb. Acceptance of Virtual Worlds as Learning Space. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, vol. 52, no. 3, 2015, pp. 254-264.

Along with many pollutions in the water (oceans, lakes, rivers, etc.), plastics are one of them. Eight million tons of plastics enter the oceans every year, with 10,000 tons entering one great lake just by us, Lake Michigan. People who helped volunteer clean up (https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/an-essay-on-recycling-and-itsimportance-2/) litter found that eighty-percent of anthropogenic litter on the shorelines of the Great Lakes is comprised of plastics. Cigarette filters are the most common liter on Michigan’s shoreline. Plastics can have negative effects on the lives of many species and can potentially become dangerous once they break down, are consumed by fishes, and enter the food chain. This raises concerns about human health and if it is safe for humans to consume fish and seafood. The answers are unclear as further researches are still needed to be done. The purpose of this paper is to inform the general public about the effects of littering on species and human health (what we know and don’t know), the solutions and to explain why people litter.

Plastics make their way into the water in many ways. Some of the ways are from runoffs, stormwater, people littering and dumping directly into the water and people littering on land and those items getting carried into the water by the wind. One plastic debris in the water is microbeads. Microbeads are used in consumer products such as scrubs, toothpastes, body wash, and nail polish. Their hard and non-dissolving properties make them good exfoliant agents and explains why they are often used. These microbeads go down the drain but because of how small they are, water waste treatment plans sometimes are not able to filter them. This is how some of them end up in streams and lakes. Other plastics debris includes pellets, which are used in producing plastic good that often spill over ships, and waste from fishing activities.

Overtime, some plastics in the water will sink down while others will gradually break down into what is called microplastics. Microplastics are small pieces of plastics around the size of 1 to 5 mm in diameter. They are broken down due to sunlight exposure, abrasion from currents, and oxidation. Research in 2013 by Mason and his colleagues confirmed that there are microplastics present in Lake Michigan.

Plastic in the ocean is dangerous because species can get tangled up in them, causing them stress. Another reason is because many mistaken them for food, especially microplastics since they are so small and can be eaten. Many predators mistaken ircobrads for fish eggs by because of their round shape. Plastic bags resemble jellyfish and are mistaken as food by turtles. Seabirds are even consuming plastics on the surface of the water, thinking they are food. Plastic fragments were first found in the guts of seabirds in 1960s. We know these animals are consuming these plastics because of animal dissection. Among all these species, the most common one to ingest in plastics is fish. Marks left in plastic debris suggest that fishes often attack and bite on plastics present in the environment. As said in a journal by Driedger, Alexander D.J, et al., ingestion of plastics is harmful because it can cause “internal bleeding and blockage of the digestive tract” and cause death. Fishes can suffer from intestinal injury, which enables their ability to absorb nutrients (nutrients are absorbed in the intestines, so if the intestines are injured then they will not be able to absorb the nutrients).

This can affect their overall behavior such as their ability to spot predators will reduce, their mobility, and their want to feed and reproduce will decrease. A decrease in reproduction will cause a decrease in the population of that specie, which will then affect the ecosystem. It is also harder for turtles to lay eggs when their nesting areas are filled with plastics. Pollutants and other contaminants in plastic can bioaccumulate in fishes and absorb into their tissues. Chemicals found in the tissues of fishes are the same chemicals found in plastics. This is concerning because fishes are a common source of food for humans so those consuming seafood and fishes could potentially be exposed to these toxins. Plastics in the water can also absorb toxins from the environment. Dr. Lorena Rios Mendoza at the University of Wisconsin Superior found that plastic debris on the surface of the water carries polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), both capable of causing cancer, birth defects, and immune system problems. How humans would be affected and the actual potential risk of fish consumption by humans is still something that researchers don’t know but people should still be aware of it since plastics are made of pollutants. We should still try to reduce the amount of plastics in the water to reduce risks. Microplastics can not only get to humans through consumption of fishes, but was also found in sea salt, sugar, beer, and bottles of water through studies that have been done.

Now, if we know that littering plastics is bad, then why do some people still do it? Social sciences said that people are more likely to litter in a littered environment than a clean environment. Many studies were carried to test this. In carrying out these actions, people are acting according to the behavioral norm there, that is to litter or not to litter. This may explain why some places, like beaches, have more litters than others. Someone who sees a person littering in a littered environment will be more likely to litter than seeing someone litter in a clean environment. This explanation is similar to the broken glass theory, which says that someone is more likely to break a crime in a neighborhood that look like there would be crimes there. With this information, we can encourage people to keep their community clean to eliminate littering. This isn’t going to completely stop the liter as it can happen overtime once someone starts the initial litter, but it would help reduced the amount of liter there are and help prolonged the process.

