Andrew Chan

2/2/19

Annotated Source List

AG CHEMI. “The Impact of China's 'Blue Skies' Environmental Policy on the Chemicals
Sector.” ​AG CHEMI GROUP, S.r.o. | The Impact of China's 'Blue Skies' Environmental
Policy on the Chemicals Sector​, 12 Dec. 2017

Summary: Research Article

In summary, this ​article ​by AG Chemi tells us how China’s Blue Skies push has affected the
world's industry. The blue skies movement has caused China to start to crack down on
heavy polluters, which in turn affects thousands of businesses and producers. China
currently has a strong economy to support this push and has closed down many
manufacturing plants already. Overall, this policy has already had a huge effect with
significant air pollution reduction, but many of China’s cities have not yet made the quota
and they will continue to close factories.

Application to Research
This entry shows the many reasons why China’s ability to implement the policies it has made
and also shows how producers are being forced to look for an alternate solution to
heavily polluted products.

Akgul, Aytac. “China's Ban on Certain Scrap Commodities and Its Impact on the U.S.
Exports/Imports.” ​More Than Shipping,​ 20 Sept. 2017

Summary: Research Article

This ​article ​explains some of the negative externalities of the import ban. Negative externalities
are effects on third parties that are not directly related to China’s import ban. One of the
major externalities is in the shipping industry and job creation. By removing a major
destination for waste, and trying to import small amounts, while shipping carriers try to
import the max, the markets for shipping will be confused.

Application to Research
Overall, this article shows some of the ripples caused by the ban such as job loss, and confusion
in the market. This source provides important viewpoints on the import ban that takes
into consideration more than just the ban.

America, CGTN, director. ​Joe Pickard Explains China's Ban on Plastic Waste Imports​. ​Joe
Pickard Explains China's Ban on Plastic Waste Imports​, YouTube, 22 Jan. 2018

Summary: Documentary
This ​Documentary ​by Joe Pickard is about bringing awareness to the growing problem of
China’s import ban, and why China created this ban. Pickard mainly talks about how the
quality of the material recycled and shipped is of low quality. Pickard also talks about
 how the usage of this plastic has become economically unprofitable. However, Pickard
also talks about solutions that businesses and suppliers may take such as, using
eco-friendly plastics, or even just to consume less plastic.

Application to Research
This source is an easy to understand piece that provides background on China’s ban, while also
providing context and solutions. Pickard, as a chief economist of the Institute of Scrap
Recycling Industries also provides more sources to access.

Arkin, Claire. "China’s Ban on Plastic Waste Imports Is a Wake-Up Call for the United States."
Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection,​ Gale, 2018. ​Opposing Viewpoints in Context​,
Accessed 4 Oct. 2018. Originally published as "China’s Ban on Plastic
Waste Imports Is a Wake-Up Call," ​Earth Island Journal​, 15 Feb. 2018.

Summary: Research Article

In this complex and well written ​Research Article ​Arkin addresses the daunting problems that
will arise from China’s import regulation, but also suggests a simple solution. Arkin
explains how recycling is not the ideal it is set out to be, because with the current ban it
can be cheaper to use newly made plastic rather than recycled plastics. Along with this,
the U.S alone is planning to invest over 164 Billion USD in making more plastic, with
other countries increasing plastic production the overall plastic produced will drastically
increase. Due to the increases in plastic produced, and the decrease in places to recycle
the plastic, most industries will look to new ways to get rid of the unwanted plastic. They
will do this by burning, dumping, and other unorthodox ways.

Application to Research
One of the best resources, it is well written and contains many facts that are not found elsewhere.
Shows where she got the data, along with what China plans to do, and even what some
countries increase plastic: What type of investments will the U.S make to increase plastic
production?

“Biodegradable Plastics.” ​Connecticut Plastics​, Connecticut Plastics, 26 June 2015,

Summary: Website
This ​website​, by Connecticut plastics, summarizes the pros and cons of biodegradable plastics,
how they are made, and then compares them to regular plastics. Biodegradable plastics
are made by melting natural products such as corn oil, orange peels, and other plant
products, where the solution is then poured into a mold to be used. The pros of
biodegradable plastics are that when disposed of properly they do not harm the
environment with greenhouse gases. Yet, if just thrown in a landfill they do not
decompose.

Application to Research
This source is useful because it shines a light on biodegradable plastics showing that they still
 need large processing power in order to be fully environmentally friendly. This website
also provides external links to debates about plastics, and also where some are being
used.

