Overview
Earlier in this course, we explored how the environment has impacted humans and how humans have impacted the environment. It is not enough to recognize that impacts have occurred, however. We must also consider actionable steps that can be taken to address the sustainability issues these impacts have caused.
Directions
In this short paper, you will describe actionable steps that organizations, governments, or people can take to address a sustainability issue.
First, identify a business or organization. You may use the same business or organization you chose for the Module Four discussion, but this is not required.
Then, address the prompts below. Specifically, you must address the following:
- Describe the impact of the business or organization on the environment.
- How is the business or organization helping the environment, and how is it hurting the environment? (For example, some theme parks recycle regularly and landscape with only edible plants, but they still use single-use plastic cups.)
- Describe actions that can be taken to help the business or organization become more sustainable.
- What can the business or organization do to improve sustainability?
- What policies or standards could help improve the business or organizations sustainability?
- What can people from outside or inside the business or organization do to help improve the business or organizations sustainability?
What to Submit
Submit your paper as a 1- to 2-page Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. Use at least one source in this short paper. Follow APA citation guidelines when citing sources both throughout and at the end of your paper.
Alternately, Brightspace allows the use of video notes. You may optionally use the Video Note tool to complete this assignment so long as you refer to your sources verbally throughout your video and submit a separate references page. If you need assistance using Video Note, please refer to the resources in the Start Here module. If you use Video Note, your video should be 2-5 minutes long.
Module Four Short Paper Rubric
Criteria | Proficient (100%) | Needs Improvement (75%) | Not Evident (0%) | Value |
---|---|---|---|---|
Impact | Describes the impact of the business or organization on the environment | Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include a clearer or more detailed description of the impact of the business or organization on the environment | Does not attempt criterion | 30 |
Actions | Describes actions that can be taken to help the business or organization become more sustainable | Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include a clearer or more detailed description of actions that can be taken to help the business or organization become more sustainable | Does not attempt criterion | 60 |
Clear Communication | Consistently and effectively communicates in an organized way to a specific audience | Shows progress towards proficiency, but communication is inconsistent or ineffective in a way that negatively impacts understanding | Shows no evidence of consistent, effective, or organized communication | 5 |
Citations and Attributions | Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with consistent minor errors | Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with major errors | Does not use citations for ideas requiring attribution | 5 |
Total: | 100% |