Some potential solutions are to substitute sugar and oatmeal with microbeads as exfoliants. Getting people to clean up the liter in the water would cost money, about 400 million dollars annually. People are coming with ways to reduce the use of plastics. Many places have ban littering on beaches. Illinois became the first state to ban the manufacturing of microbeads in 2018 and is planning to stop selling items with microbeads by the end of 2019. Stores are trying to cut out the use of plastics by charging people for plastics bags and starbucks are getting rid of plastic straws and using a lid with a sip instead. But although some changes are being made, it is still a slow progress and not everyone is doing these things and the manufacturer of plastics is just increasingly going like it already has in the past few years. Some people blame companies for manufacturing plastics, but other also argues that we need them for packaging goods. Some people on the other hand took the blame upon the actions of individuals. Companies can try to find alternatives for plastics.

In conclusion, microplastics are found in our water and food and although the knowledge of these consumption on human health is limited, we should still be aware of what littering could do, try to prevent littering, and find more answers on this topic since we do know that it contains harmful chemicals.

Focus of Essay

The 21st century has been characterized by growing environmental concerns. Today, it is becoming obvious for many people that humanity has a great effect on nature, and researchers propose new ways of reducing this impact. Recycling is one of the areas, which receive much attention in terms of environmental protection, and there are several points of view regarding recycling. The concept of four R’s represents the nature of this process, serving as the guideline for people who want to reduce their effect on the environment. However, the exact interpretation of these points, as well as their use in practice, needs to be elaborated. The purpose of this essay is to examine the concept of four R’s in the context of recycling and give an explanation to each of the points while offering a potential fifth R.

Research and Analysis

Ever since environmental protection became an important issue, researchers have been searching for ways to reduce the poor impact on humanity. As society develops rapidly, so does people’s consumption of modern goods, many of which require plastic and other artificial materials, which take a long time to decompose. Garcia and Robertson say that global plastic pollution becomes evident, reaching critical levels both on land and in the ocean (870). It is important to provide people with effective solutions to environmental issues while letting them keep the same level of comfort in terms of lifestyle. Recycling is one of those solutions, and Cohen acknowledges its crucial status in the present situation (180). He says that recycling diverts waste from landfills, and specialized facilities are able to redirect the material to other purposes (Cohen 180). While many people want to start recycling on a daily basis, they need a comprehensive guideline for reference. The four R’s of recycling serve this purpose, meaning “Review, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” In order to provide a better understanding of this approach, it is needed to explain each point in more detail.

Review (Rethink)

The first point of the four R’s can be phrased in several ways, which are usually Review of Rethink. It is important to be aware of the actual situation with waste pollution to choose the correct approach. According to Vecchio, humanity generates about 1.3 billion tons of waste every year, which causes a significant problem for the environment. The purpose of recycling is to reduce this number, but it must be done properly to ensure positive results. Besides, it is an energy-consuming process that requires a lot of effort, which is why those who want to begin this practice must be informed of all its aspects (Vecchio). While the scale of the issue is undoubtedly global, small actions of every household can contribute to the overall improvement. Before taking actual measures, it is useful to analyze one’s own consumption and take stock of what is used and how much waste is thrown at least within a week (Vecchio). Having considered the situation, a person will have a better understanding of their influence on the environment and potential ways of reducing it.

Reduce

The second point is universally accepted due to its importance in the global context. Today, an average person uses a wide range of products, which later become waste, and it is vital to reduce consumption. At the same time, it is also important to make sure people can maintain their preferred quality of life even within environmentally friendly policies. Therefore, this point mainly suggests reducing excessive, unnecessary consumption in a considerate manner. The described stage corresponds with the principle of eco-efficiency, which Cohen describes as “doing more with less” (180). It naturally derives from the Rethink step, during which a person can analyze their consumption and determine the ways to reduce it. Some waste reduction policies are imposed on consumers, and Wagner calls single-use plastic shopping bags ban as the most prevalent form (3). However, each person is capable of making a difference without community-wide restrictions by simply rationalizing their consumption of such materials. For example, even if single-use plastic bags are allowed, it is better to refrain from using them unless necessary. This way, the consumption level will be lower, and society’s recycling capabilities will improve.

