Friday, September 27, 2019
9A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2
Who: I interviewed five people who live in hometowns that are not in a 25 mile radius of a major body of water. Although this issue should alarm everyone, the five people seemed to not understand the magnitude of the issue due to the lack of plastic pollution in their respective hometowns. Overall, it would be hard to pitch this idea to areas in which plastic pollution is not an issue, or areas that do not prioritize environmental matters.
What: Although this may not seem like an imminent need, it is certainly something we should want. Just because you do not believe you are apart of the problem, or you believe this issue does not pertain to you due to your geographical location, it does not mean you can not contribute to the solution. If this trend continues, many experts in science community have stated the uncertainty for the near future of our environment.
Why: To many, this issue is simply irrelevant. Others may view it as an inconvenience. Going to a supermarket and using plastics bags is very easy and requires no thought. This may also be a product of mis-information and a simple lack there of. Unless you have a genuine concern for the environment, finding a solution for these matters may just not appeal to many.
What: Although this may not seem like an imminent need, it is certainly something we should want. Just because you do not believe you are apart of the problem, or you believe this issue does not pertain to you due to your geographical location, it does not mean you can not contribute to the solution. If this trend continues, many experts in science community have stated the uncertainty for the near future of our environment.
Why: To many, this issue is simply irrelevant. Others may view it as an inconvenience. Going to a supermarket and using plastics bags is very easy and requires no thought. This may also be a product of mis-information and a simple lack there of. Unless you have a genuine concern for the environment, finding a solution for these matters may just not appeal to many.
*There is always a possibility that some people do not have the financial means to become more eco-friendly, while others have probably already become plastic-free.
Friday, September 20, 2019
8A – Solving The Problem
Solution:
As I previously stated, the solution to the issue of single-use plastics lie in the alternatives available, and the level of awareness that is spread on the matter. The plan for this begins with hosting beach clean-ups to inform consumers of how they affect the environment around them. I could potentially sell metal, paper, or bamboo straws, reusable bags and water bottles, and maybe even clothing made with sustainable resources such as recycled plastics. This can also be done through presentations at local elementary, middle, and high schools, and scheduled meetings with city officials. All in all, I would be providing a service to the community while running a profitable business.
As I previously stated, the solution to the issue of single-use plastics lie in the alternatives available, and the level of awareness that is spread on the matter. The plan for this begins with hosting beach clean-ups to inform consumers of how they affect the environment around them. I could potentially sell metal, paper, or bamboo straws, reusable bags and water bottles, and maybe even clothing made with sustainable resources such as recycled plastics. This can also be done through presentations at local elementary, middle, and high schools, and scheduled meetings with city officials. All in all, I would be providing a service to the community while running a profitable business.
7A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1
1) Recognizing Opportunity
I have chosen to pursue the issue regarding single-use plastics such as straws, water bottles, and plastic bags. In order to carry this out we must focus on spreading awareness and slowly implement more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. However, our beaches and oceans are so polluted with these plastics that it is crucial that we begin to un-do our actions.
2) The Who, What, and Why
Who: Users of single use plastics (restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, grocery stores, etc.)
What: The mass distribution of these plastics to uninformed consumers is leading to an excess of un-recyclable plastic waste, leading to the pollution of our beaches and oceans
Why: Uninformed consumers allow this to continue, along with the higher costs for alternative solutions
3) Hypothesis
There is opportunity for changes in the way we act as everyday consumers if we are presented with alternative solutions such as paper straws or re-usable bags if we are properly informed of the dangers associated with single-use plastics.
Testing the Who: This is an issue that will affect coastal areas and oceans worldwide. Eventually, alternatives will become a need if the effects of plastic pollution escalate to alarming levels.
Testing the What: This issue pertains to ALL single-use plastics as they are non-reusable and will be disposed of as regular trash.
Testing the Why: The reason people continue to use single-use plastics is due to the convenience and the lack of proper knowledge they have on the subject. Large companies who are uninterested in climate/pollution issues will rarely educate their customers/consumers on these issues.
4) Interviews
I interviewed five of my high school friends to further discuss and elaborate on this issue. Due to the fact that we all went to a high school with a focus on marine science and ocean conservation, they very much related to the issue and heavily agreed with the need to sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. The general consensus was that we must be more aware of our actions as daily consumers, and there should be more money allocated to finding alternatives and properly informing everyday people the dangers associated with the heavy usage of single use plastics that is so prevalent in the United States.
