Digital Commons Network^™

The Planet On Our Plates: The History, Economics, And Ethics Of An Unsustainable Globalized Food System, Erin Wattley

Student Theses 2015-Present

In today’s age of globalization, the world’s food systems are no exception to this dominant economic trend. Although globalization has ushered in an unprecedented economic boom, the globalization of the food system has negative implications for the environment, including the pollution and energy costs of transporting food around the globe, the exploitation of land for farming, particularly in developing countries, and the degradation and depletion of natural resources. This paper seeks to address the environmental problems associated with the globalized food system and provide possible solutions to those problems, using the food system of Bronx residents as a case study …

A Historical, Political And Social Look Into The Problem Of Floatable Pollution In Nyc's Bronx River, Zoe L. Bellapigna

Student Theses 2015-Present

Once clean enough to be considered as a potential potable water source for New York City, the Bronx River and the overall quality of the water has steadily declined since European arrival in North America. As the socioeconomic divide between Westchester County and the Bronx developed and grew, so did the flow of floatable pollutants in the Bronx River. Quantitative data on the current number and category of floatable pollutants removed from the river in 2017 through the Bronx River Alliances’ Project WASTE is explored to provide the most up to date data on the trash in the river. Research …

Urban Parks For All: Reclaiming Public Green Space In New York City, Emily Putnam

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis focuses on the issue of public green space in an urban environment and the politics surrounding such access in New York City. It turns out that the otherwise affluent Upper East Side and Midtown East actually report the least amount of public green space in the city in Community Boards 6 and 8. Against the backdrop of an investigation of the environmental history of New York City, I focus on a small park in Sutton Place that has been exclusively used by residents of an elite apartment building for decades despite being legally owned by the city of …

Parks And W[Rec]K: Ecosystem Services Of Urban Parks, Serena Iacoviello

Student Theses 2015-Present

As the general population and specifically urban populations continue to grow, cities must become more sustainable. Unfortunately in New York, cherished green spaces and their respective ecosystem services have been gravely degraded. This is especially true for underserved urban neighborhoods that often have the highest levels of pollution. In restoring mixed-used parks and protecting their ecosystem services, city dwellers can reap the benefits of improved social fabric, quality of life, local environment and economy. In my exploration of this subject I reference natural science and social science quantitative data. This data describes the ecological degradation and climate change and the …

Infiltrating Green Into The Urban Machine: Creating Equity Through Zero-Acreage Farms In Nyc, Hania Hribal-Kornilowicz

Student Theses 2015-Present

Urban centers have long been areas characterized by teeming activity, innovation, and idealized opportunity. However, without fail every urban center contains the paradox between abundance and injustice as evidenced by high rates of food insecurity, lack of green space, and the compounding health disparities experienced by predominantly low-income and minority residents. These injustices will only worsen as the impacts of climate change accelerate. In response, this thesis uses New York City as a case study to explore the efficacy of ZFarming, which is farming in and on buildings, for creating more equitable and sustainable cities. This is accomplished by establishing …

A Wasteful Disposition: How A Consumerist Society Can Slowly Become Zero-Waste, Paige G. Werman

Student Theses 2015-Present

Humans have exploited planet earth’s resources to generate many different forms of useless remains: solid waste, food waste, pollution, electronic waste, wastewater, hazardous and chemical waste, and nuclear radioactive waste—so many that we have disregarded the environmental principle that waste in any form is not sustainable or natural. Developed countries have habituated a lifestyle of excess—the societal concept of waste being the most detrimental to the Homo sapiens’ future as a living, thriving species and the reason why we have succumbed to a climate crisis. Through a reframing of ethical philosophies, economic theories, and sustainable design, societies are capable of …

Silent Summer: The Epa Spill & Neglected Navajos - A Review Of Environmental Tragedies In Navajo Nation & Their Effect On Diné Life, Jillian Verzino