Reuse

The third stage is another important part of the global process, which can be used in every household. As implied by its name, the Reuse point suggests that particular items can be used more than once. This way, the purchase of new similar products will be delayed, indirectly reducing the production of waste. Obviously, reusing must be rational and convenient, as every product has its own lifespan, and it is impossible to continue this process forever. Nevertheless, Vecchio proposes that each person must ask themselves if there is a potential use for an item before they throw it in the trash. In fact, unlike the previous point, reusing remains a matter of personal discretion, which can barely be influenced by restrictive policies. Macintosh et al. concluded that a single-use plastic shopping bag ban is not particularly effective in terms of recycling, as customers opted for single-use paper bags instead. This tendency means that restrictions are capable of reducing consumption while not being as effective for reusing. Each person must make their own choice, for example, to shop with a reusable textile bag to contribute to waste reduction.

Recycle

Finally, the process reaches the stage of actual recycling for further use of the material. This point represents the natural development of the process, being its ultimate peak. This idea suggests that a person begins by considering their consumption and reducing it whenever possible. Next, products and items are reused within their lifespans for as long as there are suitable for their purpose. In the end, once the quality of the reusable product no longer satisfies the consumer, it must be sent for recycling. Cohen writes that paper, bottles, and cans form the majority of recycled products today, but this list can be easily extended. For example, Sandin and Peters state that it is possible to recycle textiles and see significant environmental benefits. Moreover, according to Cohen, it is possible to recycle entire areas, re-orienting abandoned industrial zones for other purposes (181). However, Vecchio argues that recycling must be reasonable and justified to ensure that such facilities can handle the workload. In general, recycling is a process accessible to everyone, but communities must also support environmentally aware practices with effective policies.

Potential Alternatives and a Fifth R

The framework of R’s presented above is widely used, but there are other systems, as well. For example, it is possible to explain the four R’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repurpose. In this case, the final stage will be to find a new use for old, recycled products and materials. This framework also develops gradually, from one point to the next one, and repurposing is its ultimate result. However, it appears to lack the important element, which is Rethink or Review, and all environment-oriented practices must be informed and considered (Vecchio). Therefore, it seems possible to merge the two models into one system of five R’s: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repurpose.

At the same time, there also exist potential alternatives, which can be given the role of the fifth R. Since environmentally friendly activities must be aware of all aspects surrounding them, it may be useful to discern another element at the first stage. It is not enough to review the current situation with plastic consumption and recycling. Each person must willingly acknowledge how they can affect the situation and what the results might. A fifth R should be placed between Rethink and Reduce, and it is Realize.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recycling remains a crucial practice aimed at the protection of the environment. It is a complex process, which includes several important steps continuing one another. First of all, a person must review their contribution to global waste production and think of possible solutions. Secondly, it is needed to reduce the consumption of certain products to a minimum if it is possible. Thirdly, certain items can be reused several times within their lifespans without losing their qualities. Finally, products which cannot be used anymore must be recycled so that the material can be repurposed. Additionally, a fifth R may be considered, which is Realize, as people should be aware of the benefits and costs of recycling. Overall, recycling is a positive practice, but it must be used carefully and accurately to ensure the best results.

Recycling

The materials are drawn from natural resources. However, the Earth’s re-sources are not infinite, but until recently, they have seemed to be: the demands made on them by manufacturing throughout the industrialization of society appeared infinitesimal, the rate of new discoveries outpacing the rate of consumption. Increasingly we realize that our society may be approaching certain fundamental limits. This has made access to materials an issue of national security of many nations, especially also to ensure that emerging new “sustainable” technologies can be supplied with metals and materials.

Recycling heals nature. Reusing old materials decreases the amount of waste. Not all materials can be recycled equally, they have different recyclability.

Recyclability is the ability a material to reacquire the same properties it originally had. According to this definition, many materials are not recyclable because once they go through a recycling process, they no longer have the properties they had in their virgin state, where virgin state is defined as the purest form of the material before being processed or shaped for a specific use.

For example, recycled copper can achieve the same properties and qualities of copper of primary production such as thermal conductivity, mailability. Therefore, copper is recyclable. Recycled paper, on the other hand, does not have the same qualities or properties as virgin paper such as the purity of the color or fiber elasticity. Paper has a lower recyclability than copper. Therefore, the second application of recycled paper is different than the first, and this usually means of less value. Used paper is reused as insulation, animal bedding, filler fibers, or wallboard.

