FCOM201 Trimester 2, 2018
Essay – Consumption and Waste
Final Due: Week 10 ________________________700-800 words
Essay Question: Consumption refers to the acquisition and use of resources and products. The term ‘over-consumption’ refers to acquiring more than is needed. Consumable items include food, clothing, electronics, and plastic products.
Their production uses many natural resources and can involve unfair labour practices and health hazards; the end-of-life or overconsumption of these items can contribute to waste; and product disposal methods can pollute the environment.
Outline the issue of consumption and waste, detailing what contributes to the problem and how it is currently being dealt with by communities and governments. Include strategies which are being undertaken to tackle this issue, and suggest what could be done in your own local area.
Your introduction should:
Make a general statement about the extent of consumption and waste in the world.
Define any technical terms.
State the purpose of the essay and outline its content (thesis statement).

Your body should:
Provide details for the points you outlined in your introduction.

Your conclusion should:
Be based on the evidence you collected, and restate the thesis.

Prompts
It is recommended that you use the following prompts. You will be provided with readings related to these prompts.

What is the extent of consumption and waste today?
Use some statistics. Identify your geographical focus.

Environmental Aspects
Identify resources used and any pollutants in the manufacturing, disposal and decomposition processes. What mitigation strategies and solutions have been developed?

Social and Economic Aspects
Identify any issues associated with the production, marketing, and sale of goods. Are there solutions which have been developed to address these issues?
Sources
Sources will be provided on Blackboard, and these are to be used in your essay.
You MAY NOT use sources which have NOT been approved by the tutor.

Style
• You should write in an academic style, with in-text citations and a reference list at the end of your essay. It is likely you will be using cause/effect and problem/solution language.
• Your Assessment Schedule shows how the essay draft and final will be marked.