Abstract Disposable batteries have transformed the way that we live and the types of activities that we do. This discussion provides the reader with a natural history of disposable batteries from the time the raw materials are extracted from the earth to the time they are recycled or in a land fill. The environmental impact that batteries have along the path of creation, use, and disposal is also covered. This paper also discusses the peripheral impact of batteries, including how they are shipped, how much fuel is used, and how much pollution is created. Finally, it looks at the social impact of batteries and facts about the societies that make, use, and dispose of batteries.
Introduction
Natural History of Disposable Batteries
Uses
Environmental Impact
Peripheral Impact
Social Impact of Batteries
From the Paper "The concept of batteries was first discovered between 1780-1786 by Luigi Galvani. Galvani found that connecting iron and brass created an electrical current. His ideas were expanded upon by Alessandro Volta from 1796 to 1799 with the creation of the voltaic electricity. Voltaic electricity was found when Alessandro experimented with stacking silver and zinc plates to create a pile and form the first dry battery. Volta also created the first "crown of cups" which consisted of silver and zinc discs that were covered in a salt solution."
Abstract An argumentative paper, exploring the chemical make up of uranium, showing that it is extremely difficult to dispose of this material in a complete way. It looks at current disposal practices in the world and analyzes their pros and cons.
From the Paper "Radioactive material is defined as having atoms with extremely excited outer electron shells. This makes them unstable, excitable and an efficient means of providing energy to a population that can afford a nuclear power plant. The main source of this energy is Uranium. This is a naturally occurring element found in rocks and seawater. It is the most heavy element in the periodic table, having 146 neutrons and 92 protons in its stable form. The instable form has 143 neutrons and this is the kind that is used in cores to create energy (UIC website)."
Tags:disposal, nuclear, radioactive, sun, waste, water
Abstract This paper examines the problem of nuclear wastes and how it presents a particular dilemma on various fronts including health and security issues. Nuclear energy and technology has become an endemic part of modern society. The paper points out that concomitant with the significant advances in the production of nuclear energy as well as its application to the areas of medicine and defense has been the escalation of the problems of nuclear waste disposal.
Includes several graphs and tables and diagrams.
1. Introduction
2. Classification of Types of Nuclear Waste
3. Sources of Nuclear Waste
3.2. Storage of Low Level Waste
3.3 Long-Term Storage of High Level Waste
3.4. The Storage of Plutonium
3.5. Transmutation
4. Conclusion
From the Paper "This debate emphasizes the dilemma and the importance of finding a permanent and less environmentally hazardous solution to the problems of nuclear waster. All of the methods discussed above provide some solutions to the problems - but they do not as yet present a permanent and fully acceptable means of waste disposal and many of the methods have significant drawbacks and are often manpower intensive and open to the vicissitudes of human error. The answer to what to do with nuclear waste has not yet been adequately answered."
Abstract This paper examines the main hypothesis of whether increases in disposable income, cause an increase in domestic travel, and the sub-hypothesis of whether domestic travel is a normal or luxury good. The paper explains that the main aim is to determine the true nature of the relationship between disposable income and domestic travel. The paper further explores the effect of disposable income on domestic travel. In conclusion, the paper shows that a complete model of domestic travel entails looking at all determinants of travel as a supposed explanatory variable before the relationship between personal disposable income and domestic travel can be analyzed and this is necessary so that the relationship coefficients are unbiased.
Outline:
Literature Survey
Theory and Hypothesis: What is the Effect of Disposable Income on Domestic Travel
From the Paper "Research that has centered on domestic travel, began as early as the 1960's, especially in wake of the fact that in many developed countries citizens were spending excessively on travel. Empirical studies by Gray found that disposable income was a major determinant of travel. Gray's analysis was an econometric model that included explanatory variables such as the foreign exchange rate, fare payments abroad, and travel spending by local residents. Gray's work also included another element that was absent in other papers, that is, Gray found that the prices of goods and services while traveling were an important determinant of travel. This particular model is important to the testing of the relevant hypotheses since, it gives a clear picture as to what the complete model of domestic travel should entail as explanatory variables. It is therefore less likely to get a biased determinant if all the necessary independent variables are included in the model; Gray's research paper dictates what these variables should be."
Abstract This paper discusses how disposable diapers have both advantages when it comes to convenience and availability and disadvantages in the areas of safety and pollution of the environment. The paper also looks at how cost, environmental issues, and health concerns are among the primary reasons for rethinking disposable diapers and how these problems cannot be ignored any longer. Additionally, the paper examines how ever increasing pollution and far reaching side effects from plastic throw away diapers are causing irreversible damage to our environment. The paper concludes that parents and caregivers must take a stand against using plastic disposable diapers.