Recycling Plastics

Plastics are inexpensive, lightweight and durable materials, which can readily be molded into a variety of products that find use in a wide range of applications. As a consequence, the production of plastics has increased markedly over the last 60 years. However, current levels of their usage and disposal generate several environmental problems. Around 4 per cent of world oil and gas production, a non-renewable resource, is used as feedstock for plastics and a further 3 –4% is expended to provide energy for their manufacture. A major portion of plastic produced each year is used to make disposable items of packaging or other short-lived products that are discarded within a year of manufacture. These two observations alone indicate that our current use of plastics is not sustainable. In addition, because of the durability of the polymers involved, substantial quantities of discarded end-of-life plastics are accumulating as debris in landfills and in natural habitats worldwide.

Recycling is one of the most important actions currently available to reduce these impacts and represents one of the most dynamic areas in the plastics industry today. Recycling provides opportunities to reduce oil usage, carbon dioxide emissions and the quantities of waste requiring disposal. Here, we briefly set recycling into context against other waste-reduction strategies, namely reduction in material use through downgauging or product reuse, the use of alternative biodegradable materials and energy recovery as fuel. While plastics have been recycled since the 1970s, the quantities that are recycled vary geographically, according to plastic type and application. Recycling of packaging materials has seen rapid expansion over the last decades in a number of countries. Advances in technologies and systems for the collection, sorting and reprocessing of recyclable plastics are creating new opportunities for recycling, and with the combined actions of the public, industry and governments it may be possible to divert the majority of plastic waste from landfills to recycling over the next decades.

Recycling of materials has been a very crucial part of our economic activities. It forms a part of the national income and also secures jobs for some individuals within the economy. Recycling itself involves the transformation of the already used products in other useful products that can be sold for re-us (Markessini, p05). This sector has also helped to reduce pollution of the environment since the waste products from materials such as paper, metal; electronics are put into other useful forms. In the United States the products that are commonly recycled are steel and iron. Other products that are usually recycled include plastics. These products have for a long time dominated this sector of the economy since they can easily be molten and re-used to make new products.

This sector has however not explored how the old wooded products that are often disposed can be re-used. Most furniture when they either get out of fashion or they are old enough not to fit their purpose are usually disposed. Most individuals usually dispose off their old furniture such as broken tables, chairs and worn out seats. It is very possible to recycle such products and bring out some new and attractive products. For example furniture such as home sits can be easily recycled. This is possible since the carpenters will only need to create centers for buying such old furniture and dismantle the top covers and put new material covers that are very attractive (Markessini, p07). This means that the old materials in the inside will not be removed but they may require to be added just a little reinforcement to support them for a longer period. This means one can be able to make a new set of seats without necessarily having to buy new wooden parts that are used in the inside part of the seats. This can then be sold as second hand seats to the individuals who may not have enough capital to purchase new seats. The old furniture can not only be bought from the customers but the carpenters can give a service of repairs for the customers who would want either to change design or the outer look of the specific furniture. This will be a good business venture since it will create more jobs in the economy for more jobless individuals. It will also be possible to make good and attractive new furniture for the low class individuals who may not be able to purchase the same product if it was a brand new set (Markessini, p15).

Another way that wooden products can be recycled is making use of such old wood for carvings. The sculptors can actually buy this old furniture, dismantle them and curve the wood into new products such as wall hangings, animal or human sculptures among others. The carvings will only need to be re-painted, decorated and made attractive to attract customers. This will also be another way of generating income within the economy and it will also help in making use of the old furniture which would otherwise be disposed as useless. The recycling of such wood would also reduce the cost of importing a lot of timber that is used to make such products within the sector (Hiromichi, p9). It is a way of reducing the vice of deforestation which is an environmental hazard. The recycling of such products will be of economic benefit to both the government and individuals since it will be a new venture of creating income.

Another area that can be explored for new business venture is the energy sector. Most people in the United States use electricity and LPG products for home energy. Energy being a very crucial sector of the economy has been a sector where many individuals have concentrated on ways of either conserving the energy or recycling the energy. With the increasing cost of energy globally, it would be a wise idea for the new entrepreneurs to venture in new areas of either reducing the cost of energy or look for cheaper means of energy that can be used in the alternative of the current sources of energy (Hiromichi, p11). Charcoal in the United States is not a very common source of energy although it is very convenient and affordable energy for cooking in the US.

