assignment report course ethics topic sage of single use plastic

LIST OF FIGURES 1-1.Largest single-use plastic waste generating countries worldwide 2019 in million MCUTIC CONS.... So, the question here is: Is using single-use plastic ethical or not?.

NATIONAL ECONOMICS UNIVERSITY ADVANCED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

ASSIGNMENT REPORT

Course: Ethics Topic: USAGE OF SINGLE USE PLASTIC

Group Group 3 Members’ names Nguyen Nu Minh Nguyet - 11206408

Nguyen Chi Thanh - 11206852 Hoang Xuan Trung Hieu - 11206099 Tran Le Minh Hieu - 11205299 Nguyen Duy Dang — 11204756 Hoang Xuan Trung Hieu - 11205286 Class Advanced Finance 62A

Supervisor Dr Nguyen Bich Ngoc

HANOI - 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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2 Current situation of single-use plastic mm Viefnam - 2 221cc 2

CHAPTER 2: THEORY EXPLANATION AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE

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LIST OF FIGURES

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1 Overview

Plastic is a versatile and common material in our modern world Plastic is known for its durability, lightweight nature, and affordability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of products and applications But this material is one the biggest contributions to environmental pollution However, It’s still commonly used in Vietnam This means that we are directly polluting the environment So, the question here is: Is using single-use plastic ethical or not?

2 Current situation of single-use plastic in Vietnam

Definition:

Single-use plastics, or disposable plastics, are used only once before they are thrown away or recycled These items are things like plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, soda and water bottles and most food packaging In Vietnam the most popular

is these strips of shampoo packages

How much Vietnamese People use plastics?

In Vietnam, on average each household uses about lkg of plastic bags/month, in the two big cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City alone

According to recent statistics, plastic consumption per capita in Vietnam each year has increased from 3.8 kg to 41.3 kg/person in the period from 1990 to 2018

As we can see, we use a lot of single-use plastic in our daily life and it's still convenient to this day, but of course this also means the plastic waste is pretty high as well

How much plastic waste does Vietnamese people produce per year?

The amount of plastic waste is increasing rapidly, in 2014 it was about 1.8 million tons/year, in 2016 it was about 2.0 million tons/year and currently about 3.27 million tons/year are generated in Vietnam The volume of plastic waste dumped into the

ocean each year is about 0.28 - 0.73 million tons/year (accounting for nearly 6% of the world's total amount of plastic waste discharged into the ocean)

But compare to other countries, Viet Nam plastic waste only stand at the top 12 countries with the largest single use plastic waste

1-1.Largest single-use plastic waste generating countries worldwide 2019 (in million metric tons)

CHAPTER 2: THEORY EXPLANATION AND ITS

APPLICATION TO THE CASE

1 For

1.1 Deontology ethics

Consumers worldwide enjoy the benefits of cost-effectiveness, convenience, and energy efficiency provided by single-use items such as plastic shopping bags, bottles, utensils, and straws However, the responsible use and disposal of these 1tems are crucial to mitigate environmental impact This report delves into the ethical

considerations of single-use plastics, explores their practical applications, and discusses individual responsibilities in their usage

Deontology in Decision-Making: Determining right from wrong doesn't always hinge on understanding the ultimate ends or personal interests The use of single-use items requires a commitment to proper disposal, either through recycling or ensuring they reach appropriate waste receptacles

Convenience and Economical Duty in Vietnam: In developing nations like Vietnam, the prevalent choice of compact, single-use commodities, typified by pocket-sized shampoo packages, finds its rationale in a synthesis of considerations, chiefly driven by the imperatives of convenience and economic prudence Within the socio-economic milieu, the modest proportions of these items not only furnish a prompt and efficient solution but also resonate with the prevailing necessity for cost- effectiveness, rendering them a favored option among consumers seeking pragmatic and economical personal care alternatives, notwithstanding their diminutive scale As

a Vietnamese citizen, it is everyone’s duty to increase the wealth of themselves by increasing the wealth of the country’s economy As the economy of Vietnam increases,

it is likely that their financial status enhances along with it Hence, increases the happiness of each individual

Medical Applications of Single-Use Plastics: In the medical field, the use of single-use plastic is essential for ensuring high preservation standards at a low cost

Medical instruments like syringes, applicators, drug tests, bandages, and wraps are designed for emergency situations, emphasizing the role of single-use plastics in saving lives and maintaining public health As a person working for a medical service, their duty is to ensure patient’s health is at the best condition Therefore, medical instruments listed above can be a useful tool for

Individual Responsibility and Environmental Consciousness: As awareness of the environmental impact of single-use plastics grows, individuals play a crucial role

in protecting the environment Responsible usage involves not only reducing plastic consumption but also using these items judiciously Smart usage, coupled with advancements in designing biological disposable plastics, can contribute to

environmental conservation while still enjoying the benefits of these products The multifaceted nature of single-use plastics demands a balanced approach that considers convenience, cost, and environmental responsibility As we navigate the challenges posed by these items, it is essential for individuals, industries, and policymakers to collaborate in finding sustainable solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term environmental concerns

