Assignment 2: Recycling, Reducing, and Reusing

In the Working Ahead section in Modules 1, 2, and 3, you were informed to collect items to be recycled and log a journal of these items. You were also instructed to select either Module 2 or Module 3 to collect these items.

Your assignment in this module is to submit your weeklong Recycling Journal, along with an analysis of your recycling efforts and an examination of the recycling process.

Be sure to examine what you have recycled in your chosen week and estimate how many grocery sacks of material you recycled—try to estimate the size. Results showing who recycled the most material will be posted by your facilitator in Module 5.

For this assignment, complete the following:

Part 1

Review your Recycling Journal for the week you selected. Write a report that covers the next two parts of this assignment.

Part 2

Based on what you identified as recyclable in one week and using this data, estimate how much garbage your entire locality or city could prevent sending to the landfill. Include the following:

• What is the total population of your community? You may use reliable Internet resources to identify this information.
• If everyone in your community recycled as much trash as you did for one week, how much garbage could your area recycle? To calculate this number, you can use your number and multiply it by the number of people in your community.
• How much trash could your community save in a year? To calculate this number, multiply the weekly estimate for your community by the number of weeks in a year.
• Do you think your community recycles enough? How can the US Government place more importance on recycling?

Part 3

Examine the process of recycling. Include the following:

• Explain how recycled material is reused.
• Describe what happens to recycled cans, bottles, and newspapers after they go to the recycling bin.
• Examine the impact you have on creating renewed resources from these recycled items.

Support your statements with appropriate examples and scholarly references.

Write a 4–5-page report in Word format. Submit the report, along with your recycling journal. Apply APA standards t

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Assignment 2 Grading Criteria	Maximum Points
Adequately used data from the Recycling Journal to estimate how much garbage your community can save from the landfill.
Examined the process of recycling, providing a thorough explanation of how recycled material is used as well as how one can impact the creation of renewed resources through recycling.
Provided appropriate examples and scholarly references in support.
Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Total:	100

Demographic Transitions
1

Demographic and Environmental Timeline

Xiyu Shen

Argosy University

Demographic and Environmental Timeline

Demographic transition is considered to be a process whereby a country transitions from being a less industrialized society, with high birth and death rates, to an industrialized one, having lower birth and death rates (Ewert, 2006). Majority of nations have already been through this transition including England, Canada and the US. The demographic transition to an industrialized society is rather detrimental for the environment since industrialized societies tend to consume non-renewable resources, giving off pollution. Industrialized countries also have the largest ecological and carbon footprint relative to developing or non-industrialized nations (Allen, 2003). It is however fortunate that some advantages can be witnessed regarding the process of demographic transition, including lower birth and death rates. Essentially, individuals in industrialized nations tend to have fewer children and this helps in controlling the overall population size (Lucas, 2002). The following is the demographic and environmental timeline of Germany between

1800

to date.

