Project #1: Following the Trail: Managing Waste and Recycling in Our Community
Part I Due: Thursday April 4 by e-mail.
Part II Due: 1. Friday March 22 on course blog.
2. Friday April 5 on course blog.
In his article “The Politics of Illegal Dumping: An Environmental Justice Framework,”
environmental sociologist David Pellow describes how the actions of waste management
facilities, politicians, neighbors, city planners, and pro-environmental groups and can actually
(re)produce the social and environmental problems they are intending to ameliorate by displacing
the impacts of waste and pollution on vulnerable communities. Other authors you have read,
speakers we have invited, and films we have watched questions the sustainability of such
practices. Paired with our field trips, these perspectives question whether our current waste and
recycling processes are actually producing the “green” solutions they promise.
Part I: Theory
Drawing from your experiences observing local waste management and recycling practices,
listening the perspectives of Waste Not of Yamhill Count on the proposed expansion of
Riverbend Landfill, and by reading the various perspectives offered in the text and articles, argue
to what extent local waste and recycling practices are both environmentally sustainable and
environmentally just. Directly integrate both in-class and out of class resources to support your
thesis, and conclude by explaining what changes are necessary in society to enhance the
sustainability and justice of waste management and recycling practices in our community. Use
theories, concepts, and vocabulary introduced in class. Respond in a 5-6 page essay. Double
spaced, 12 point font.
Some questions to think about:
 What are things that waste and recycling management facilities are doing well? What
could they be doing better?
 What did you notice about the workers at these facilities? What did you notice about the
communities surrounding these facilities?
 How has the handling and processing of waste impacted the local communities in which
they operate? What are the impacts on public health? On the health and well being of the
workers in these facilities? On the natural environment and ecosystem?
 What broader individual and/ or social changes could or should be made to impact our
contribution to the local, national, and global waste stream?
Part II: Applications
The following challenges will provide you with ways to apply what you have learned in the
preceding classes. Where relevant, integrate and link to course readings and information.
1. Challenge 4: Take a tour of campus and systematically observe the waste and recycling
practices of the campus community in various places- dorms, apartments, classrooms,
work spaces, computer labs, athletic facilities, dining halls, offices, etc. Document what
people are throwing away and what people are recycling. Look into garbage cans and
recycling bins as you pass through campus. Document how members of our community
create waste and how they recycle. Assess how well people recycle and where. What are
they currently doing? What could they be doing better? What challenges do we face with
recycling or minimizing our waste stream? Provide a 2-page summary of your findings.
Due Friday March 22 on course blog.
2. Challenge 5: Based on your research, include a brief statement about what responsibility,
if any, Linfield College has in creating a more environmentally and socially just system
of waste management on campus and in the broader community. Are we currently
managing our waste in sustainable or environmentally just ways? Based on your analysis,
outline possible ideas for implementing new policies or practices on campus to address
these concerns and to approach Zero Waste. 1-page summary Due Friday April 5 on
course blog.
Resources: Please see the resources tab on the course website to see a variety of articles, videos,
and other resources for you for this project. I encourage you to watch the film Trash Inc (on
Hulu.com and linked from course website).
Evaluation: Essays will be evaluated on:
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Your ability to craft a clear thesis statement
Your ability to support this thesis with concrete evidence, drawn from course materials
and information, including texts, concepts, readings, field trip, films and other
information you seek out independently
The overall clarity and organization of the essay
Depth of analysis
Quality of writing
Ability to proofread and edit your materials