1. Metals and mining
1.1. Pros
1.1.1. -Many metals are strong and are good conductors -Metals are part of essential processes
1.2. Cons
1.2.1. -Many metals are also toxic and radioactive -gold is extracted using a cyanide mixture, which is very harmful. -Too much metals in the human body can be harmful
1.3. Solutions
1.3.1. Mining companies should try to find ways to use more environmentally sustainable equipment and better waste disposal procedures. They could also try to replenish the local environment as often as possible to ensure that life can still thrive once the mines have closed.
2. Diamond mining
2.1. Pros
2.1.1. -Canada has one of the biggest diamond mining industries -worth about 1.5 billion dollars!
2.2. Cons
2.2.1. -very disruptive to the surrounding area -mines are located in sensitive areas
2.3. Solutions
2.3.1. Diamond mining is less harmful to the environment than other types of mining, because it avoids the use of toxic chemicals. Diamond mine locations, like the Canadian arctic, are heavily regulated.
3. Sodium Fluoride
3.1. Pros
3.1.1. -sodium fluoride is used in many toothpastes -it can strengthen enamel and decrease the risk of cavities
3.2. Cons
3.2.1. Too much sodium fluoride can have negative side effects like cancer, fragile bones, and improper brain development.
4. Solubility and plant fertilizers
4.1. Pros
4.1.1. -fertilizers can improve plant growth and can produce more crops with less labor costs -this makes food more affordable
4.2. Cons
4.2.1. -too much fertilizer can introduce too much excess nutrients into the ecosystem -can increase algae growth -When the algae dies, bacteria use oxygen to decompose the algae -because there is so much excess algae, eventually no oxygen is left in the water, and the fish die
4.3. Solutions
4.3.1. Synthetic fertilizers are very important in many countries, but there are alternatives: organic farming methods like minimum tillage agriculture are all regenerative processes. According to sources, 80% of nitrogen is lost to the environment. More efficient use of animal manure as natural fertilizer can help limit the amount of nitrogen lost.
5. Chemical valley
5.1. Pros
5.1.1. -easy transportation to U.S and central Canada -average income of Sarnia was 35% higher than the average of Canada -One of the most successful areas in Canada
5.2. Cons
5.2.1. -The health of the residents may have been harmed due to toxic gases -high rates of heart disease and lung problems -more pollutants released from chemical provinces than 3 whole provinces
5.3. Solutions
5.3.1. Ontario has started to improve the way it communicates about pollution in Aamjiwnaang. Government staff have started to pay more attention to the people of Chemical valley and their voices.
6. DDT
6.1. Pros
6.1.1. -Eliminate insects and increases crop yields -Seen has a huge success for many years
6.2. Cons
6.2.1. -does not break down easily -negative impact on arctic animals -DDT is soluble in fat, so animals store it in their bodies -not excreted easily
6.3. Solutions
6.3.1. Effective chemical alternatives to DDT for vector control are available, but the choice of insecticides is limited. Alternate insecticides can pose less health risks to humans and to the environment, like IRS and ITN.
7. Road salt
7.1. Pros
7.1.1. -using road salt is safer for vehicles in the winter -reduces injuries related to bad weather conditions
7.2. Cons
7.2.1. -salt on the road can attract animals, like moose and deer -This is very harmful to drivers and the animals.
8. Plastics
8.1. Pros
8.1.1. -large number of different types -used in various objects, like toys and shopping bags
8.2. Cons
8.2.1. -toxic and not biodegradable -the toxic particles in get into the water and the soil
8.3. Solutions
8.3.1. The amount of plastic waste in the ocean is so big it is effectively à “7th continent”. By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. However, some ways to limit plastic waste are: to use alternatives to plastic and attempt to limit it, and many plastic items can also be reusable and recyclable.