STAGE	YEAR	SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY
Stage 1	1800	Major Historical Changes: The country is using the Continental System and is resisting Napoleon. Educational and military reforms are undertaken by Prussian Reform Movement. The country is under Metternich and Catholicism together with Liberalism is becoming more prominent. Changing Population Size: General population decreases as a result of the constant wars going on during this period. Germany is resisting Napoleon who wants to become the ruler of the world. Birth and Death Rates: The birth rates are low while the death rates are high. This is also attributed to the wars going on at this time and the fact that couples are not giving birth as it is would have been expected. Environmental Impact: Environmental impact is high due to the Wars. Wars tend to release a lot of toxic gases into the atmosphere thus affecting the population in the process.
Stage 2	1900	Major Historical Changes: There is a call for peace resolution and the Treaty of Versailles is signed to end the First World War. Germany’s economy faces Depression and the demise of Parliamentary Democracy. Women are recognized where small entrepreneurs are encouraged to venture into various businesses. The country also embraces national Socialism and Modernity which pave way to the initial steps in Foreign Policy. Changing Population Size: The population size is on the increase due to the nation recovery from the First and Second World Wars. The nation is also becoming more and more industrialized and people are confident in residing within Germany. Birth and Death Rates: There are high birth rates and decreasing death rates following the end of the Wars. Peace is slowly residing in the country and women’s rights are being fought for, thus encouraging women to bear children once more. Environmental Impact: Environmental impact is on the increase due to Industrialization. The nation has recovered from the war and is now trying to recover and heal itself.
Stage 3	1960	Major Historical Changes: Germany’s Federal Republic forges the Great Coalition of 1966 to 1969. The country confronts with the past and forms the Extra-Parliamentary Opposition. The Chancellorship of Willy Brandt is formalized; this is followed by subsequent terrorist act in the country, forcing the federal government to address this issue. During this time, Germany also debates on the forging and usage of Atomic Weapons. The West German Society undergoes a major transformation during this time. Changing Population Size: The population size is still relevantly low and constant as Germans are trying to adjust themselves into the New Germany. People particularly foreigners are still reluctant to have permanent residence in the country. Birth and Death Rates: The birth rates are still high and death rates rapidly decreasing. Environmental Impact: Industrialization has been embraced fully and this is causing numerous instances of pollution to the atmosphere and the general society.
Stage 4	1990	Major Historical Changes: The country welcomes technological advancements. The Berlin Wall is torn down and both East and West Germany reunified after their division in the course of the Cold War. The reunification of Germany brings about debates over the nation’s past. Changing Population Size: The population size is on the increase as people have now become comfortable enough to settle in the country. Foreigners are also investing in businesses though not as many as expected. Birth and Death Rates: The birth rates have decreased and so has the death rates. Women have become more empowered and are now capable of earning their individual income through employment. They are opting to work first then have children when they are financially stable. Environmental Impact: The country is experiencing increased urbanization as well as industrialization. Pollution and toxic chemicals from industries and factories are causing challenges to the environment as well as the German community as majority of individual opt to burn fossil fuels for their daily use.
Stage 5	Present Day	Major Historical Changes: The status of women has finally been established where an estimated 90% of German women are employed outside the home. Following the reunification of the country, the government has adapted Angela Merkel’s two Coalition governments. Germany is currently economically stable thanks to globalization and industrialization that has seen it opening its markets and businesses to foreign nations. Changing Population Size: Germany’s population size has recently been on the increase as more and more individuals are migrating to the country for business or permanent residency. The current population size is predicted to increase in the coming years as people settle in the country. Birth and Death Rates: There are currently low birth rates as well as low death rates. The low birth rates can be attributed to the freedom women have in this day and age, one where they can choose not to bear children but instead focus more on their husbands and careers. The average family now has one to two children. Environmental Impact: The current high standard of living that has been witnessed in Germany in the recent past has resulted in a large carbon footprint as well as high levels of pollution. This case is similar to those of other developed and developing nations such as the United States and Europe. Environmentalists are making efforts of raising awareness though more still needs to be done. The automobile industry for instance Mercedes Benz have started manufacturing environmentally-friendly vehicles commonly known as hybrid cars, to minimize the impact of pollution in the air caused by conventional cars.

References

Allen, R.C. (2003). Progress and Poverty in Early Modern Europe. Economic History Review, 56. Pp. 403 – 443.

Ewert, U.C. (2006). The Biological Standard of Living on the Decline: Episodes from Germany During Early Industrialization. European Review of Economic History, 10. Pp. 51- 88.

Kitchen, M. (2011). A History of Modern Germany: 1800 to the Present. 2nd Edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.

Lucas, R.E., Jr. (2002). Lectures on Economic Growth. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.

Environmental issues and Industrial Revolution 1

Environmental issues and Industrial Revolution 2

Environmental Issues and the Industrial Revolution

Student Name

Course Name

Course No

Instructor’s Name

Date

Environmental Issues and the Industrial Revolution

Industrial Revolution Era was a period, in which fundamental changes occurred in,

textile, agriculture and transportation, metal manufacture, economic policies and the social

structure in England. This period is appropriately known as revolution, because it destroyed

the old manner of doing things; During this period (1760-1850) changes occurred gradually.

So the year 1760 is generally accepted as the eve of the Industrial Revolution. Actually this

eve starts more than two centuries ago this date.

During the period of Industrial Revolution there were many inventions that effected the

environment and society. For example automobiles, the telegraph, electricity the steamboat,

and the mechanical reaper etc. These inventions not only helped the Industrial Revolution to

grow up, as well as it had also affected the future society. These inventions create

dependence and people started to depend on them. For example automobiles and electricity,

these inventions helped the developing world. Because with the help of these jobs done

easily, tasks can be completed effortlessly, and it provided peoples more time for

concentrating other things instead work. Although these inventions revolutionized the world

and affected society for the better, but they were bad for the environment.