6A – Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends
1) Regulatory
Link - https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article215486225.html
With the recent ban on plastic straws in several areas of South Florida, several opportunities are opened up to more sustainable; eco-friendly products such as metal, paper, hemp, and bamboo straws. The Miami-Herald article discusses the issues with plastic straws, and how easily they end up our roads, sewer pipes, and ultimately, our beaches. This will benefit every potential customer, especially those who are more understanding in regards to the issues of plastic pollution. I see this as a great opportunity due to the fact that I witness this issue first-hand, and by spreading awareness we could certainly educate our communities on the issues we're facing.
2) Regulatory
Link - https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/9/18/20872295/flavored-vape-ban-what-it-means-vapers
With all the scrutiny plaguing e-cig companies, legislators are pushing towards a ban on flavored vapes. This Vox article discusses the potential future of vaping, and how people will still likely be able to get their hands on flavored vapes. This may come via stockpiling now, or digging through the "black market web." With the amount of capital many of these large e-cig companies possess, they are surely going to implement a marketing strategy to retain customers if these flavored vapes are indeed permanently banned. This will specifically appeal to people with nicotine addiction, and refuse/prefer not to resort to regular cigarette usage.
3) Economic
Link - https://weather.com/news/news/2019-09-12-hurricane-dorian-impacts-missing-death-toll-damage-estimates
In the past few years, we have seen trillions of dollars in damage due to natural disasters. The latest disaster; Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, has demonstrated just how deadly and disastrous these issues can be. There is certainly an opportunity here to discover new ways to assist with disaster clean-ups. This will undoubtably serve millions of people around the world who are unable to rebuild and live proper lives following an unexpected event such as a hurricane, wildfire, or earthquake.
4) Economic
Link - https://www.vox.com/2019/3/18/18270916/labor-shortage-workers-us
According to this Vox article, there the U.S. economy simply does not have enough workers. There are 7.6 million available jobs, with only 6.5 million looking for work. There is definitely opportunity here for a job matching website that would essentially encourage people to go out and take these opportunities. This would benefit all 6.5 million of the unemployed if it assists them find a suitable career.
Link - https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article215486225.html
With the recent ban on plastic straws in several areas of South Florida, several opportunities are opened up to more sustainable; eco-friendly products such as metal, paper, hemp, and bamboo straws. The Miami-Herald article discusses the issues with plastic straws, and how easily they end up our roads, sewer pipes, and ultimately, our beaches. This will benefit every potential customer, especially those who are more understanding in regards to the issues of plastic pollution. I see this as a great opportunity due to the fact that I witness this issue first-hand, and by spreading awareness we could certainly educate our communities on the issues we're facing.
2) Regulatory
Link - https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/9/18/20872295/flavored-vape-ban-what-it-means-vapers
With all the scrutiny plaguing e-cig companies, legislators are pushing towards a ban on flavored vapes. This Vox article discusses the potential future of vaping, and how people will still likely be able to get their hands on flavored vapes. This may come via stockpiling now, or digging through the "black market web." With the amount of capital many of these large e-cig companies possess, they are surely going to implement a marketing strategy to retain customers if these flavored vapes are indeed permanently banned. This will specifically appeal to people with nicotine addiction, and refuse/prefer not to resort to regular cigarette usage.
3) Economic
Link - https://weather.com/news/news/2019-09-12-hurricane-dorian-impacts-missing-death-toll-damage-estimates
In the past few years, we have seen trillions of dollars in damage due to natural disasters. The latest disaster; Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, has demonstrated just how deadly and disastrous these issues can be. There is certainly an opportunity here to discover new ways to assist with disaster clean-ups. This will undoubtably serve millions of people around the world who are unable to rebuild and live proper lives following an unexpected event such as a hurricane, wildfire, or earthquake.
4) Economic
Link - https://www.vox.com/2019/3/18/18270916/labor-shortage-workers-us
According to this Vox article, there the U.S. economy simply does not have enough workers. There are 7.6 million available jobs, with only 6.5 million looking for work. There is definitely opportunity here for a job matching website that would essentially encourage people to go out and take these opportunities. This would benefit all 6.5 million of the unemployed if it assists them find a suitable career.
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