DISCUSSION 1
For this discussion, you will first identify a media piece (article, video, or podcast) about a sustainability issue from one of these sources:
United Nations Sustainable Development News
Science Daily Sustainability News
The Conversation
For your initial post, address the following:
Summarize the ethical issue and the ethical argument(s) in the media piece you chose.
Who does the ethical issue affect locally, nationally, and/or globally? How?
How can you use ethical frameworks to help yourself and others think critically about this sustainability issue?
Full Answer Section
Ethical Frameworks and Critical Thinking
To critically analyze this sustainability issue, ethical frameworks can provide a structured approach. Some relevant frameworks include:
- Utilitarianism: This framework focuses on maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering. In the context of fast fashion, a utilitarian approach would consider the impact on all stakeholders, including workers, consumers, and the environment.
- Deontology: This framework emphasizes duty and obligation. It would highlight the ethical duty to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
- Virtue Ethics: This framework focuses on developing virtuous character traits. It would encourage individuals to cultivate virtues like compassion, justice, and environmental stewardship.
By applying these ethical frameworks, we can critically evaluate the fast fashion industry's practices and advocate for more sustainable alternatives. This involves considering the long-term consequences of our choices and supporting brands that prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly production.
Sample Answer
A Sustainable Future: The Ethical Implications of Fast Fashion
The Ethical Issue and Argument
The media piece I chose from The Conversation, "Fast Fashion's Dirty Secret: The Environmental and Social Cost of Cheap Clothes," delves into the ethical implications of the fast fashion industry. The article argues that the rapid production and consumption of clothing has severe environmental and social consequences.
Impact on Local, National, and Global Levels
- Local: In regions where fast fashion garments are manufactured, the industry often exploits workers, leading to poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours. This can have a significant impact on the local economy and social fabric.
- National: Fast fashion contributes to pollution, water scarcity, and waste disposal problems at a national level. The excessive use of chemicals and dyes in the production process pollutes water bodies and soil, affecting public health and the environment.
- Global: The global fashion industry's carbon footprint is substantial, contributing to climate change. Additionally, the disposal of textile waste poses a significant environmental challenge worldwide.