Student Theses 2015-Present

On August 5th 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released approximately one million gallons of mine waste into the Animas River near Durango, Colorado. The one hundred and twenty-six mile long river travels through both Colorado and New Mexico and is a source of water for many individuals and farms along its path. This thesis analyzes the effects of the EPA’s spill on nearby Indigenous communities, specifically the Navajo community. Further, this thesis explores the relationship between the Diné (Navajo) and the United States government, seeing as American Indian cultures and the government deal with pre-existing hostilities. Referring to the …

Greening A Drug-Addicted Economy: Can Puerto Rico Ease Away From The Toxic Pharmaceutical Industry To A Sustainably Diverse Economy?, Natalie Galarza

Student Theses 2015-Present

Puerto Rico is not the most well known place to most Americans. The small island in the Caribbean is neither an independent nation nor a state, bur rather a commonwealth of the U.S. Life filled coral reefs surround the coasts, rainforests and lush vegetation cover the land, and an underground cave system and glowing bioluminescent bay fascinate all those that venture to them. These natural wonders as well as the vibrant culture are the primary aspects most people who are familiar with Puerto Rico think of. However, the main sector of Puerto Rico’s economy has nothing to do with any …

The Interstate Highway System And Environmental Justice: Disproportionate Environmental Impacts On Low Income And Minority Communities, Dylan T. Katz

Student Theses 2015-Present

Equity does not exist for all citizens with access to a clean, safe, and stable environment. In our present day, a number of urban populations suffer from the effects of heavy and disproportionate pollution from our major roadways and systems. Institutionalized racism and classism are pervasively linked to the development of large scale infrastructure in the United States. This thesis explores the historic roots of environmental racism through an assessment of the placement of the United States Interstate system, an infrastructural juggernaut which provided employment and an incentivized lifestyle for millions of upper class white Americans at the cost of …

Redlining The Green: Environmental Racism And Justice In The Bronx, Kelsey Vizzard

Student Theses 2015-Present

Historically, the availability of economic, social, and political opportunities has been almost absent from marginalized communities, such as the Bronx. For reasons like race, ethnicity, and class, these geographic areas have been targeted and named as risk areas in the mid 1900s by banks and other agencies. This historic phenomenon is known as “redlining.” As a result, they received little, if any, economic, social, and political support from the government and other agencies and systems. Instead, any effort to climb the economic and social ladder was initiated by community members and organizations. As a result the community has suffered difficulties …

Climate Change: Threats To Social Welfare And Social Justice Requiring Social Work Intervention, Lauren Caroline Achstatter

21st Century Social Justice

The article looks at climate change though a social development framework, with emphasis on social justice and social welfare. It evaluates how market-based capitalism continues to contribute to the problem while ignoring the warnings from the scientific community. The article goes on to report that despite the devastation of climate change, concerns – mainly financial in nature - continue to hinder progress towards reform. The article then argues that given the evidence, climate change qualifies as a topic of interest for social workers. The article goes on to advocate for social work involvement highlighting some suggested areas for action.

Want All, Waste All: Exploring Food Waste In The United States, Ani Esenyan

2014 Student Theses

This thesis examines food waste within the United States as an environmental and social problem. It is estimated that 40% of food in the United States is thrown out every year, and the disciplines highlighted in this thesis explains why food waste exists. First, the amount of food wasted and the reasons behind the waste is explored. Second, the history of food production and consumption within the United States is analyzed to give further explain the waste epidemic. Third, the agricultural policies which have contributed to food waste are explained in detail. Fourth, the economic and environmental impacts of food …

Globalization Of Contamination: A Case For Environmental Justice In The Transnational Trade Of Electronic Waste, Joanna M. Groccia

2014 Student Theses

This thesis explores the international trade of electronic waste along with the social and environmental threats that this waste poses for those living in conditions of poverty. Although not a new phenomenon, the hazardous waste trade has grown over the years as the amount of technological waste has increased both domestically and worldwide.