Brooks, Amy L., et al. “The Chinese Import Ban and Its Impact on Global Plastic Waste Trade.”
Science Advances​, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1 June 2018

Summary: Research Article

The first part of this ​Research Article ​provides precise, and accurate data about the Chinese
import ban. Brooks uses charts, graphs, and even maps to illustrate information from the
UN about the trade of plastic waste, the source of plastic waste, and even the total
estimated mass of all plastic waste. Although Brooks only focuses on plastic waste
imports she gives new information such as which high-income countries export the most
waste, by what percent the plastic waste production grew and lots more. This site is
divided into main topics such as, Results, Impact, Background, where each topic gives
detailed information on what China previously has done, what the Ban will do, and what
could happen.

Application to Research
There is a lot of information to be gathered here such as Data, Charts, Graphs. This source is
well organized with how it presents its information allowing the user to see where they
got the data and even other relevant sites. Question: Will China strengthen its recycling
industry?

Brooks, Amy. “Challenges and Emerging Solutions to the Land-Based Plastic Waste Issue in
Africa.” ​Marine Policy​, Pergamon, 2 Dec. 2017

Summary: Research Article

This ​Research Article​ summarizes how some countries are temporary responding to China’s
import ban, and also shows what the effect is on other countries and those countries
opinions on it. In short, other countries are looking to send its trash to smaller nations and
also plan on taxing plastic usage. One of the biggest responders to the ban has been the
United States, calling the ban disruptive, and not environmentally friendly. The U.S’s
stance on this is that they also block goods which can be used to recycle properly and that
by stopping the use of these they will have to use newly made materials. This article also
provides background to the ban, statistics, and opinions on the state of the matter.

Application to Research
This source is useful because it gives some of the current effects of the ban and also how
countries are responding. This source includes reliable information, sources, and useful
statistics. Question: how has this policy affected China?

Carrig, David. “The US Used to Ship 4,000 Recyclable Containers a Day to China. Where Will
the Banned Trash Go Now?” ​USA Today,​ Gannett Satellite Information Network, 22 June
2018.
Summary: Article
This ​Article ​by David Carrig introduces new perspectives on China’s import ban, and also
shows recent advances towards a solution. The University of Georgia researched China’s
plastic waste imported and used the data to calculate the effects it has with the ban in
place. The result was over 111 million metric tons of plastic being displaced. Lastly, this
article uses a video to explain recent events occurring due to the ban. The video shows
some policies that are being mulled over such as a proposed plastic straw ban by the EU,
and other policies.

Application to Research
Gathering data and researching on new policies and viewpoints helps shape my research by see
how others interpret the problem, and their solution compared to my own. This source is
particularly helpful for it provides a video on policies and University of Georgia’s data.
Question: What ways are there for replacing plastics?

Cho, Renee. “What Happens to All That Plastic?” ​State of the Planet​, 31 Jan. 2012.

Summary: Article
In the ​article ​written by Renee Cho plastic waste disposal is explained in depth with statistics
and examples. Regarding plastic disposal, there are seven categories on what can be
recycled but mainly only two are actively recycled, they are polyethylene terephthalate
and high-density polyethylene. Once the recycles are sorted they are then shredded and
melted to get rid of impurities, lastly they are formed into pellets to be used again. Plastic
having been made using petroleum or natural gas to form long polymers uses around 4%
of the worlds global oil production and is very harmful to the environment. Although
many people including the Plastic Division of the American Chemical Council seek out
solutions to find ways to recover the energy lost in the production of plastic many
problems regarding plastic remain unsolved.

Application to Research
Providing many sources, and even more information this article has all that there is to learn about
plastic production. Statistics such as plastic production has exploded and 314 million tons
of plastic were produced in 2014, Americans in 2014 discarded around 33.6 million tons
of plastic, and much more are all provided. Question: What chemicals are used to create
plastic?

Geyer, Roland, et al. “Production, Use, and Fate of All Plastics Ever Made.” ​Science Advances,​
American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1 July 2017

Summary: Research Article

In summary, this ​Research Article​ is about the history of why plastic production has increased
using accurate data and statistics to show growth. In the beginning, Geyer goes over
when plastic production began, and then continues over by showing how over 6300
Million metric tons (Mt) of plastics have been generated as of late, and of that only 9%
 has been recycled, where 79% has accumulated in a landfill, and 12% incinerated. Geyer
continues on with explaining the history of how these numbers came to be starting in
1950 and ending in 2015.

