UKCustomPapers | Personal Reflection and Action Plan: Water Conservation and Sustainable Energy Sources

Personal Reflection and Action Plan: Water Conservation and Sustainable Energy Sources

Prompt
Your final project will be a personal reflection and action plan paper on one or two natural resources that you would like to focus on to make personal changes, from the general categories of animals, plants, water, air, soil, minerals, food, and energy sources. This assignment moves beyond recycling and packaging reduction to a real and significant lifestyle change regarding natural resource use.

In addition to providing background information on your proposed personal changes, your action plan requires you to include how you would execute your plan. This will help to ensure that scope and feasibility for your plan exist.

For example, if you were to get rid of all toxic cleaning supplies in your home, what steps would you need to take? What resources would you need? What costs would there be? How would you go about accomplishing these steps and goals?

The following critical elements must be addressed in the final paper.

Provide an introduction that describes the topic. Specifically:
Define the scope of the topic. What are the natural resources involved? How were they created? How are they used and obtained?
Briefly indicate the importance of this topic to:
You personally
American society
The global community
Section 1: History and Contemporary Viewpoint. Include and build upon your Section 1 submission (Background, Historical Awareness in America, Historical Awareness Globally) from Milestone Two by incorporating instructor feedback and by adding:
A synopsis of the historical development of the topic from inception through modern‐day usages, both in American culture as well as the global culture, focusing on the most significant developments and contributors to the topic.
A timeline of the most significant developments and contributors (e.g., scientists, activists) to the topic to provide a summary of the most important events and who was involved.
Section 2: Local Real‐World Applications and Specific Steps. Include and build upon your Section 2 submission (Opportunities and Hurdles) from Milestone Two by incorporating instructor feedback and by adding:
A synopsis of the opportunities for change and the hurdles that you will have to overcome.
Outline an action plan of specific steps that you will need to take to make the change happen. All projects should include the following, plus any additional items that are project‐specific:
The short‐ and long‐term costs to implement your change (for example, monetary, social, time, effort, etc.)
The personnel and/or skills needed and availability (e.g., electrician, local politicians, HOA managers and members, construction crews, yard work)
A timeframe (e.g., time necessary for planning stage, implementation stage, most limiting time‐based action items, etc.)
Local laws and regulations (e.g., local and state water laws, HOA regulations, organic designation laws, etc.)
Section 3: Global Significance, Impact, and Applications. Compare and contrast local (i.e., local to you) versus global application of your chosen topic as well as the global significance and impacts for this type of change locally and globally. Depending on your topic selection, this may include comparisons to both a developed country and a developing country or between two widely differing areas of America. Specifically:
Describe two key differences between your chosen comparison communities (i.e., your own and another). They might concern the cost of making a change, skilled personnel needed and availability, or differences in local laws and regulations. For example, in California there may be many local regulations/laws that have to be addressed before you could disconnect your home from city water and sewage to use your own water‐recycling system, whereas in a city in Pakistan there may be no regulatory oversight.
Describe two key similarities among your chosen comparison communities (including your own). For example, in both California and Pakistan, finding skilled labor and the right equipment for an in‐home gray water recycling system might be difficult.
Conclusion
Summarize the use of natural resources and environmental impacts relevant to your selected topic.
Describe what skills and resources are required to address this topic.
Reflect on how your knowledge of the topic has changed over the course of your research, ensuring that you address instructor feedback.

Sample Answer

Personal Reflection and Action Plan: Water Conservation and Sustainable Energy Sources

Introduction

Natural resources are vital to human existence and the health of our planet. Among these resources, water and sustainable energy sources (such as solar energy) stand out due to their critical roles in daily life and environmental sustainability. Water is essential for drinking, agriculture, and sanitation, while sustainable energy sources are crucial for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. Both resources have their origins in natural processes: water cycles through the environment, and energy resources are generated through renewable means, such as sunlight and wind.

The importance of these topics is multifaceted:

– Personally, I recognize that my current water usage and reliance on non-renewable energy sources contribute to environmental degradation. Making changes in these areas can help reduce my ecological footprint.
– In American society, water scarcity and the ongoing energy crisis underscore the need for sustainable practices. The U.S. faces increasing pressure to conserve water and transition to renewable energy to combat climate change.
– Globally, the implications of water scarcity and reliance on fossil fuels are profound, affecting billions of people. By adopting sustainable practices, individuals can contribute to global efforts aimed at preserving these vital resources.

Section 1: History and Contemporary Viewpoint

Historical Development

Water has been a crucial resource since ancient civilizations established agricultural societies around rivers. In the United States, the establishment of irrigation systems in the 19th century marked significant developments in water management. Globally, organizations like the UN have recognized water as a human right since 2010.

On the energy front, the use of renewable energy sources has seen a resurgence from the late 20th century due to growing environmental concerns. Key developments include the introduction of solar panels in the 1950s and wind turbines in the 1970s, which have evolved into more efficient technologies today.

Timeline of Significant Developments

Year Development Contributor
2010 UN recognizes water as a human right United Nations
1954 First practical photovoltaic solar cells developed Bell Labs
1970 First modern wind turbines developed Various engineers
1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development focuses on sustainability Various global leaders
2020 Global push for net-zero emissions intensifies Global climate activists

Section 2: Local Real-World Applications and Specific Steps

Opportunities and Hurdles

Opportunities for change include local government incentives for water conservation and solar panel installation. Community education initiatives also encourage sustainable practices among residents.

However, hurdles may arise from:

– Initial costs of implementing water-saving devices and solar technology.
– Resistance from community members who rely on traditional energy sources.

Action Plan

To achieve my goals in water conservation and transitioning to solar energy, I will follow this action plan:

1. Research local regulations regarding water use and solar energy installations.
2. Create a budget for initial costs:- Short-term costs: Purchasing rain barrels, low-flow fixtures, and solar panels.
– Long-term costs: Monitoring utility savings and potential maintenance costs.

3. Identify skilled personnel needed for installation:- Plumbers for water-saving devices.
– Certified electricians for solar panel installation.

4. Timeline:- Planning stage: 1 month.
– Implementation stage: 3 months for installations.

5. Consider local laws and regulations:- Obtain necessary permits for solar installation.
– Adhere to local water conservation laws.

Section 3: Global Significance, Impact, and Applications

Local vs. Global Comparison

When comparing my local community with a developing country like India:

1. Key Differences:

– In my community, there are incentives for installing solar panels, whereas in India, many rural areas lack access to affordable renewable energy technologies.
– Local regulations in America are often stringent regarding water usage, while in some parts of India, regulation enforcement can be lax due to limited governmental resources.

2. Key Similarities:

– Both communities face challenges with skilled labor availability for installing renewable technologies.
– In both regions, public awareness about water conservation is growing, leading to increased community engagement in sustainable practices.

Conclusion

Water conservation and sustainable energy sources are paramount to ensuring a healthy planet for future generations. To address these topics effectively, individuals need education about resource management and access to technology that supports sustainability. Through this research process, I have developed a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of local and global resource issues and the importance of taking actionable steps towards change. My commitment to implementing these changes will not only benefit my immediate community but also contribute to global efforts aimed at preserving our natural resources for all.

This reflection serves as both a personal commitment to change and a plan grounded in practical steps that consider local and global contexts.

This question has been answered.

Get Answer

Our Free Services

Paper Formatting

No Lateness!

Our Guarantees

Personal Reflection and Action Plan: Water Conservation and Sustainable Energy Sources

Sample Answer

This question has been answered.

Our Services

Daily Statistics

Why Choose Us