This is for a Course in Communications. Title: Consumption and Waste: An Excessive Problem
Topic: The problem of excessive consumerism and the resulting waste.
Specific Purpose Statement: To inform listeners about the issue of waste on the environment and how it could be better prevented or repurposed to help offset the effects of poverty and hunger.
Thesis Statement: The US population needs to address issues of waste mitigation and redistribution to offset environmental impact and material disparity.
Speech Outline Specifics
Introduction
An old proverb says, “One person’s trash is another man’s treasure.” In many cases, this is true. Sometimes the difference between having and not having is that one person who gave away what they no longer used. Sometimes, that one person can make a big difference. The US population needs to address issues of waste mitigation, prevention, and redistribution to offset environmental impact and material disparity. Although it can be difficult, we need to consider minimizing our waste, making more mindful purchases, and repurposing much of the waste which we do generate rather than leaving it in landfills. This is a consideration that needs to be made, not only for the earth, but for humanity as a whole. It can be difficult but this could be the essential bridge we need to help reduce hunger and material lacking.
Body
I. We need to produce less waste.
A. Abundance in America = more waste. CNN article: top global 1% makes over 34,000/year. Bottom US 5% better off than 2/3 world.
B. For everyone to live like an American, according to the Global Footprint Network, we would need more than 5 earths. Like someone from India – only 0.6 earths.
C. The Center For Biological Diversity estimates that by 2050 some of this plastic waste will be greater in weight than fish pound for pound. 60% sea birds ingest plastic. 40% fish. Turtle mating suffers.
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II. Be considerate with your purchases.
A. A. Purchase with intent. Cloth bags vs. plastic. Cloth diapers vs. disposable. Aim for permanence.
B. Consider purchasing 2nd hand.
III. Consider exchanging, recycling, or donating excess, unused items or waste.
B. Donate what you do not use. Do clothing swaps. This helped me in youth at zero income both in and out of safe homes.
C. Retailers can play a part too. Donating rather than disposing and ruining makes a difference.
Conclusion
Although it is difficult to imagine one person changing the world, Patrick Paul Walsh advocates for “Global change through local action.” In order for something big to happen, something small has to happen first. If we, as individuals, can reduce the amount of waste we produce, be mindful about our purchases, and repurpose much of the waste which we do produce, giving what we no longer need to those who do need it, then perhaps we can be agents for that change and help to make both the world, and the lives of other people, better.
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