An analysis of the problems of increased banana consumption. The paper explains the storage, transportation, distribution, consumption and waste disposal in banana production. The paper includes a discussion on the environmental burden.
Written in 2006; 2,810 words; 2 sources; MLA; $ 83.95
Paper Summary:
The paper explains that life cycle assessment is a tool to assess the extent of burden caused on the environment by a commodity (in this case, bananas). The main environmental concerns when growing bananas is the use of land and water. The greater the demand for the product, the more quality and quantity of fertilizers and pesticides are needed, the use of which causes the soil quality to deteriorate. The paper uses tables to show the uses and consequences of resources used in the production, storage and distribution of bananas. In conclusion, the writer recommends that environmentally friendly modes of transportation should be used to transport commodities like bananas and that proper planning based on demand and supply analysis would prevent the need for storage and consequent refrigeration, thereby using less electricity.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Life Cycle Analysis of Banana
- Definition of Problem
Inputs and Outputs of Banana
1. Cultivation
Table - I Inputs for Banana
2. Storage After the Yield
3. Mass Transportation
Table - II Inputs for Mass Transportation of Bananas
4. Sub - Storage Before the Distribution
5. Distribution at the Retail Outlets
6. Storage at Retail Outlets & Sales
7. Consumption & Disposal of Waste
Discussion on the Environmental Burden
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper:
"Year after year harvesting of crops and plantation deteriorates the soil quality and as a result of this the nutrient content of the plants and crops falls below the required level. Thirteen elements are absolutely essential for the growth, development and maturation of plants. ( HLS Tandon, 1995) These are: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur, Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Chlorine, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum and Zinc. Repeated harvests cause depletion of these element contents in the soil and necessitate the use of fertilizers. The plantations are to be protected against the diseases caused by warms and pests by using pesticides. Over the years the requirement of these chemicals in harvesting of almost all types of crops and plants are increasing with the increasing demand for food items. The commercial companies around the globe exploting this rise in demand of fertilizer and pesticides. They invent new products and aggressively marketing them and producing them in mass quantity in their facilities located around the globe. The manufacturing, storage, transportation and use of hazardous chemicals for manufacturing these fertilizer and pesticides imposes lot of environmental burden. The emissions hazardous chemical gases from these facilities pollute the atmosphere depriving the humane being one of their vital needs of fresh air for breathing. The people living around thee facilities and the workers apply these fertilizer and pesticides to the plants, manufacturing, transporting are all affected by these chemicals and develop serious health problems. The liquid effluents send out from these facilities cause eutrophication and acidification of lakes and other water resources. (Gilbert M. Masters, 1995). These effluents mix oxygen-demanding wastes and water born diseases creating pathogens in to water resources. Artificial production of the thirteen elements discussed earlier is one of the reasons for the increase in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water resources near to these facilities."
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