NB: When reporting (including the writing of paragraphs), avoid using first,
second or third person when writing a report; when referencing someone’s work,
avoid copying what the author wrote but write it in your own words and
understanding; and cite the author and year at the end of that sentence (For
referencing style, please example share for you, read journals or consult the
reference lists in your study guide). Do your report in your own area.
Please note: if there are students who happen to find themselves in a place during
the semester that does not allow the use of gadgets for picture taking, they must
email the Lecturer eshongtn@unisa.ac.za who will advise and genuine proof will be
required.
Answer ALL the following questions.
Question 1
a. Do you consider yourself ethical or unethical consumer? Provide a brief
explanation.
I think I'm ethical. I try to treat everybody as I would choose to be treated myself. I
will always try to help those in need I come across from a child who's fallen off a bike
or a drink/drug user who has passed out on the pavement. I spend around 15 hours
a week volunteering for an animal charity and foster abandoned and dying dogs. I
support women starting small businesses in underdeveloped countries. I am utterly
reliable. If I tell you I will do something it will get done. Many years ago a client had a
problem he needed sorting. The previous day I'd come off my horse, broken my
collar bones, cracked a couple of ribs, my face was black and blue and I still turned
up. Turns out he was off with a cold and failed to tell my office!
I try to recycle what I can, and buy very few things unless they are completely
necessary. Only last night a friend laughed at my 7 year old handbag. It only cost
£10 new and I'll use it until is disintegrates. I have a jumper and a T shirt with a
combined age of 50 that I still wear regularly.
I don't eat meat although I would if I could kill it myself - I can't! And guess what I'm
an atheist so only do all of the above because it makes me feel good and not
because I expect some heavenly reward. But I'm not perfect. I don't suffer fools
, gladly. I am quite short with people if they don't meet my expectations, but as I said I
would expect people to treat me in the exactly the same way if I let them down.
(6)
b. Define biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials. List any two
examples of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials you have in
your household?
(6)
Biodegradeable is defined as breaking up of large size molecules into simple
molecules which can then merge with the general environment - where large
molecules are gradually converted into carbon-di-oxide, water - using
microorganisms which feed on the molecules reducing them biologically in
the process. This is nature taking its course which is only possible if the
product is organic in nature. Non-biodegradeable items are those which are
organic but the carbon is trapped in a large molecule which is difficult for
nature to break it up naturally within a reasonable period in time.
At the end of course everything organic is degradable - plastics will break up
over a 1000 years perhaps with only the nature working on it to reduce its
structure.
Now household items which are biodegradeable are plenty - vegetables,
items made from natural sources, non-plastic items such as wooden brush,
comb or mallette, generally all plant based products. Non-biodegradeable
items which unfortunately form the largest share of what we use comprise of
anything made from polymerases compounds such as plastics - toothbrush,
combs, hairdryer, shower curtains, plastic or nylon parts in our daily wear,
cars, kitchen cabinets, refrigerator parts, the list is endless. Meat eaters add
to these bones of the animals devoured which end up in landfills and take
years to break-up.
c. What are the problems you fear with the non-biodegradable material waste?
(4)
Non-biodegradable wastes like pesticides get accumulated progressively at each
trophic level and thus harm the organisms. Non-biodegradable materials like
plastics on burning releases toxic chemicals into the environment which leads to
air pollution. It causes water, land air and soil pollution.
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