Application to Research
This source advances my research through its excess data, a history of plastic production, and
lastly, it provides visuals on waste generation and production. This source also includes
easy to understand graphs such as one on Cumulative waste generation and disposal, plus
it includes references, notes, and supplementary material.

​ 外对话 China Dialogue​, 3

Hao, Feng. “China Releases 2020 Action Plan for Air Pollution.” 中
July 2018,

Summary: Article
In this ​Article​ by Feng Hao on China's new environmental policies about the push for blue skies,
movement describes what standards are being set. China has started to set minimum air
pollution policies, which previously affected few select cities, but now has expanded to
nearly all of its cities. This push is causing many pollution heavy businesses to be forced
shutdown and is affecting the global economy immensely. This push has already affected
nearly all cities and corporation operating around them including plastic manufacturing
industries.

Application to Research
This source applies to my research for it shows how China now has the incentive, and the
economy to now support a nationwide policy that will affect the world. Not only does this
show some of the most recent news regarding China’s policies, but it also uses accurate
statistics to show the improvements being made.

Kahn, Matthew E, and Siqi Zheng. ​Blue Skies Over Beijing​. Princeton University Press, 2016.

Summary: Book
In summary, this ​book ​by Matthew Kahn, and Siqi Zheng goes over the reason why China
created the blue skies policy, and how it was able to be made. Starting from the populous,
who keeps the government in power, which the government to an extent must please,
comes the need for cleaner air. The populous, being upset with the unhealthy air quality
starts the push for cleaner air. The government on the other hand, which has recently
become economically prosperous, is able to meet this demand. The solution the
Government put forward is the blue skies movement, this policy calls for inspections of
major producers, and major reduction of air pollution from cities.

Application to Research
This book shows the backing behind why and how China is able to stop its waste imports and
clean up its air due to environmental concerns. Overall this book is very informative and
contains an interesting perspective that shows the government has a primary reason for
helping the population.
Kan, Haidong et al. “Health impact of outdoor air pollution in China: current knowledge and
future research needs” ​Environmental health perspectives​ vol. 117,5 (2009): A187.

Summary: Research Article

This ​article ​summarizes the current pollution problems that China faces using statistics, and
research from other sources. While many journals, articles, and websites most likely use
data and statistics, it is mainly common information or widespread. However, this article
provides detailed information and facts on topics not covered by many articles.
Information such as the exact elements in air pollution, the amount of pollution inhaled in
μm, and even how much pollution is costing China is GDP is included.

Application to Research
Researching takes more than just common knowledge, and this article goes above and beyond in
providing in depth data. Being able to see how pollution is directly affecting China and
its population allows me to get a better grasp of what drove China’s policies to be
implemented and what needs to be solved.

Kao, Ernest. “Rethinking Waste: What next as China Bans Imports and Recycling Fails?” ​South
China Morning Post​, South China Morning Post, 2 Oct. 2018, 11:01 AM

Summary: Article
In ​Rethinking Waste​ an ​article ​by Ernest Kao, China’s plastic waste ban is explained from Hong
Kong’s point of view. This article goes over some of China’s city plans for the future,
current problems, and effects on the global stage. The main problem being tackled
currently in the major cities is how to deal with there own waste that is being generated.
The problem has escalated due to the recycling industry becoming unprofitable, thus
many firms shutting down and waste is not going anywhere. With the problem spreading
more and more areas are being flooded with excess waste, and some countries are dealing
with this by imposing their own regulations on waste.

Application to Research
This source applies to my research by showing the impact of the ban through China’s own
perspective, and also its current state in the world. The article provides data from The
Environment Bureau, and even Professor Jonathan Wong Woon-Chung, a lead researcher
on plastic waste.

Kottasová, Ivana. “China Trash Ban Is a Global Recycling Wake up Call.” ​CNNMoney,​ Cable
News Network, 20 Apr. 2018, 11:08AM

Summary: Article
In this ​article​, Ivana Kottasová highlights recent events occurring due to China’s ban. Kottasová
starts by emphasizing the fact that not only has plastics been banned, but also many other
types of waste including steel and scrap metal. This ban has put great strain on many
countries, Kottasova uses an example of a town in Australia who has sent its recyclables
 to landfills as they can no longer afford to recycle. The UK has started to feel the ban and
passed legislation for taxes on goods that are harmful to the environment such as plastic
bags, and diesel cars.