From the Paper "Skin irritations are another problem that comes with using disposable diapers. Diaper rashes are serious issues that can occur with your baby during the time they spend wearing diapers. Some things that are the main factors in causing diaper rashes are prolonged wetness, lack of air circulation, soap, chemical and dye allergies. What happens is the ammonia is formed by bacteria that interacts with urine left sitting against the skin, and then promotes the growth of microbes in the diaper area. A diaper that is not properly cleaned and sanitized after becoming soiled is also another factor (Cloth vs. Disposable Diaper, Diapers, Diapers, & More Diapers par. 4). According to the Journal of Pediatrics a total of fifty-four percent one- month old babies that used disposable diapers had moderate rashes, while an additional sixteen percent had severe rashes."
Abstract This paper discusses the hazardous effects of inadequate methods of solid waste disposal on the environment. The paper emphasizes the urgency of the need to deal with this issue, and describes fecal contamination as the major culprit. The writer illustrates how the lack of modern sanitation facilities and adequate health care in certain areas, are the main cause of fecal contamination.
From the Paper "Fecal waste may contain an undetermined number of bacteria, viruses, and parasites capable of causing disease in humans and animals. Studies have focused on numbers of indicator bacteria (total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and fecal streptococci) or enteroviruses in feces and leachates, but have not estimated the total pathogen load or identified the major sources of these pathogens. This may be due to lack of detection methods for many of the pathogens in solid waste or leachate as well as potentially low numbers of viable but non-culturable organisms. Fecal waste is a breeding ground for diseases and even the smallest of contaminations can cause a great deal of problems."
Tags: bacteria, virus, parasites, garbage, recycling, health, hazard, water
Abstract This paperfocuses on the Greater Toronto Area's curren, and historic reliance on land filling. It identifies the problems with landfilling and other aspects of the GTA's waste disposal plans and proposes alternatives.
Abstract This paper's aim is to determine the true nature of the relationship between disposable income and domestic travel. While examining the main hypothesis of whether increases in disposable income cause an increase in domestic travel, the paper also tests the sub-hypothesis whether domestic travel is a normal or luxury good. This paper examines both of these issues concurrently using demand and supply analysis. The paper concludes that the literature survey does suggest that there is a positive relationship between personal disposable income and domestic travel. The paper also notes , however, that it should be understood that a complete and unbiased model of domestic travel entails looking at all determinants of travel as a supposed explanatory variable before the relationship between personal disposable income and domestic travel can be analyzed.
Outline:
Literature Survey
Theory and Hypothesis: Effect of Disposable Income on Domestic Travel
Graph: Domestic Travel and Disposable Income
From the Paper "Research that has centered on domestic travel, began as early as the 1960's, especially in wake of the fact that in many developed countries citizens were spending excessively on travel. Empirical studies by Gray found that disposable income was a major determinant of travel. Gray's analysis was an econometric model that included explanatory variables such as the foreign exchange rate, fare payments abroad, and travel spending by local residents. Gray's work also included another element that was absent in other papers, that is, Gray found that the prices of goods and services while traveling were an important determinant of travel. This particular model is important to the testing of the relevant hypotheses since, it gives a clear picture as to what the complete model of domestic travel should entail as explanatory variables. It is therefore less likely to get a biased determinant if all the necessary independent variables are included in the model; Gray's research paper dictates what these variables should be."
Abstract This paper describes the daily operation process of the Miami facility of Cliff Berry Inc., hazardous waste disposal firm. The paper describes the facility, its waste disposal processes and also explains the firm's specialization in oil waste treatment and disposal. The paper also describes Cliff Berry's waste water management system and relates the challenges that they face, such as is the development of new technologies, the criticism of the hazardous waste disposal industry, the threat of new competition and regulatory issues on federal, state and county levels.
Outline:
Introduction
The Facility and Its Operations
Customers
Challenges
Major Regulatory Issues
Plans for the Future
References
From the Paper "The primary sources of waste at the Miami plant of Cliff Berry are the ships that ply the waters around South Florida. The area is home to two major cruise ship hubs at Miami and Fort Lauderdale, as well as two major container ports, the Port of Miami and Port Everglades. Oily bilge water from these ships is processed through this plant. They also service other major area hubs such as Tampa and Cape Canaveral. They work with all the major cruise lines that operate in South Florida."
Abstract This paper focuses on the epic topic of household hazardous waste. A thorough description of what household hazardous waste is and where it comes from is provided. Following this, a discussion of safe usage, storage, and disposal of these materials is presented. The paper examines what can happen to the environment when these waste products are not disposed of properly. Finally, the paper discusses why household hazardous waste does not receive the same scrutiny by governmental agencies as commercial and industrial hazardous waste.
From the Paper "As mentioned, household products are considered to be hazardous if they have one or more of the following properties. If they are flammable or combustible, meaning they can be easily set on fire, they are deemed hazardous. If they are explosive or reactive, in such a manner that they can detonate or explode through exposure to heat, sudden shock, pressure, or interaction with incompatible substances, they are deemed hazardous. If the product is found to be corrosive, in that it exhibits a chemical action that can burn and destroy living tissues or other materials if it comes into contact with them, it is deemed hazardous. And, if the product is toxic, where it is capable of causing injury or even death if it is ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, it is deemed hazardous ("Household Hazardous Waste Project")."