1.2 Utilitarianism

Using plastic is ethical because it provides many benefits to society, such as versatility, lightness, durability, and safety Plastic can be used for a wide range of applications, such as packaging, medical devices, construction, transportation, and electronics Plastic is lighter than competing materials, such as metal, glass, or wood This reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during transportation Plastic is durable and long-lasting It can resist chemicals, water, and impact It can also be recycled or reused for different purposes Plastic has good safety and hygiene properties for food packaging It can prevent food waste by extending shelf life and protecting food from contamination

Utilitarianism in Decision-Making: This theory holds that an action is ethical if

it maximizes the overall happiness or well-being of the greatest number of people

Using plastic can be seen as ethical from this perspective if it provides more benefits than harms to society, such as versatility, lightness, durability, safety, and carbon

storage

Environment benefit using Single-use plastic: Using plastic is good for the environment because it can function as an artificial carbon sink By storing carbon in plastic products instead of releasing it into the atmosphere, plastic can help mitigate climate change Plastic can also be made from renewable or biodegradable sources, such as plant-based materials or organic waste This can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and the environmental impact of plastic production

Improving Quality of Life using single-use plastic: Using plastic 1s ethical because it can improve the quality of life and well-being of people Plastic can provide affordable and accessible products and services to people who may not have them otherwise Plastic can also create employment opportunities and economic growth for many sectors and regions Plastic can also enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects

of products and environments, such as design, color, shape, and texture

1.3 Egoism ethics

Egoism is a philosophical and ethical perspective that emphasizes self-interest as the motivating force behind human actions Individuals who adhere to egoism believe that people naturally act in their own self-interest and seek to maximize their own happiness, pleasure, or well-being This viewpoint suggests that individuals should prioritize their own needs and desires over those of others

Happiness can be in many forms; even little things count Taking convenience for example, people are extremely happy thing becomes easier and faster to do something Not only actions but also instruments that help people achieve convenience, it brings happiness to them Single-use plastic play a vital role in that Taking a cup of coffee instead, assuming we are able to bring a reusable water bottle, but can we bring an

additional bottle just for coffee whenever we are carving for one? That is when plastic cup of coffee steps in We can easily throw it away to the trash bin after using it There will be no additional bottle needed, hence, increases the happiness of people As plastics are popular for its convenience, applying egoism makes using single-use plastics become more ethical more than ever

2 Against

2.1 Utilitarianism

The use of single use plastic wastes natural resources and energy, which have

a purpose and a goal of sustaining life and diversity

Single use plastic is made from fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, which are non- renewable and finite resources The production of single use plastic consumes a lot of energy, water, and chemicals, which could be used for other beneficial purposes The disposal of single use plastic also requires energy and space, which adds to the environmental impact Therefore, using single use plastic is wasteful and inefficient The use of single use plastic pollutes the environment and harms living beings, which have a purpose and a goal of maintaining balance and harmony Single use plastic does not decompose naturally and can persist in the environment for hundreds or thousands of years It can accumulate in landfills, oceans, rivers, lakes, soil, and air, creating a huge amount of plastic waste It can also release toxic chemicals or microplastics, which can contaminate the water, soil, food chain, and human health Consequently, the toxins from the plastics have entered the food chain, threatening human health Some toxins found in plastic are linked with cancer, birth defects, immune system problems, and childhood developmental issues Therefore, using single use plastic is harmful and destructive, and goes against the natural purpose and order of the environment and living beings

The use of single use plastic reduces the quality and happiness of human life, which has a purpose and a goal of achieving well-being and fulfillment

Single use plastic creates a culture of convenience and consumerism, which encourages people to buy more than they need and throw away what they do not want This can lead to overconsumption, waste generation, environmental degradation, social inequality, and psychological dissatisfaction It can also prevent people from appreciating the beauty and value of nature and natural materials Therefore, using single use plastic is irrational and unethical, and goes against the natural purpose and goal of human life

2.2 Deontology

Objectivism emphasizes the importance of objective, rational, and universal moral principles Objectivism maintains that obtaining enjoyment is the ultimate moral objective However, wishes cannot bring happiness to oneself It demands logical respect for reality's realities, which include those about our basic desires and nature as humans Living by objective values, such as integrity and respect for other people's rights, is necessary

Objectivism holds that all individuals possess the capacity to enjoy a satisfied, meaningful, and independent life The universe is always accessible to human accomplishments and pleasure

It may support the banning of sex selection as a way to uphold the inherent worth and rights of every individual, without discrimination based on gender Objectivism may view sex selection as a violation of the principle of equal moral value for all human beings

° Apply for the case in Vietnam

First, the Vietnamese Government stipulates that fatal gender selection is a violation of the law on population and children and will be subject to administrative sanctions according to regulations Objectivism thus promotes the idea of equality before the law and non-discrimination regarding the sex of the fetes In particular, the birth of the Gender Equality Law is the clearest and most focused affirmation of the Vietnamese Government's efforts and continuous progress in perfecting the legal system on equality between men and women It can eliminate all forms of gender