This is a sector that only requires one to explore deeper and find cheap means of getting charcoal and mobilizing people through convincing marketing strategies of why they should use charcoal as a source of home energy (Hiromichi, p19). The main source of charcoal in the US is from the trees such as olives or the fruit stone charcoal. These types of charcoal are not recycled because no entrepreneurs have concentrated in renewable charcoal in this sector. A new business venture can be the making of cheap charcoal that can be made from readily available materials. A good example would involve the individuals to collect plant leaves or grass, clay soil, the coffee husks from the coffee factories, fine charcoal that is normally regarded as waste from other charcoal collection points, wooden chips and ash. These materials are mixed well in certain proportions and they are then compressed to make small balls of none-smoking fine charcoal. This type of charcoal would be very cheap and affordable for many individuals since the cost of making it will be very cheap. The waste materials from this charcoal will not be wasted since they can still be re-used as one of the raw-materials for making new charcoal. It would also contribute in the environmental cleaning since the mowed grass in the compounds can be put to use. The charcoal does not produce smoke and therefore it reduces the chances of charcoal being a health hazard (Wares, p20). The charcoal can then be used in homes for cooking and also as a source of heat in the homes especially during the winter. The charcoal is actually very economical since it does not burn fast and can therefore be used for many hours before it is completely used-up.

The entrepreneurs upon gaining a good command of the market can make good source of income from such a venture. This will require good marketing skills to convince the potential customers the benefits of the new product. The initial set up of the business would also require the individuals to invest in cheap methods of collecting the raw- materials in order to maximize the profits besides making it affordable for marketing. The business would actually be a very good idea for the rural individuals who earn very little from logging trees to produce charcoal. They normally work for other individuals who have the capital to operate the production of charcoal from trees. With this type of charcoal the capital required is very minimal and most people in the rural regions can afford it. It will create jobs for jobless individuals and also income to the authorities. The use of such charcoal can also be a good source of cheap energy for both low class and also middle classes of the society in the urban areas (Wares, p30). The individuals can be able to reduce the cost of fuel that is used in the homesteads. This will eventually trigger more savings in the economy and thus improving the whole economy in the long run. This type of charcoal would also reduce the cutting down of trees which are later burnt to produce charcoal.

The tourist sector can also be another promising venture for new business entrepreneurship. It is in history that many tourists who come to the US may not have easy and cheap channels of getting direction and accommodation apart from the services of hotels. One can explore the sector by looking for a cheap way of making life cheaper, enjoyable and easy for any tourists or new entrants in to the US (Willcock, p43). One can focus on a cheap way of providing cheap accommodation and home services that will draw attention of many individuals to your service.

One cheap way of such a service would be organizing home based accommodation for such tourists (Henning, p16). The actual venture would be opening different centers of providing customer service in each city. Each of the centers in the different cities will then be given the mandate to look for individuals who would be willing to host the visitors at a certain fee. This means that each center will keep a record of the willing clients in each city and have their contacts at hand. The management will then open a website that can be viewed by every one globally such that you will be able to market the availability of your service to the potential visitors to the US. The interested visitors in your service will then have the freedom to choose the city of their choice where they are willing to spend their stay. At this point it is important to note that all the centers across the cities will be centrally managed. Once the customer identifies the city they want to stay, the central management will then contact the center in the specific city to identify an individual with a vacancy.

The central management will then be responsible for setting the rates at which to charge the tourist and also the fee to pay to the clients hosting the visitors. For this business to thrive well, the management should pay the hosting homes a lesser fee than what they actually charge the tourists (Henning, p20). The management should also charge a fee that is much lower than the local hotels in order to attract more customers. The management should also ensure that the homes given such contracts offer standard services to the visitors. The home based accommodation for the tourist will be very beneficial to them since it will be offering good service besides giving company to the visitors.

The potential homes will basically be offering simple roles of providing accommodation with food and laundry services. The management can therefore expand the business and offer services of picking Visitors from the Airport, familiarizing the visitors with the new environment, taking them to tourist attractions and also teaching them the general culture of the societies. The management would therefore require having its own means of transport which can be initially given free or charged at a discounted rate as a marketing strategy. It is important to note that the management will be charged with the sole responsibility of ensuring the comfort of the visitors. This is because it is good to consider the possibility of breach of contract by the homes. It should also be responsible of ensuring safety measures for both the visitors and the host homes. The management should therefore set standard rules indicating penalties applicable (Henning, p28).

Such a business would benefit the economy in very many ways since it will attract more tourists since they would have a way of cutting the cost of their visit (Willcock, p51). The method of looking for accommodation would be easy and there would be no struggle of getting somewhere to stay. It would be another way of earning income for many homesteads and also a source of income for the state through taxation. This would also help the individuals involved in the business get a way of earning income through acting as intermediaries between the homes and the visitors. The service will not only be provided to the tourists but also to the new entrants such as international students who may not be able to secure student accommodation at the time of their admission. This would be very convenient for all the individuals coming to the country irrespective of their cultural back ground.

