Search results

1 – 10 of over 4000
Book part
Publication date: 25 October 2011

Liam Leonard

The first phase of Irish environmental campaigns had exploited the NIMBYist concerns of local communities in a manner that superseded the economic rewards of toxic multinationals…

Abstract

The first phase of Irish environmental campaigns had exploited the NIMBYist concerns of local communities in a manner that superseded the economic rewards of toxic multinationals promoted by the state. GSE's campaign extended that NIMBY frame by networking with other community groups concerned about the state's approach to waste management in the second phase of Irish environmental campaigning, which was concerned with the post-boom waste crisis and infrastructural sitings.

Details

Community Campaigns for Sustainable Living: Health, Waste & Protest in Civil Society
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-381-1

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1996

David L. McKee

Recent years have seen the emergence of a new industry dealing in the international disposal of garbage and various forms of waste. Emerging nations have become disposal sites for…

1312

Abstract

Recent years have seen the emergence of a new industry dealing in the international disposal of garbage and various forms of waste. Emerging nations have become disposal sites for materials emanating from the developed world. Attempts to explain the rationale behind the international waste trade. Discusses the acceptance of garbage and waste by poorer nations as a public policy issue. Attempts to balance the economic logic of the acceptance decision with various ethical considerations. Concludes that waste should never be accepted but rather that the advisability of such a practice is destination‐specific and must be assessed on a case by case basis.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 23 no. 4/5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1998

Chrysanthus Chukwuma

Environmental issues are diverse and result from different factors and situations. These call for a multidimensional approach to combat environmental perturbation with respect to…

2511

Abstract

Environmental issues are diverse and result from different factors and situations. These call for a multidimensional approach to combat environmental perturbation with respect to the presenting noxious factors, such as toxic chemical elements and wastes from diverse anthropogenic activities. The continued success of certain environmental programmes in the developed parts of the world and the continuing refinement of our environmental objectives in a contextually designed sustainable development, coupled with significant additional knowledge in environmental planning and management have all led to the decision for a global concerted effort to maintain and sustain our environment for the health and safety of present and future generations. However, these objectives are not strongly undergirded in non‐industrialized parts of the world, and are not wholly supported by the chemical industries and other interests because they lack the will and dedication to realise that economics and environmental management as well as health and safety are inextricably linked.

Details

Environmental Management and Health, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-6163

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 14 December 2015

Lee Moerman and Sandra van der Laan

This chapter considers the toxic chemical asbestos as a salient example of the ever-widening gap in achieving the paradoxical aspirations of ensuring a high-quality environment…

Abstract

This chapter considers the toxic chemical asbestos as a salient example of the ever-widening gap in achieving the paradoxical aspirations of ensuring a high-quality environment and a healthy economy espoused in the Agenda 21 principles arising from the Earth Summit in 1992. In particular, this chapter reviews the scrutiny proposed around the production of toxic components and the disposal of poisonous and hazardous wastes. Despite an increase in global regulation, the elimination of asbestos mining, production and disposal of waste has not been achieved globally. We consider the various non-government and supranational organisations that provide commentary and responses to the global asbestos issue, as well as, a sample of key campaigns and corporate exemplars to highlight issues of governance and risk.

Details

Sustainability After Rio
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-444-7

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2019

Alexandre Bevilacqua Leoneti, Danilo Vitorino dos Santos, Renato Santos da Silva, Alessandra Henriques Ferreira, Adriano César Pimenta and Sonia Valle Walter Borges de Oliveira

The purpose of this paper is to propose a process management framework for Chemical Waste Treatment Laboratories (CWTL) that can be used as a management tool to identify and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a process management framework for Chemical Waste Treatment Laboratories (CWTL) that can be used as a management tool to identify and manage critical process.

Design/methodology/approach

Proposition of a generic classification for categories of chemical waste; use of the ABC analysis as a tool for analysis of priority in relation to the inputs of an CWTL; use of the process matrix (variety vs volume) to identify the key resources required to perform the activities of a CWTL; and use of mapping process techniques to map the processes defined and calculate times.

