Waste Disposal as an Environmental Problem - Coursework Example

Waste Disposal as an Environmental Problem Introduction Apparently, the world can no longer contend with the fact the environment has continually changed resulting to numerous environmental crises. In fact, the current environmental problems have served as a clear indication that human beings are now vulnerable to environmental related disasters and tragedies. One of the fatal environmental problems is waste disposal. Waste disposal entails overconsumption of resources and the presence of plastics in most parts of the world. Recent research has affirmed that developed countries are infamous when it comes to the manufacturing and/ or production of excessive amount of waste products. Consequently, these developed countries dump most of their waste on less developed countries and / or in various waters (Hester, Harrison & Royal Society of Chemistry, 2002) In this regard, waste disposal comprise of solid natural waste and man-made waste. For instance, electronic waste is continuously becoming a huge threat to the environment because most electronics are made of lead, mercury and plastic, which produce harmful toxins to the environment. Additionally, some waste will eventually rot although the rotting process is highly likely to produce harmful gas such as methane, which is scientifically explosive and further contributes to greenhouse effect. In actual sense, the disposal of waste has countless environmental impacts which have further impact on human health. As such, the world must come up with effective ways that are aimed at curbing this environmental problem. Strategies of promoting positive environmental behavior Having ascertained that environment is crucial to human beings, it necessary that strategies are taken into considerations aimed at promoting positive environmental behavior. According to Steg, et al. (2012) the concept of environmental psychology argues that there is a close relationship between the environment and human affect, cognition and behavior. Furthermore, this field of psychology ensures that the society is compelled to positively respond to emerging environmental and natural issues. Use of Behavior change It is imperative that human behavior is fundamental in the improvement of the environment. As a result, individual behavior could be used to affirm the environment impact through coming up with effective programs that tend to increase the level of environment responsible behaviors such as recycling, use of green stuff among other issues. The use of behavior change mainly depends of the individual and the particular behavior. According to Singseewo (2011), in order to promote positive environmental change, there has to be numerous behavior change strategies to the target audience in order to motivate them to make an impact on the environment. For instance, one individual might be motivated to recycle products since his/her associates have chosen to recycle while another individual might be motivated to recycle due to convenience like the accessibility of recycle bin. In this regard, environmental activists have continuously targeted the young generation particularly students in order to make their campaign more fruitful. Furthermore, these activists believe that the young generations is likely to cause environmental problem due to their lifestyle as compared to the older generation and as such would be in a better position to positively impact the environment through the use of multiple behavior change. Of importance to note is, behavior change projects are responsible of attaining significant environmental savings together with social benefits provided they are structured carefully, resourced effectively and conducted in a professional manner. Use of Invention Another positive environmental behavior is the use of invention to curb waste disposal. Today, the world has advanced in technology unlike the past, when technology was minimal and most challenging issues were not easy to handle. Nevertheless, technology has gradually advanced to the extent of having industrial plants that are capable of recycling products and as a result leading to reduction of waste that can neither be recycle or re-used. For instance, McDonalds, one of the leading fast food restaurants in the world has taken the initiative of participating in positive environment behavior by ensuring that their packaging products are made of recyclable materials. Learning from McDonalds, other companies too should utilize invention in order to conserve the environment. At the same time, human beings should be encouraged to purchase products made from recyclable materials in order to encourage companies and manufacturing plants to use the same. Once this is achieved, then the world will gradually convert to the use of recyclable products and material and the waste disposal issue will no longer be in the line of world current challenges. Negative and Positive consequences of waste disposal increase pro-environment behavior According to Dhir & International Symposium Advances in Waste Management and Recycling (2003), negative and positive consequences of water pollution are capable of increasing pro- environmental behavior in certain ways. In regard to negative effects of waste disposal, the environment is faced with waste that does not decay but react with air to form toxin substances that are harmful to the well-being of living things and non –living as well. For instance, in human beings there are dangers of suffering from allergies and cardiovascular mobility. As a result, there is pro- environmental behavior that is associated with environmental protection and human health. Conversely, the positive consequences become applicable when human beings realize that the negative consequences could be avoided and instead take the initiative of behaving in pro-environmental ways that reduce the harm that is caused by waste disposal and its effects thereof. The Impact of technology advances to the environment Technological advancement has undoubtedly made positive and negative impacts. To being with, the processing, production, development and distribution of both natural and alternative resources has been made more cost effective. Moreover, human beings are now at a better position of combating the negative effects that have been brought about by waste disposal through various means such as invention of re-use machines technology and recycling. Therefore, Singseewo (2011) argues that there is continuous recycle and re-use of what was previous thought to be waste. Nevertheless, this positive impact could also cause negative effects because some recycled and/ or re-use products are not good for human use. Accessing the influence of Environmental Policies In his book, Miller (1999) argues that environmental policies have positive and negative influence for individuals and the society as a whole. Basically, the role of environment conservation belongs to individuals and interested organizations. On one hand, individuals are obliged to conserve the environment through changing the behavior and abiding by the environmental policies that have been put in place. On the other hand, organizations have the responsibility of coming up with laws, regulations and policies that are aimed at conserving and sustaining the environment and related issues. Of importance to note is that, the society is directly impacted by environmental issues both positively and negatively. Thus, environmental policies implementation is noted in different levels with the aim of causing positive impact such as protecting the environment, the ecosystems and human beings as well. Conclusion Waste disposal is an environmental problem that has been there across the world. This problem has continuously affected the well-being of living things in general. However, strategies such as creating social awareness to the effects of waste disposal and taking the necessary measures automatically transmits to positive behavior that is required now in order to sustain the environment and its inhabitants. In general sense, the positive and negative consequences will remain as long this environmental problem exists, the most important issue is to have positive behavior towards curbing waste disposal. References Top of Form Top of Form Top of Form Top of Form Top of Form Dhir, R. K., & International Symposium Advances in Waste Management and Recycling. (2003). Sustainable waste management: Proceedings of the international symposium held at the University of Dundee, Scotland, UK on 9 - 11 September 2003. London: Telford. Hester, R. E., Harrison, R. M., & Royal Society of Chemistry. (2002). Environmental and health impact of solid waste management activities. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. Miller, A. (1999). Environmental problem solving: Psychosocial barriers to adaptive change. New York: Springer. Singseewo, A. (2011). Awareness of environmental conservation and critical thinking of the undergraduate students. European Journal of Social Sciences, 25, 1, 136-144. Steg, L., et al. (2012). Environmental psychology: An introduction. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Read More