Writing 5A Flash Draft Plastic Water Bottles – December 2019Zaira Shaker The argument of plastic water bottles is complicated because many say that plastic water bottles are a good source of water and should be able to use all the time. However, this is really not the case, because plastic water bottles ruin the environment, are killing animals, and the bottles and water can be contaminated.One reason that plastic water bottles shouldn’t be used all the time is that they are ruining the environment. For example, when people throw away plastic water bottles and don’t recycle them, they end up in landfills where they get compiled under more pieces of trash.

Once in the landfill, it will never decompose and will stay there for the rest of eternity. This is significant because it shows how with how many people use plastic water bottles, billions of water bottles are piling up in different landfills around the world. In addition, when plastic ends up in rivers, they can lead to lakes, which lead to oceans. Some of those bottles can work there a way to The Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch, located in the Pacific Ocean, where trash circles there forever, never decomposing. To add on, the process to make and transport bottled water use up many greenhouse gases, burning fossil fuels and causing climate change. Many skeptics claim that climate change isn’t very much a big issue right now and that we have plenty of time to fix these problems, but this is very important because climate change will bring on massive effects on the Earth ‘s biological and ecosystems. So next time you see a plastic water bottle on the ground, or have just finished a bottle give yourself, and the Earth a favor, and recycle it.

Another reason bottled water shouldn’t be used is that they are killing animals. For example, most water bottles are produced with polyethylene terephthalate plastic. This type of plastic doesn’t biodegrade so it doesn’t break down for thousands of years. However, they do break down into smaller plastic fragments over time. When these fragments are in the ocean, animals like salmon can mistake it as food and eat them. That salmon could be caught by fishermen, and then put onto our dinner plates.

Meaning, that we could be eating plastic contaminated fish. In addition, other animals could also eat that plastic and clog their system, making them think that they are full when in reality, they are starving to death. One last reason bottled water shouldn’t be used is that the bottles and water can be contaminated. For example, microplastics are little fragments of plastic that can be found in bottled water. These microplastics are less than 5mm long. In 2018, the World Health Organisation launched a health review in which microplastics were found in 93% of well known bottled water brands. Furthermore, this showed how they are a lot of hidden truths behind bottled water.

To add on, in the last few years, more bottled water companies are getting recalled for E.coli and other issues. Mae Wu, a senior attorney in the health program at NRDC stated, “The overall point was that people shouldn’t assume that bottled water is any safer or cleaner or purer than regular tap water”. This sheds light on how advertisers can make consumers want to have that so-called pure and natural spring water when really there are actually many flaws that come with consuming bottled water. In conclusion, bottled water has many faults. Some of these can include that they are ruining the environment, are killing animals, and can actually be contaminated, and is not always natural. So next time you have to choose between taking it from the tap or grabbing a water bottle, consider these new factors that come with the usage of bottled water.

The people of Flint, MI were forced under disastrous events. Innocent woman, children and innocence were affected by the well known “Flint Water Crisis”. An article by Sara Ganim and Linh Tran back in 2016 states, “ Flint, Michigan, lies about 70 miles from the shores of the largest group of fresh water … the Great Lakes. Yet its residents can’t get clean water from their taps … the state decided to save money by switching Flint’s water supply from Lake Huron … to the Flint River … known to locals for its filth.” The dirty river caused trouble amongst all of Flints residents. The water was brown, smelly, tasted funny, and has lead in it according to Ganim and Tran. This being the tap water for all of Flint became a problem for all of the innocent people affected by it. Adam Zyglis created a cartoon in 2016 to spread the word of this unfathomable crisis. The picture portrays to the right side an innocent mother and child in complete suffering from this disaster, and to the left a wealthy and fancy Governor Snyder uninvolved and separated by class. Factors related to the Flint Water Crisis and Zyfils cartoon includes saving money, separation of class, and filthy water.

To begin, One of the most prominent points in the cartoon is the governor’s attempt to save small amounts of money in the meanwhile causing suffrage among the citizens. You can see this taking place in the picture with him taking coins one by one, the title of the art called “Pinching…”, and the mother pinching her cheek being affected by the poor decision. These factors contribute to the cartoons message because it brings to light the cause and effect factor of the Flint Water Crisis. Because of a cheap governer with only his interest in mind many innocent civilians were forced to endure his decisions. This aspect is supposed to affect the reader in a logical aspect. It shows how the decision of one man with power can have an impact on the personal lives of many. This part of the cartoon appeals to ethos and logos because it shows the moral stance of the governor and expresses the purpose of his decision.