Most of these inventions of The Industrial Revolution Environmentally, were very

bad because they used natural resources and caused pollution. At that time, people have no

idea that they were negatively affecting the environment by using these. So air pollution,

overpopulation, waste disposal and water pollution were also negative effects on

industrial revolution. The air pollution has been produce because of use of coal in factories,

at that time coal was the best energy source to power all development. Waste disposal was

also a major environmental issue that closely related to water pollution as well. It also was

related to overpopulation. The Industrial Revolution boomed, After the Civil War, and along

with it the population boomed as well. When the population increased severally, then there

was no place left for the waste to go. So, most of the waste was thrown into nearby rivers or

just in empty places. So that water became cause of Water pollution. Which affect the

environment and society so when the people use that water for bathing or drinking it have bad

effect on them.

During the Industrial Revolution U.S.A and Great Britain started a race of

development, and indulge themselves in development and they did not pay any attention on

what was happening on earth and its resources. First of all, earth its inhabitants was being

polluted. Secondly, because of the pace of development, its natural resources were being

drained of,. At the same time production capacity was increasing and the economy was sky-

rocketing, and the natural resources were being worn out faster and faster. This came in

realization when the Industrial Revolution was at its peak, and it started slowed down the

Revolution until we came to a stage where a lot of the world was much developed and ready

to settle down.

On us Economy e industrialization have a most significant effect that was mass

movement of population to the large cities and away from rural areas. Second effect was

significant shift in wealth. Before Industrialization, wealthy Americans were people who

owned large farms but after industrialization wealth moved to industrialists. Third effect is

that Industrialization made the United States a player on the World Scene. Because of the

industrialization US became a World Power.

Due to industrialization need and number of power plants and factories increased

so a number of problems including air pollution and damaging run-off is started to increase.

Marine life also affected by factory pollution. Another main effect is an increase in urban to

rural migration. In United States there are poor urban problem resulted in sprawl and poor

long-distance public

transportation.

This increased dependence on fuel for personal

transportation.

One final major environmental problem that effect industrlization in the late 1960s

and early 1970s was the use of fertilizers and pesticides. As agriculture was becoming more

centralized and commercialized and, high yield crops need also increased. Use of pesticides,

especially DDT, resulted in severe consequences to humans and animals alike.

Following laws has been passed to handle environmental issues in 1970

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

Environmental Quality Improvement Act,

the National Environmental Education Act,

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The main purpose of these federal laws was to assure that the environment must be

protected against both private and public actions that failed to take account of costs or harms

inflicted on the eco-system.The EPA is supposed to analyze and monitor the environment,

conduct research, and work closely with local governments and state to devise pollution

control policies.

It has five main objectives, called “core functions.” These include:

· Pollution Prevention

· Risk Assessment & Reduction,

· Science, Research, and Technology,

· Regulatory Development

· Environmental Education

NEPA (really enacted in 1969) has been described as one of Congress’s most

far reaching environmental legislation ever passed. The main objective of NEPA is to

force governmental agencies to consider the effects of their decisions on the

Environment.

Clean Air Act

 (CAA):  Main purpose of clean air act was protect air quality by

regulating mobile , and stationary sources of pollution.
 

Clean Water Act

 (CWA):  This Act protects water by preventing discharge of

pollutants into navigable waters from point sources.

Environmental laws protect the safety and health of environment and humans. For

example, the Clean Air Act limits emissions of pollutants; Clean Water Act prohibits

dumping of waste water into U.S. ocean waters without a permit. Without such laws,

individuals and business might do whatever was most easy or cost-effective for them, rather

than acting for the good of environment and society. These laws tend to increase innovative

environmentally friendly technology.

On the other hand Businesses may consider these environmental laws in a negative

light if they must adapt their practices and increase spending money to comply with them.

Individuals may also feel uncomfortable by practicing laws as well, such as a new law against

fishing in a favourite spot. Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of environmental laws often

proves challenging, as negative effects of not implementing these laws — such as illness ,

death, and ecosystem destruction — cannot always be measured in monetary terms. However,

becoming more environmentally friendly and following laws we may actually save

businesses and individuals money in the long term, particularly by reducing energy and waste

usage, despite the cost of the initial investment.

References

Ashton, T. S. The Industrial Revolution. London: Oxford University Press, 1969.

