Writing Assignment

Read the Chapter from Goodenough as general background. Also, read the information posted on the tobacco websites listed on iLearn.

In approximately 1,200-1,500 words, please respond to the following initiative entitled "A Modest Proposal." Be sure to completely discuss:

1) Whether the proposal will help raise awareness of the effects of the type of pollution smokers generate.

2) Whether there will be any impact in the amount of pollution generated.

3) Whether the proposal will have an impact on the number of people who smoke.

4) What your position is on the proposal and why (give support to your argument).

In addition to writing about the four points above that address cigarette waste, incorporate additional information you learn from TWO additional, reputable sources. This can be a scientific study or paper, a report on a study, a reputable web source (such as a .gov or .edu - NOT a .com site) that mentions the problem of cigarette waste. You must include a bibliography.

A Modest Proposal-

Given that:

• Using protocols established by the International Organization of Standardization, and the Federal Trade Commission, it has been shown that there are more than 4,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke, including known carcinogens, metabolic poisons, heavy metals, and radioactive compounds. (Canada Health Ministry)

• Filters on cigarettes, which are meant to trap these harmful compounds while not affecting taste or the release of nicotine, do not make cigarettes "safer," and deliver higher amounts of tar and nicotine than is listed on cigarette packages. (National Cancer Institute, Philip Morris International)

• Cigarette filters get saturated with many of the compounds found in tobacco smoke, have been shown to slowly release the toxic compounds into the environment over years, and to be harmful to organisms, including children who accidentally swallow them. (Bulletin of the American Littoral Society, Aug. 2000, Centers for Disease Control - poison prevention)

• 2.1 billion tons of discarded filters are generated worldwide; 88,000 tons in the US. (World Wildlife Fund, Bulletin of the American Littoral Society, Aug. 2000, Longwood University)

• In an effort to combat the waste generated, laws have been proposed to raise the awareness of smokers and to make smokers more directly responsible for the waste they generate, including proposals to fine smokers over $3,000 for throwing cigarettes out the windows of automobiles. (Sacramento Bee, Mar. 10, 2004)

It is proposed that a 30-cent per cigarette surcharge ($2.75 per cigar) be added to the price of these tobacco products to cover the cost of remediation of the damage done to the environment by cigarette filters and unburned portions. Collectors who return used filters to certified collection stations will receive 15 cents per filter ($1.25 per cigar butt) in an effort to decrease the amount of used filters that enter the waste stream, thereby decreasing the environmental impact. Generated revenue will be used to safely collect and dispose of used filters and unburned portions.

Attachment:- Assignment.rar