Equally important, Zyglis cartoon expresses multiple pieces relating to why this situation happened. The most prominent reason being the people of flints class and race. A large portion of Flints population is African American. In the cartoon the mother and child is wearing worn down sweatshirts were as the governor is wearing a suit and cufflinks. This aspect brings light to the fact that the governor is very well off and the innocent minority family isn’t. This part of the cartoon is supposed to effect the reader emotionally, the reader should be angered when viewing the obvious inequality. It is supposed to show the viewer that there is a deeper purpose behind why the water crisis took place. This part of text is supposed to appeal to ethos and pathos. It is there to express the inequality of class that is taking place in Flint.

Furthermore, Snyders actions lead to inflicting all of the people of flint with undrinkable poisonous water. The water was discolored and polluted with lead which is very dangerous for consumption. This relates to the cartoon because the water in the image is discolored, unclean and negatively affecting Flints people. The mother is in such disbelief of the situation that she’s pinching her cheek saying “wake me up from this nightmare” she’s suffering as well as her son. Rather than letting her son drink water from tap he’s holding a uncontaminated water bottle with clear water and beside her is the dirty water. The mother has to drink a glass of polluted water so her son can has clean drinking water. They are stuck in this situation and are forced to endure suffering. This is the water they drink, wash, clean, do everything with. They are trapped in a horrible situation because of poor decisions made by people with power. This part of the cartoon appeals to logos and pathos it is a fact that the people are being exposed to the filthy water and it is an upsetting sight to see mother and son holding each other enduring the suffering that was brought upon them. The impact of this piece is supposed to share with others what the people of Flint are experiencing.

To conclude, The Flint water crisis was a tragedy that could have been easily avoidable. It affected many people and harmed many lives. Adam Zyglis created his political cartoon to spread the word of what was going on in the town. He exposed Snyder trying to save money for his own gain, he shed light apon Flints economic status, and let Americans see in an image the filth of the water innocent people were stuck with.

The second element of principle 21principle 2 reflects the opinion that countries are subject to environmental restrictions when exercising their rights under the principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources42. As stated in Principle 21Principle 2, the responsibility of not harming the environment of other countries or areas beyond the jurisdiction of the country has been accepted as an obligation by all countries, but does not affect its application. According to the 1996 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons, there is no doubt that Principle 21 reflects the norms of customary international law, which imposes international legal restrictions on nuclear weapons. Rights in activities. Implement. In its territory or within its jurisdiction.

However, speaking of Principle 21 Principle 2 reflects that customary international law is not decisive and can only partially help support international claims. In the context of activities that lead to pollution and degradation of the environment, Principle 21 Principle 2 indicates that other issues need to be addressed. What is environmental damage? What environmental damage is prohibited (any damage, or just serious or significant damage)? What is the standard of care applicable to this obligation (absolute, strict, or fault-based)? What are the consequences of violations (including adequate compensation)? What is the scope of any liability (including compensation measures for damages)? These and related topics will be discussed in Chapter 17 below. The responsibility of countries not to cause environmental damage in areas outside their jurisdiction predates the Stockholm Conference and is related to the obligation of all countries to ‘protect the rights of other countries in their territories, especially their integrity and inviolability. in peace’.

Subsequently, the arbitral tribunal developed this obligation in accordance with this obligation and in the widely cited Trail Smelter case, in which it was noted that the majority of authors accepted this claim as a rule of customary international law. For example, the rapporteur for the International Bar Association’s Committee on Environmental Legal Affairs concluded through a review that state practice is based on the rules in the Trail Smelter case. 45 Judge Castro also cited this point in his objection, apparently in agreement. In the case of nuclear tests. 46 In this case, Australia had requested the International Court of Justice to declare that the additional atmospheric nuclear tests did not comply with applicable international law standards and that ‘involved changes in Australian territory and its airspace [and] pollution of the environment. air and marine resources ‘. 47 In In fact, consistent national practice Not easy to distinguish.

As will be seen in Chapter 17, countries that rely on the rules reflected in Principle. Principle 2 have relatively few claims and can only rely on practice, especially through the participation and support of treaties and other international actions. And the declarations of the countries on the scope of their obligations. After the Chernobyl accident in 1986, a debate was held under the auspices of the IAEA to clarify the views of the country, but the record of this discussion alone does not represent a complete picture. 48 General Rules of Trail Smelter This case originated in the promotion of the good neighbor principle. It does not explicitly address environmental issues and the letter does not explicitly address environmental issues. Article 74 reflects the consensus of the member states of the United Nations that ‘the policy of your metropolitan area should be based on the general principle of good neighborly friendship’ and take into account the ‘interests’ and well-being of other parts of the United Nations. the world. The world in social, economic and business affairs.