Application to Research
This entry provides a unique look at how countries are starting to pay attention to the ban, and
what type of actions they are willing to take. This article is useful as it provides links to
data about legislation passed and also videos related to China’s legislation.

Krugman, Paul R., and Robin Wells. ​Economics: Second Edition in Modules.​ Worth Publishers,
2012.

Summary: Text Book

This ​Textbook​, by Paul Krugman and Robin Wells, introduces economic practices in an easy to
understand way. It starts with the basics such as product curves, maximizing production,
and utility, then it moves onto more advanced concepts such as costs, optimization, and
profit. Overall, this textbook relates economic material to real-life situations and allows
you to think in an economic fashion allowing you to make accurate predictions based on
trends.

Application to Research
Thinking like an economist allows you to predict which ways governments, businesses, and the
population will most likely react to changes in products and new policies. This mindset is
useful as it allows me to make predictions based on previous trends and I can apply it to
the new policy that China has passed. Question: Will plastic usage and production
continue to rise?

Kydoo. “China's Import Ban on Plastic Waste Pushes Japan and Other Rich Nations to Rethink
Trash Options.” ​The Japan Times,​ 4 Dec. 2018

Summary: Article
This ​article​ shows the newest problems arising throughout the world that were caused by the
import ban on waste. Focusing mainly on Japan, the main problems start off with many
of the recycling plants being at maximum capacity, and even holding more than their
legal limit. Some ripple effects this ban is causing is that recycling plants are now
imposing restrictions on the number of plastics which they accept, which in effect causes
plastics to have even places to go to. While this article provides other problems, they also
propose that the industry needs to enhance the technical capabilities of recycling plants.

Application to Research
This source shows in-depth problems by looking at individual plants, also ways to solve them.
While tackling a problem it is easy to only look large scale most problems are solved
starting small, and by first increasing the efficiency of recycling plants much of the waste
could be disposed of.
Middlehurst, Charlotte. “Q&A: China's Waste Ban Debate Is 'Misinformed' and
'One-Dimensional'.” ​中外对话 China Dialogue,​ 24 Aug. 2018

Summary: Interview
This ​Interview ​of Adam ​Minter, an American journalist, and author of ​Junkyard Planet ​who was
based in China for over a decade shows an opposing view on China’s recycling
restrictions. While most articles are based on the negative effects of the import ban on the
world Minter shows some of the positive effects. Minters argument is that by essentially
banning all recyclable materials from China you rid yourself of essential materials, and
are now forced to use new virgin materials to manufacture goods. In turn, other countries
such as Thailand and Malaysia will face an economic boom as they face over a 1900%
increase in recycled materials.

Application to Research
This source shows some of the positive effects occurring from the import ban rather than only
showing the negative which helps to eliminate bias from a research paper. Overall, by
showing the negative impact the ban has on China through having to use new materials
Minter shows a new outlook on import bans.

Olson, Randy. “China's Ban on Trash Imports Shifts Waste Crisis to Southeast Asia.” ​National
Geographic,​ National Geographic, 16 Nov. 2018

Summary: Research Article

This ​research article​ summarizes current events pertaining to China’s plastic ban, and also the
United States approach. Since the ban countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Turkey,
Thailand, and others have started to take in drastically more waste. Vietnam alone faced a
1985% increase in plastic waste sold. This is explained mainly by the recycling plants
relocating, sometimes illegally, which were previously in China. The article also adds
additional information about why plastics are sorting, as each plastic has a different
melting point making it so one plastic cannot be recycled with a different one.

Application to Research
This source applies to my research by explaining unknown concepts and showing new problems
that are arising. Overall this source is very detailed and has useful statistics such as the
increase in waste imported to different countries, the growing problem of illegal
recycling plants and more.

P, Morici. “Import Restrictions.” ​Globalization101​, Levin Institute

Summary: Website
This ​website​ provides background on how import restrictions work on a global scale. To start,
Morici first explains what import restrictions are, a way to stop goods or services from
entering a country through tariffs, sanctions or even bans. Then he goes on to show how
they work economically. Restrictions, for the most part, affect the price of a good
 (increase), which in turn lowers the demand causing the good to have less circulation or it
can be banned completely form a country.

Application to Research
This source gives a background to my topic and allows me to understand what will happen
conceptually during a ban on a resource. Overall, I can apply this to how China’s
restrictions will be implemented and reacted to.

Parker, Laura, and Kennedy Elliott. “Plastic Recycling Is Broken. Here's How to Fix It.”
National Geographic,​ 20 June 2018.

