Recycling WebQuest

by Mr. M. Stern

Living Environment

Walton High School

You are an employee at NYPIRG (New York Public Interest Group). You will conduct a public policy analysis by researching the social problem of too much garbage in the waste stream. Some factors you will consider are: the cost of recycling programs; what is done with solid wastes; how these materials can be recycled.

As of July 1, 2002 Mayor Bloomberg suspended recycling of glass and plastic. Prepare a report (minimum of 3 pages) to the Mayor’s office advising him of the potential effects from this change in public policy.

1. Support the public policy of the suspension of glass and plastic recycling

- OR -

2. Advise him to resume the public policy of glass and plastic recycling.

You may work alone or with a partner on your project.

Use the Public Policy Analyst:

• Define the social problem
• Gather evidence to support the existence of the problem
• Determine the causes and factors contributing to the problem
• Evaluate the existing policy
• Develop public policy alternatives

Determine the best public policy solution to the problem.

Complete the Worksheets in each step to help you. These should be submitted so that I may help you with the process.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Why was the recycling of glass and plastic suspended?

2. Why are environmentalists against this public policy?

3. What public policy would you propose? Remember to weigh feasibility vs. effectiveness.

4. Research the sources listed below. You may take text and photographs from these sites,

but you must give the URL as a reference. Write your paper or PowerPoint presentation and submit it.

Include a cover page with a Title, your Name(s), Class, and Date.

New York Public Interest Research Group

New York City Department of Sanitation

New York City Recycles

Natural Resources Defense Council

New York City Environmental Justice Alliance

Environmental Data Interactive Exchange

The Council on the Environment of New York City

Environmental News Network 1

Environmental News Network 2

Rubric

	Inadequate	Fair 65 - 79	Good 80 - 89	Excellent 90 - 100
3-Page Typed Report	No Public Policy Analysis was done.	Public Policy Analysis does not site many sources, but a conclusion is reached.	Public Policy Analysis includes material from 3 sources.	Public Policy Analysis is thorough. Includes graphics. Many sources cited.

After you have completed this public policy analysis you will have a better understanding of the social problem of waste disposal and will be able to weigh the costs and benefits of recycling. There are other environmental issues that involve social problems, which require public policy decisions. For example, what should be done about air, water, and soil pollution?

Performance Standards

S5 e Identifies problems; proposes and implements solutions; and evaluates the accuracy, design, and outcomes of investigations.

S5 f Works individually and in teams to collect and share information and ideas.

S6 d Acquires information from multiple sources.

S7 b Argues from evidence.

S7 e Communicates in a form suited to the purpose and the audience.

E2 a Produce a report of information.

E2 e Produce a persuasive essay.

A2 b Prepare a formal written proposal or report to an organization beyond the school.

A3 a Gather information to assist in completing project work.

A3 b Use on-line sources to exchange information for specific purposes.

A3 c Use word-processing software to produce a multi-page document