Findings

The proposed framework was applied to a CWTL at University of São Paulo, Brazil, and showed that the high variability of demand is a significant factor in the management of this laboratory, requiring processes that are flexible to meet this demand. The results showed that the applicability of the production and operations management theories within the scope of process management of CWTLs, proved to be useful tools for improving the treatment efficiency of chemical waste in these facilities.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work is in the fact of using production and operations management tools in the management of CWTLs to propose diagnoses to improve the management of their processes. The proposition of a comprehensive classification for chemical wastes generated in CWTLs is also highlighted.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Digital Politics, Digital Histories, Digital Futures
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-201-3

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2013

Amanze Rajesh Ejiogu

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview on the e‐waste topic, highlight the economic arguments for dumping e‐waste in developing countries and examine the issues…

3040

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview on the e‐waste topic, highlight the economic arguments for dumping e‐waste in developing countries and examine the issues around the e‐waste problems in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted is based on a review of existing literature, personal observation and interviews.

Findings

Electronic waste, or e‐waste, has emerged as a major problem in quite a number of developing countries, as well as an opportunity for development and economic growth. As a result of its high toxic content, it creates problems of environmental pollution and is a hazard to human health when not handled properly. However, there is a huge demand for good quality, second‐hand equipment in developing countries and there seem to be strong economic arguments for exporting scrap electronic and electrical equipment to those countries. The e‐waste trade has grown in Nigeria, causing several socio‐economic problems.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge on e‐waste in developing countries, especially Nigeria. It provides insight into the economic arguments that encourage the continuance of the e‐waste problem.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 16 October 2014

Yu Cong, Martin Freedman and Jin Dong Park

In 2009, Newsweek published a report in which they ranked the 500 largest US companies and the 100 largest global companies based on its environmental performance measures …

Abstract

In 2009, Newsweek published a report in which they ranked the 500 largest US companies and the 100 largest global companies based on its environmental performance measures (http://greenrankings2009.newsweek.com/). This ranking is referred to as Newsweek’s Green Ranking. Included in this ranking is information about water and air pollution, solid waste disposal, toxic wastes, carbon emissions, and enforcement actions. The question we are addressing in this study is how well it measures pollution performance? The question is relevant to environmental accounting/reporting since it is part of a dilemma yet to be answered: Aggregated environmental indices/scores are easy for average information users to percept, while specific information may not be preserved when it is aggregated into the overall score(s).

Specifically, we examine whether Newsweek’s Green Ranking is correlated with pollution measures based on Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) in order to determine how valid or reliable Newsweek’s Green Ranking is – in other words, how much Newsweek’s Green Ranking can explain the pollution by the toxic releases. We find that there is no significant correlation between Newsweek’s Green Ranking and the TRI measures except for the firms in the utilities industry. Concluding that on one measure, which we consider a very important one, there is no justification for the overall Green Ranking Score presented by Newsweek. However, in Newsweek’s three-part score the element that is termed the Environmental Impact Score captures pollution performance measured based on TRI. The contrast between the overall ranking and performance ranking indicates that a composite index that incorporates hard performance and soft measures can dilute the information carried by performance data.

Details

Accounting for the Environment: More Talk and Little Progress
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-303-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2014

Swati Kwatra, Suneel Pandey and Sumit Sharma

Despite legislation in place, there is still a gap in knowledge and awareness of the communities on the issues of e-waste handling and management. It is important to understand…

