Systems Thinking

Foster a holistic, systems thinking approach to see the interconnections between environment, economics and society at different scales (individual and collective; local, regional, national, international, global)

Paper 1

Please write an essay addressing ONE of the following questions. Your essay should be between 1000 and 1500 words. Please also consider:

  • For this essay, you should use (discuss, reference, quote) at least 5 of the readings from session 1–5.
  • While developing your argument include the analysis of 2–3 case studies (countries/environmental conflicts/regions).
  • You should bring a draft (printed copy of at least 700 words) to session 6.
  • A complete draft (100-1500 words) should be submitted (printed copy) on session 7. This draft is part of your final grade.

Partnerships/Enterprises

Third Reflection
Subject: Waste Management Partnership / Enterprise / Actor

The third paper is a chance to select either a:

  • Specific actor (for example: Waste Management, Save that Stuff, Wecyclers, Sanergy, Enevo, etc.)
  • Specific partnership (for example: Casella and the City of Cambridge)

 

Material Stream

Second Reflection
Subject: Difficult Waste Streams

The goal of this paper is to explore a difficult waste stream by either looking at it through: A specific waste stream and the types of processes / disposal that can be used or evaluating a case study on how a difficult waste stream is disposed in an area.

Difficult wastes are those which can be harmful to human health or the environment, or where the physical properties of the wastes can create serious handling problems.

Waste Technology

First Reflection
Subject: Waste Management Technology

Use this reflection to explore a waste management technology with one of three lenses:

  1. Technologies for a specific material stream - Choose one material and examine the technologies used to process / treat that material
  2. Technology Case Study - Choose three areas (cities, communities, government jurisdiction) and compare the technologies used in the three areas
  3. Specific Technology - Explore a technology in depth, its application, scale of use and considerations for purchase and implementation (like cost, size, etc.)

Assignment 1: Elemental Case Study

Small group project exploring the urban/planning implications of water, food, “nature” (however specifically defined), energy, and communications in the Boston area. Each small group will be assigned an “element” to research and document.

 

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