Evaluating Environmental Regulation - Essay Example

Research reports that the vast percentage of ecological damage is done before a product reaches the consumer, not afterward: For every ton of post-consumer waste there are 20 tons of hidden pre-consumer waste, as the manufacturing process makes its way from forest, field, and mine to the supermarket shelf. An estimated 94% of the materials extracted for use in manufacturing durable products become waste before the product is even manufactured. Only 6 percent of minerals and renewable materials extracted each year are embodied in durable goods.

Historical Accounts:Humans have always created waste. In medieval Europe, for example, garbage was dumped on the streets where the crows and dogs took advantage of it. When the streets got too smelly, they were collected in carts and dumped it outside the city walls. Consequently, there is certainly a lot to dispose of waste. Americans produce 800kg of post-consumer waste per person per year. Europeans produce 400 kg. Between 1980 and 1985 every OECD country (except Germany and Japan) increased its flow of municipal solid waste - Ireland by as much as 72%.

Between 1940 and 1976, the USA consumed more minerals than the whole of humanity did prior to 1940. So in the late 1980s, the recycling and resource recovery revolutions kicked in to reclaim space wasted. Holland reduced its per-person production of post-consumer waste from 497kg in 1990 to 390kg in 1993 and is pursuing the goal of 75% waste reduction and recycling. Sweden aimed for a 70% reduction by 2005. The Australian Capital Territory adopted the goal of 'No Waste by 2010'. Impact on Firms & Consumers Dell's new policy for recycling all its products has earned the company praise among the environmental groups, Much as the environmental impact of throwing away old computers increases, more and more PCs are being sold each year.

To neutralize the production-waste generation gap, Dell has opted to mount an increase in recycling as a way of gaining a competitive advantage over competitors. Consumer concern over this impact is also increasing worldwide. Apple, on the other hand, is committed to being a responsible environmental citizen by partnering with the City of Cupertino by developing an extended electronics-recycling program. Through which Apple customers in the US have several options for recycling their used iPods, systems, and displays by offering free computer take-back and recycling with the purchase of a new Mac.

This recycling program is an outstanding example of business and local government working together to reduce the impact of electronic waste free of charge. It has been so successful that Apple and the City of Cupertino have signed an agreement to extend the program to ensure that electronic equipment is properly disposed of at the end of its useful life making it easy for consumers to help protect the environment.Recycling Benefits.Philanthropic Missions. "Recycling of used consumer electronics remains a challenge and Dell is taking concrete steps to remove the barriers of cost and inconvenience for consumers.

" In addition to the new recycling policy, Dell has partnered with the National Cristina Foundation (NCF) to donate used PCs to disabled and poor children. The company will still offer recycling options for computers, printers, and other electronic items from other companies for a US$10 fee, plus shipping costs. Company uprisingAccording to the BBC, up to 70 percent of heavy metals such as lead and mercury found in landfills is a result of "e-waste." In a recent survey, people all over the world indicated that they would be willing to pay more for an environmentally-friendly PC.

Dell's announcement will definitely help the company regain its edge, after falling behind the growth rate of the rest of the market. Optimizing Site potential.It is evident that through conservation, improved maintainability, recycling, reuse, reduction, and other innovative actions, firms and consumers can meet today's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. Sustainable development supports an increased commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation and results in an optimal balance of cost, environmental, societal, and human benefits while meeting the mission and function of the intended facility or infrastructure.

Economic powerhouse.To date, little progress has been made to develop and implement waste strategies that achieve significantly greater recycling rates. A number of important issues include; financial viability, regulatory control, and public perception that have prevented Authorities from taking significant steps forward to increase recycling. Financial viability has been of one of the main issues facing Local Authorities with regard to developing and implementing more sustainable waste strategies that achieve greater recycling.

The collection, processing, and treatment of waste to achieve recycling are generally greater in cost than the traditional method of landfill disposal leading to serious environmental degradation.