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite legislation in place, there is still a gap in knowledge and awareness of the communities on the issues of e-waste handling and management. It is important to understand the knowledge and awareness levels of the consumers of electronic products who ultimately become the generators of e-waste in a community. The current study is based on a survey conducted in an urban setting to understand people's perception about the genesis of issues related to e-waste and its management. The purpose of this paper is to study the findings that could help in designing customized awareness programmes for addressing this concern more effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted in Delhi to understand public knowledge and awareness related to e-waste management in the city and country. A limited random survey was conducted with a sample size of 400 individuals in Delhi from middle class belonging to different educational backgrounds and professions. Personal interview method was used to collect in-depth information related to the issues of e-waste and its management. A questionnaire was developed and pilot tested before actual start of the survey. The questionnaire consisted of two sections – first about baseline information related to their age, family size, family income and educational background and second on their knowledge and awareness regarding e-waste and its management. Also, the practices they followed regarding e-waste at their household level were enquired. The questionnaire consisted of both open-ended and close-ended questions. Most of the questions had multiple-choice options, which made it easy for the respondents to answer them appropriately. The open-ended question gave the respondents ample time and space to express their views. The open-ended questions besides strengthening the close-ended questions provided a lot of qualitative information and made the study interesting. Apart from just interviewing, informal interactions were also used as a tool for data collection. During the course of the study, informal interactions were done with respondents to familiarize them with the objectives of the present study, their role and benefits to them from the study.

Findings

The present study aimed to gauge the awareness levels and practices of people regarding e-waste management. The survey conducted in Delhi revealed that significant fraction of middle-class population is still unaware of the issue; however, on getting the information they were able to link the impacts of improper management of e-waste with detrimental health outcomes. For those who knew about it, the main sources of information to them were found to be internet, and print media. However, despite some awareness about the issue, most respondents were totally unaware about correct ways of its recycling and management. An important finding of the study was that 12-26 per cent people replace their major electronic goods like refrigerators, food processors, personal computers and music systems within the first three years of purchase. Discarding products within their periods of useful lives leads to enhanced generation of e-wastes. Along with e-waste generation, this also puts additional stress over the resources used for manufacturing of these products. On management of e-waste, most of the respondents opined of need of having efficient recycling units and effective mass awareness programmes. The survey also revealed the willingness of users to pay extra cost for proper management of e-waste provided that there is proper cost sharing between consumers and producers. This also raises an important aspect of extended producer responsibility (EPR). EPR puts additional responsibility and onus on the manufacturer of the product to not only produce durable quality of products but also take back the obsolete products and manage the e-waste. This also means that the manufacturers will have to use recyclable material in manufacturing of new products for economic management of e-waste at the later stage. Although, in Indian context it would be a challenge to implement the concept of EPR, especially with the active informal sector. The respondents quite adequately put equal responsibilities on the government, consumers and producers for effective e-waste management. The study clearly highlights the issues perceived by the middle-class population of Delhi and can be replicated in other major cities for re-authentication of the facts. The study could prove to be important in designing awareness programme related to the issue.

Originality/value

This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey-based study that was employed to understand the perception of a sample of respondents. Analysis of the data reveals that the knowledge on the issue of e-waste is minimal and requires massive awareness drives for senitization.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 December 2023

Danladi Chiroma Husaini, Vinlee Bernardez, Naim Zetina and David Ditaba Mphuthi

A direct correlation exists between waste disposal, disease spread and public health. This article systematically reviewed healthcare waste and its implication for public health…

Abstract

Purpose

A direct correlation exists between waste disposal, disease spread and public health. This article systematically reviewed healthcare waste and its implication for public health. This review identified and described the associations and impact of waste disposal on public health.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper systematically reviewed the literature on waste disposal and its implications for public health by searching Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases. Of a total of 1,583 studies, 59 articles were selected and reviewed.

Findings

The review revealed the spread of infectious diseases and environmental degradation as the most typical implications of improper waste disposal to public health. The impact of waste includes infectious diseases such as cholera, Hepatitis B, respiratory problems, food and metal poisoning, skin infections, and bacteremia, and environmental degradation such as land, water, and air pollution, flooding, drainage obstruction, climate change, and harm to marine and wildlife.

Research limitations/implications

Infectious diseases such as cholera, hepatitis B, respiratory problems, food and metal poisoning, skin infections, bacteremia and environmental degradation such as land, water, and air pollution, flooding, drainage obstruction, climate change, and harm to marine and wildlife are some of the public impacts of improper waste disposal.

Originality/value

Healthcare industry waste is a significant waste that can harm the environment and public health if not properly collected, stored, treated, managed and disposed of. There is a need for knowledge and skills applicable to proper healthcare waste disposal and management. Policies must be developed to implement appropriate waste management to prevent public health threats.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 4000