Quantitative data along with the application of different disciplines help to assess the environmental, economic, and public health issues associated with the international trade of e-waste. An examination of the history and politics of international trade laws in relation to waste provide context for a discussion of …

Our Failing Food System: Productivity Versus Sustainability, Alyson Murphy

Student Theses 2001-2013

The United States food system is a complex intersection of the activities, people and resources that are involved in feeding the American population. Americans’ relationship with food includes our perception, consumption, and production of it—all of which are aspects that affect the quality of our overall food system. However, our current food system is by no means perfect; rather, it is crucially flawed and requires vast improvements in order to become a healthy and truly nourishing organism. With significant changes in the direction of sustainability, the American food system can become beneficial to the American people, land, and economy by …

Trash Talk: Solid Waste Disposal In New York City, Alexander Williams

Student Theses 2001-2013

In 2010, Americans produced 250 million tons of solid waste. Where does this massive amount of waste go after we throw it out? The majority of the waste is disposed of in landfills where it does not break down, produces poisonous leachate which can contaminate soil and groundwater supplies, and contributes twenty-five percent of America’s methane emissions. The challenges and hazards of solid waste disposal are no more evident than in New York City. New York City residents produce over 50,000 tons of solid waste and recyclables every day. With the closing of the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island …

Giving Back To The Community: Addressing The Environmental Literacy Gap Through Socially And Environmentally Responsible Business Practices, David Garcia

Student Theses 2001-2013

The following paper was inspired by my passion for environmental education and environmental justice. The problem being addressed herein is the environmental literacy gap in the United States caused by the environmental education deficit. After an extensive review of literature and research regarding the issue of environmental education in America, I propose that the environmental and social responsibility movement in business can help augment the environmental education deficit in our country. In order to fully grasp the issues at hand and to understand the full scope of environmental education, I first discuss three disciplines essential to the process of integrating …

Wasting Plates: Addressing Food Waste In The United States, Sarah Geuss

Student Theses 2001-2013

It is estimated that Americans waste over half of their food, depleting natural resources and destroying native ecosystems. Food is wasted daily through a variety of methods, whether through the picking practiced on farms, the selectivity of grocery stores for the best looking produce, and the over-consumption of food by consumers who are unaware of the effects of uneaten food. With the industrial revolution and the “eat more” agricultural tactics pushed post- WWII onto society, the American relationship with food has quickly declined. Urbanization has lent itself to the power of the food industry in transforming farming into another transnational …

The Sustainable Future Of The Metropolis: Greening New York City Building By Building, Lizbeth Sanchez

Student Theses 2001-2013

Due to growth, technology and economic expansion, Western culture has gradually become detached from the natural environment. Industrialism and a culture of consumption have dragged us through a medley of environmental problems, all culminating to our current problem: climate change. The causes and effects of global warming overshadow all of our environmental issues. These problems threaten our way of life, our very existence, and future generations. How can we save the planet without compromising economic growth? Sustainability. In my research I have focused and reported on sustainability pertaining to America’s greatest urban center, New York City, with a spotlight on …

Sandy And The City: The Need For Coastal Policy Reform, Jonathan Hilburg

Student Theses 2001-2013

After tropical storm Sandy battered the East Coast in October 2012, New York City was damaged extensively by flooding, high-intensity winds and the resultant flames. The resultant flooding rendered many underground subway lines unusable along the southern coasts for an extended period of time, as well as damaging buried electrical wiring. These outages were compounded by the hi-strength winds in the upper areas that also brought down above ground wiring. The lack of electricity for use in traffic lights, care facilities, emergency services and mass transit had a staggeringly adverse impact on public health.

In the upcoming effort to rebuild …

Hurricane Sandy: Using Environmental History, Economics, Politics And Urban Planning To Prepare For The Next One, Julia Maguire

Student Theses 2001-2013

Hurricane Sandy, a category 1 storm by the time it reached the North East coast of the United States, was a disaster that devastated all of those in its path. The physical effects of the hurricane, which hit the East coast of the United States on October 29, 2012, were felt by 15 states. The most devastating outcome in the aftermath of the storm was the death toll that numbered over 100 people. The shock from the disturbing effects of this storm was extremely unsettling, and unfortunately those who were affected by it will continue to suffer from these consequences …

Waterfront Redevelopment At South Street Seaport: Where Water And Land, Collaboration And Planning Converge, Kathryn Anne Lorico Tipora