Abstract In this essay the writer discusses that waste and its disposal are acute problems throughout the world. The writer notes that the disposal of waste provides a great environmental problem around the world. The writer looks at the use of recycling as a possible solution to the problem.
From the Paper "Waste disposal presents a big environmental problem that is universal to all nations of the world. Canada is no exception. Ontario for example has to export its waste across the border. There is no single solution to the problem and it is unlikely that our modern, industrialized society will in any near future become waste-free, as waste is an unavoidable consequence of our consumer oriented, highly industrialized society. In 2000, Canadians generated 1021 kg of non-hazardous waste per capita."
Abstract The paper examines the role risk perceptions play in shaping citizens' policy preferences on three issues involving types of potential harms: air pollution, crime, and hazardous waste storage and disposal. The paper uses cases studies to illustrate that risk perceptions are relevant to the public's views on environmental issues. The analysis shows that crime, as a personal safety/social policy issue, and air pollution as an environmental regulatory issue are extremely similar in terms of determinants of policy preferences. Hazardous waste storage and disposal is quite dissimilar. The paper concludes that that it is evident that most individuals do see the role of government as inclusive of a duty to protect the citizenry from such hazardous materials and environments.
Outline:
Introduction
Specific Case Studies Regarding Waste Management Issues
Specific Relationships between Risk Management and Policy
Risk in Individual Policy Preferences
Conclusion
From the Paper "Individuals' perceptions of risks are relevant to the policy process. The degree of risk individuals assign to activities (e.g., cigarette smoking) or technologies (e.g., genetic modification of foods) involving possible harm helps shape their attitudes toward public policy on such issues. Extensive literatures explain both the underlying causes of risk perception per se and the determinants of assigning risk to particular activities, situations, or technologies. But relatively few studies account for how those risk perceptions specifically influence preferences toward government policies designed to manage potential public health, personal safety, or ecological hazards."
Abstract This paper explores the issues confronting the proposed incinerator for waste disposal in Halton, Ontario. The paper discusses NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard), the economic rationale of incineration, the scientific rationale of the incineration process and alternatives to incineration. The paper then provides a comparative analysis of real-world incineration projects from North American and European jurisdictions. Additionally, the paper analyzes the pro and con arguments related to the project. Finally, the paper concludes that these arguments and substantiating data present a strong case in support of the Halton incinerator proposal.
Outline:
Introduction
Planet NIMBY
Disposal Methods and Rationales
Addressing NIMBY: The Swiss Example
From the Paper "The Halton proposal for the siting of a waste incineration plant shares with other environmentally sensitive projects - such as landfills or nuclear power generation - a particular vulnerability to the phenomenon known as NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard). Since the early 1980s local public opposition to waste disposal projects throughout the industrialized world - in diverse jurisdictions from Europe to the United States - have resulted in the abandonment of many proposed projects to address the waste disposal requirements of our societies (Dente and Fareri 3). The characteristic feature of this phenomenon is that while the majority of our populations continue to produce enormous quantities of waste - as much as two-thirds of a tonne for each man, woman and child in the United States (Course Reader 185) - no one wants projects to dispose of this waste situated in their locality."
Abstract The paper looks at how the not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) syndrome affects how sites for waste disposal facilities are located. The paper then examines particular problems facing landfills and incinerators. The paper shows how current waste disposal strategies in Canada are ineffective due to undesirable by-products and strong resistance to these facilities. The paper concludes that the most obvious solution to these problems would appear to be to adopt waste diversion programs like the ones being developed in Toronto.
From the Paper "To begin this discussion it is necessary to look at the social phenomena known as NIMBY syndrome. NIMBY stands for Not In My Back Yard(Meredith 480). When discussing NIMBY syndrome in "Assessing Environmental Impacts in Canada" Thomas Meredith states,
"...A society collectively accepts the need for a project, say a landfill site, an airport, or a nuclear power plant, but no one wants it near them" (Meredith 480)."
"In this sense NIMBY syndrome can be seen as a way in which land can be made socially unavailable for facilities like incinerators or landfills. This can be seen as a major contradiction because two totally different social and environmental factors are being expressed at the same time. Everyone knows that these facilities are necessary for society to function and are largely unwilling to live without them. However, they are also unwilling to live near the facilities that they desire. Since these two desires can't both be fulfilled it is necessary to look for other options."
Abstract This paper discusses the ethics of discarded computers in relation to the philosophy of John Stuart Mills. It looks at the environmental issues of disposal and Mills' theory of usefulness. The author contemplates the value of upgrading our computer system instead of exchanging it for a totally new model.
From the Paper "Computer trash is certainly becoming a problem for societies everywhere. Some people try to make use of them by creating art, but that is a miniscule use of the millions of old computers one can see set out for the garbage men or dumped behind computer shops. Society is creating computer junkyards. And it is developing in to a very serious problem for the environment. John Stuart Mill would ask to see proof that this was an environmental issue. Thus, accordingly, there is proof."