Chambers, J. D. The Workshop of the World. London: Oxford University Press, 1968.

Toynbee, A. The Industrial Revolution. Boston: Beacon Press, 1957.

Ashton, T. S. The Industrial Revolution. London: Oxford University Press, 1969.

Bukro, Casey. “EPA Chief Ties Ecology to Economy.” Chicago Tribune. 13 February 1993.

Cole, Carol. “Bush Backs Budget Cuts at EPA; Democrats Vow to Fight.” World Fuels

Today. 8 February 2006.

Collin, Robert W. The Environmental Protection Agency: Cleaning up America’s

act. Greenwood Press. 2006.

Payne, P.L. British Entrepreneurship in the Nineteenth Century. New York: Macmillan, 1974.

Pike, E. R. Hard Times: Human Documents of the Industrial Revolution. New York: Praeger, 1966.

Thompson, E. P. The Making of the English Working Class. New York: Pantheon, 1964.

Toynbee, A. The Industrial Revolution. Boston: Beacon Press, 1957.

Biomes and their Organisms
XIyu Shen
Argosy University

A biome is a geographically defined area with distinct plants and animals group
Biomes are defined by geography and climate
Understanding biomes requires good understanding of the location and adaptation of the climatic conditions of a particular region
The survival and well being of a biome and its organisms depends on ecological relationships throughout the world

Tundra
Taiga
Grasslands
Deciduous
Desert
Desert Scrub

Cold temperatures and precipitation is more of snow
It spreads across the northern hemisphere regions of the world
The regions have brief
Summers with Tempe
ratures slightly above
Freezing point

Polar bear
Caribou
Musk OxArictic Fox
Snow owl

Lichen
Cotton
Arctic Willow
Moss

Caribou herds feed on the lichens
There is predators in this biome for example polar bears, arctic foxes, and wolves.
The smaller animals the smaller mammals are lemmings and snowshoe rabbits. at predators eat include
The plants also relate with the soil in the sense that the heights and root depth depend on the soil

The polar bears and owls have developed thick fur that enables them to survive in the cold climate
The caribous have developed hoofs that enable them to walk on the snow
In rocky areas, plants have roots that are modified to support the plant without going too deep
Animals like reindeers have antlers for defense

If the temperatures rose by 10 degree, the possible effects will be;
Animals will die because their bodies can not adopt immediately
The snow will melt and the habitats will be destroyed
Organisms will have to migrate to other places to find suitable climate

The changes may also prompt new organisms to move in or some of the others may adopt to the new conditions
Those organisms that remain will have to modify their characteristics over time
The migratory species will face the challenges of food and survival
The biome may be completely destroyed for a new one to develop

When the biome adapts to the changes in the temperature, the following will happen;
The animals that will live in this biome will remain the same because of adaptation
The animals may need a little time top adjust than if only the temperatures change
The organisms will have different chacteristics as compared to the earlier ones

Proper environmental management would ensure the conservation of the biome.
Conservation would help in sustaining the biome, hence the organisms will continue with propagation
Poor management will lead to poor polices that can lead to the destruction of biomes

Where there is poor management ,effects can be felt like global warming
Global warming would lead to the melting of ice and the biome will be destroyed
Proper management of environment is an important factor when it biomes to preserving biomes
Environmental management ensures that proper policies have been made.

Drastic changes in the biome will affect the society because the members have learnt to rely on some organisms
If the snow melts, the transportation may be affected because some people use sleight
Food will also be a concern for the peoples because the society depends on organisms for such.

I will still live in the same biome incase of drastic changes in climate because human being can find a way of dealing with the changes
The changes will prompt the community to think of ways of dealing with those changes and find new ways of doing things
Humans are rational hence and the world is changing all the time ,so it is better to be dynamic

Biomes are majorly determined by climatic conditions and geographical location
The organisms can be able to adapt new conditions within a biome, though it may take long
Human activities can also affect the conditions of a biome
There is a direct relationship between organisms and the type of biome

Malik,M.(2003).Biomes.Oxfor:Oxford University Press
Mary, J.(2007). Introduction to biology. Nairobi: Longman
Kubasu, K.(2003). Human geography. Nairobi: Longman
Asha, M.(2004).The world major climatic regions. London: Macmillan
Tony, L.(2009). Relationships within a biome. Chicago: Chicago Press