Urban Studies Masters Theses

With a new analytic approach to waterfront space and the incorporation of community-based planning in the process, urban planning can be used as a tool in the social and environmental justice movement for a more livable and accessible city. I will identify the benefits and challenges of an interdisciplinary approach to planning and developing waterfronts by 1) analyzing the history and past redevelopments of South Street Seaport, an essential step to understanding any urban space; 2) identifying the benefits and challenges of an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to planning and developing urban waterfronts; and 3) providing a possible explanation for …

The Economic And Environmental Justice Implications Of Hydraulic Fracturing In 21st Century North America, Katie Medved

Student Theses 2001-2013

The term “energy crisis” has been a circulating topic in societal discourse recently as the political, economic, and environmental future of the United States is considered. As a result of the Industrial Revolution, the country’s dependency on energy has been increasing exponentially as we rely on it as a means for societal and international advancement. For decades America has primarily used coal and oil to run our country – individuals, businesses, homes, companies, industrial sites, stores, restaurants, etc. etc. cannot function without them. Lights, laptops, toasters, heaters, cars, movies, everything from menial everyday tasks to multi-national investments utilize and rely …

Not A Walk In The Park: Environmental Justice In New York City, Lindsey Grier

Student Theses 2001-2013

Where a person lives dictates how that person lives. The environment plays a unique and critically important role in the day-to-day behavior of individuals. It also impacts peoples’ health. And in an urban environment, the affect of a person’s surroundings is further intensified by density, traffic, and congestion. Health disparities and environmental hazards throughout New York City are functions of environmental justice.

Parks make up approximately 14 percent of the New York City. Their placement is both practical and symbolic. Environmental justice issues are deeply embedded in park access, and these issues are especially evident in an urban setting such …

Environmental Racism In South Africa: A Sustainable Green Solution, Danielle Darmofal

Student Theses 2001-2013

Environmental racism and environmental justice are relatively new terms used to describe inequalities that have existed for centuries. Environmental racism is a pervasive problem that can be identified in many countries, even the world’s leading nations. The acknowledgement of the prejudice began with the Civil Rights Movement. Greater attention to equality caused citizens and policy makers to consider the relationship between human rights and environmental rights. The Environmental Protection Agency formulated a definition of environmental justice that states, “no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or …

All In Our Backyard: Exploring How Environmental Discrimination Affects Health And Social Conditions In The South Bronx, Mireille Martineau

Student Theses 2001-2013

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The Ins And Outs Of Corporate Greenwashing, Jennifer Bender

Student Theses 2001-2013

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The Bronx River Alliance: A Model Community Action Organization And An Internship In Development, John Hinck

Student Theses 2001-2013

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Environmental Internship & The Fordham Eco-Roof Proposal, Anthony Giovannone

Student Theses 2001-2013

Fordham received its 2008 College Sustainability Report Card, scrapping by with a C‐ while Columbia received an A‐, and NYU a B‐. Adding to this low score is a C grade on student involvement, which is the essentially why I am writing this proposal. There is an increasing awareness, in college students, of human caused effects on the environment, and its potential degradation due to human action. Many Fordham students would consider themselves environmental citizens, and most are willing to be active. There is a need for an educational application of solutions to the everyday problems that involve human action …

Waste Mismanagement: Fighting Environmental Injustice In Mott Haven And Hunts Point, Elizabeth Friedrich

Student Theses 2001-2013

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The New Social Movement: Environmental Justice In The Bronx, Kelsey Ripper

Student Theses 2001-2013

It can be argued that the birth of the Environmental Justice movement was 1982 in Warren County, North Carolina during a battle over the implementation of a PCB waste site. Unfortunately though, environmental injustices have been occurring throughout most of human history. The exploitation of minorities manifests itself in many ways, and one of those ways is through unhealthy and unsafe environmental conditions. These conditions are often the result of unfair policies which unjustly skew the burden of pollution and waste onto minority or low-income groups. These groups in particular often lack the financial resources or political power necessary to …