The Dilemma: Landfills
Landfills are a necessary component to society as
not all of our products and wastes are biodegradable. While this issue could be
solved all together by making any product that is not easily biodegradable
illegal, that is truly unrealistic for this generation of mankind.
Thinking on an ethical level, the areas surrounding
landfills are far from pristine areas as the fumes and from the decomposing
waste taints the air and the "ugly" sight of garbage does not draw
the eye. The fact of the matter is, the increase in human population has led to
an increased need for landfills. The government has to make a plan of action as
to how to handle the waste. So the dilemma arises when government officials
decide where the landfill will go. Due to other people being irresponsible
about their waste, one town or small society will be burdened for many years
down the road. In addition, the toxins that come from a large pile of trash can
get into the water supply and bring harm to the surrounding areas.
So the government has to act on the majority's need. To some officials,
that small town where the landfill is being re-located to, is more important
than the glooming overflow of waste. To other officials, the little town being
disturbed by the landfill is an afterthought. Which side is right? There is no
definite answer but the ethical approach and the practical approach rarely are
the same idea.
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