The principle of good neighborliness is the basis of the order of the International Court of Justice, that is, the principle of sovereignty reflects the obligation of every country not to allow its territory to be used for acts that violate the rights of other countries. u201d 49 In the Lac Lanoux arbitration, the arbitration involved an article submitted by an upstream country. In the diversion of international rivers, the arbitration court held that a country cannot exercise its own rights without ignoring the rights of another country. In 1972, shortly before the Stockholm meeting, the meeting was able to order the meeting to fully respect the exercise of permanent sovereignty over natural resources and the right of each country to develop its own resources in accordance with its own interests.

Priorities and needs, and avoid harmful effects in other countries regions. The formulation of the second element of Principle 21Principle 2 can also be traced back to previous environmental treaties. The 1951 International Plant Protection Convention expressed the need to prevent plant diseases and insect pests from spreading across national borders. The 1963 Nuclear Test Ban Treaty prohibits nuclear testing on the premise that the explosion will cause radioactive waste to appear outside the national territory. Under whose jurisdiction or control the explosion occurredu201d; 54 and the 1968 African Protection Convention require all parties to negotiate and cooperate when development plans may affect the natural resources of any other country. 55 Both parties agree not to deliberately take measures that may directly or indirectly damage the heritage u201clocated in the territory of other partiesu201d.

Thus, it can be said that the 21 principles formed the prior state practice. Since then, it has been affirmed in many resolutions of the UN General Assembly and actions of other international organizations. Shortly after the Stockholm Conference, UN General Assembly Resolution 2996 clearly established Principles 21 and 22 to establish the basic rules governing the country’s international responsibility in terms of the environment. It is also the basis of Article 30 of the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States, which states: The final document of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1975 recognized that Principle 3 of the 1978 UNEP Draft countries to ensure that activities within the scope of control do not cause damage to natural systems. Areas outside the scope of state or national jurisdiction ‘) and the 1982 World Conservation Charter (which states the need to’ protect and protect the nature of areas beyond the scope of national jurisdiction ‘).

In a later treaty. It is mentioned in the preambles of several treaties or is fully incorporated into and is reproduced in the full text of the operative part of the treaty for the first time, such as Article 3 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, but it is not clear to limit 62 Principle 2 Rio Declaration ‘Was included in the preamble of the 1992 ‘Climate Change Convention.’ Language similar to the second element of principle 21 also appeared. The 1978 Amazon Treaty compares Article 21. The legal status of this principle has been blurred because it states that the exclusive use and development of natural resources in their respective territories is an inherent right of each countryu2019s sovereignty. The activities carried out ‘will not cause damage to others or their environmental pollution, pollution caused by accidents’ or the activities under their jurisdiction or control as far as possible do not exceed the area under their sovereignty and jurisdiction.

The 1982 ‘United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea’ transformed ‘responsibility’ into ‘obligations’, although it is not clear what the intention of the change is. According to article 193 of the ‘United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea the sea’, countries have the obligation to preserve the marine environment develops sovereignty over their natural resources. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has shifted its focus from a passive obligation to an active commitment to prevent harm and protect the environment.However, for this purpose, Article 194 (2) does state To achieve this, the 1985 ASEAN Convention went a step further, recognizing the second element of Principle 21 as the ‘universally accepted principle of international law’. 66 In this case, the time has come to confirm the customary status of the obligation not to cause transboundary environmental damage. damage. France’s 1995 announcement of the resumption of underground nuclear testing provided an unlikely catalyst. In its order rejecting New Zealandu2019s request, the International Court of Justice vaguely stated that its order does not affect the obligations of countries to respect and protect the natural environment.

Both New Zealand and France reaffirmed their commitments in this case. Case 67 A review of the allegations revealed that France did not refute New Zealandu2019s argument that principle 21principle 2 reflects the accepted customary international law proposalu201d68. Judge Willamantree also supported him in his dissenting opinion. 69 Two months after the issuance of the resolution of the International Court of Justice, the International Court of Justice began an oral debate in its advisory opinion procedure on the legality of the threat of use or use of nuclear weapons. Some countries believe that Principle 21 Principle 2 reflects customary law and no one objects to this view (although some countries believe that these principles are irrelevant to the case). 70 The International Court of Justice noted in its advisory opinion: It is worth noting that the International Court of Justice not only reaffirmed the wording of Principles 21 and 2 but also did not immediately indicate that the International Court of Justice intends to achieve important changes to through repetitions. In some respects, the formulation used by the International Court of Justice may be broader than the formulation of Principle 21 Principle 2.72