GRASPS

GOAL
Explore human impacts on the ecosystem using data-supported claims and evidence.

ROLE
Volunteer researchers for the Nature Conservation Society of Japan

AUDIENCE
Japan's Ministry of the Environment (環境省, Kankyō-shō) and Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI)

SITUATION
Despite increased attempts for awareness of sustainability issues, global yearly waste production continues to grow [1]. Japan is not an exception to this problem. According to Fumikazu Yoshida (1999) of Hokkaido University, certain locations in Japan including Tishima Island, Mitake Town in Gifu Prefecture, and Hinode Tokyo are notorious sites of illegal dumping of industrial wastes [2]. Okinawa is likewise affected by solid waste, particularly by microplastics and the environmental impacts of land reclamation projects [3, 4]. You were concerned about this issue and joined a research team responsible for (1) evaluating the data about the amount of trash in Japan, (2) proposing solutions to this problem, and (3) reflecting on the impacts of poor waste management on other factors such as economy, people, and balance in nature.

PRODUCT

Present a webpage that includes your research on the root cause of the problem, your proposed solutions, and your evaluation of its impacts. You may also include pictures, videos, graphs, and diagrams to support your claims.

You will also evaluate two of the sources you used to support your findings.

STANDARDS

In science, your webpage will be assessed using Criterion D: Reflecting on the impacts of science. Some guide questions, resources, and videos are provided below.

In Individuals & Societies, your work will be assessed using Criterion D: Critical Thinking.

In Math, your work will be assessed using Criteria


References

[1] References: Jones, Thomas. (2015). Japanese Solid Waste Management (SWM): A Case Study of Yokohama’s G30 Waste Policy.

[2] Yoshida, F. (1999). The Political Economy of Waste Management in Japan. FACULTY OF ECONOMICS Hokkaido University, 8, 1–27. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2115/30573.

[3] Ripken, Christina & Kotsifaki, Domna & Nic Chormaic, Síle. (2020). Analysis of small microplastics in coastal surface water samples of the subtropical island of Okinawa, Japan. Science of The Total Environment. 760. 143927. 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143927.

[4] Masucci GD, Reimer JD. Expanding walls and shrinking beaches: loss of natural coastline in Okinawa Island, Japan. PeerJ. 2019 Sep 6;7:e7520. doi: 10.7717/peerj.7520. PMID: 31534840; PMCID: PMC6733238.