In this assignment, you will critically assess the “Cradle to Cradle” concept.
The “Cradle to Cradle” concept focuses on solving environmental waste challenges by transforming the design and production of items. The concept explains how every product can be produced in such a way that at the end of its lifecycle the component materials become a new resource.
This assignment is based on both the Module 12 Reading: “The NEXT Industrial Revolution” article and the Module 12 Media: Waste = Food documentary film. Be sure to read the entirety of the article and watch the documentary film, before beginning this assignment.
Estimated Time for Completion: 3 hours
Target Course Objectives
Apply a social sciences perspective to critically examine environment and society relations
Describe major concepts that are central in understanding environment and society relations
Identify and formulate potential solutions to environmental problems considering the connections that exist between the environment, culture, and societal organization
Instructions
For this assignment, write a short critical essay, responding to the questions listed below.
Informed by the article “The NEXT Industrial Revolution,” and the documentary film Waste = Food, what are the core principles underlying the “cradle to cradle” design approach?
Do you think that the “cradle to cradle” design approach is the solution to environmental challenges regarding production, consumption, and waste? (Explain.)
What are some of the societal challenges to embracing the “cradle to cradle” design approach and how likely are we to see this approach further develop in our lifetimes?
Using the “cradle to cradle” approach, how can you rethink the production of the item that you chose to research for your final critical assessment essay? (Note: If you would like, you can use what you write about here in the final section of your critical assessment essay as well.)
In your essay, you should also briefly define any other terms/concepts that you draw upon from the Module 12 Reading to demonstrate your understanding and use of them.
Length: 2 to 3-page essay
Format: double-spaced
Number of sources required: there is no set number of sources required for this assignment, but you should refer to the Module 12 material (Reading and Media) for this assignment; be sure to cite the sources that you use, but you do not need a Works Cited page
Academic Style Guide Requirements: MLA