Summary: Magazine Article

Addressing the growing problem of China’s import ban, specifically focused on China’s plastic
ban, Parker, and Kennedy talk about the major concerns and the statistics that go along
with the plastic regulations. They use data statistics such as China previously allowed up
to 45% of the world's plastic to be imported to there borders, Japan was one of the largest
exporters of plastic, and over 111 million metric tons of plastic will be displaced due to
the ban. This ​magazine article ​summarizes what could happen to the industries surplus
of plastic. Places that the plastic will end up in are the landfill, dumped in the ocean, or
sold to different plastic recycling industries. All this happens because it was once cheaper
to package, purify, and ship the plastic to China, but now that the economic giant is no
longer buying, and the other countries are left to compete in a region they never
developed it leaves the plastic to be disposed of in unorthodox ways.

Application to Research
Overall, Parker and Kennedy’s source provides unique statistics, a different viewpoint, and a
larger perspective on the need for a proper solution. Lastly, they give out useful sources
and statistics that can contribute to finding out more on China’s global economic effect.
Question: What major economic firms and businesses are most affected by China’s
regulation?

Powell, David. ​The Case for Taxing Plastic.​ New Economics Foundation, 2018.

Summary: Report
This ​report ​made by David Powell is a convincing argument on why the EU should impose a tax
on plastics. The information Powell uses to drive his point through is compelling and
resourceful. In summary, Powell argues for a tax on plastics, but he argues that the tax
needs to be beneficial to the taxed such that the tax will cause a change. Powell is able to
make this argument using data such as where specifically the tax should be focused, on
what products, and how not to create winners and losers from the tax. Overall, Powell
urges for a tax on plastic monomers that the industry would be able to support, but be
inclined to change.

Application to Research
This source applies to my research through the proposal of a practical solution to a growing
 problem. The source provides data on how a tax will affect the plastic industry directly,
and even how they can grow from it.

Pyzyk, Katie. “4 Takeaways from the New Chinese Import Ban Plastics Study.” ​Waste Dive​, 27
June 2018

Summary: Article
This ​Article ​by Katie Pyzyk summarizes the major problems of China’s ban that need to be
addressed. Pyzyk starts off with the fact that many low-income countries are the ones
who are now taking in the waste, but their recycling industry is hesitant about investing in
fear of making a loss due. Then goes into the problem of increased production of plastics,
while there is no place to dispose of them. Lastly, she goes into the problem of how both
low income and high-income countries are affected, where low-income countries are
taking in more trash than they can handle. The effect of this is that some countries, such
as Thailand and Vietnam, are passing their own temporary import bans on waste.

Application to Research
This entry provides a concise summary of the major problems and current events occurring. The
article uses statistics, such as the annual production of plastic, and its rate of growth,
which are useful as evidence.

Radcliffe, Brent. “The Basics of Tariffs And Trade Barriers” ​Investopedia,​ 8 Aug. 2018.

Summary: Article
In this ​Article​ by Brent Radcliffe global trade is explained in depth. Radcliffe explains global
trade’s impact on countries and its consumers, specifically Redcliffe mainly talks about
tariffs, countries retaliations, and why countries limit trade. Tariffs are restrictions placed
on imports and exports, usually with fees. To summarize Radcliffe’s article, countries
impose trade restrictions and benefits for the greater benefit of their own selves, for
example if a company that the government relied on for a purpose was threatened to
become obsolete from an outside producer the government would step in and equal the
field by imposing tariffs on imported goods specific to that production line. Overall these
regulations all affect the price, supply, and demand curve in a different way which affects
the daily consumer by either increasing or decreasing the prices of goods.

Application to Research
With the application to trade and its effect on consumers and businesses this article allows me to
view an insight of how China’s waste regulations may affect the economy. This source
also provides many definitions, links and more to learn about economics.

Redling, Adam, and DeAnne Toto. “China Announces Import Ban on an Additional 32 Scrap
Materials.” ​Recycling Today,​ Recycling Today, 19 Apr. 2018
Summary: News Website
This ​News Website​ gives up to date information on what currently is happening with China ’s
ban. Redling discusses how China plans to add another 32 items to the Ban list by Dec.
31, 2018, using accurate dates and sources to cite his data. On another note, Redling
informs us of current policies being enacted such as Solid Waste Association of North
America’s (SWANA) new policy that will focus on improving current recycling of
single-use plastics, and also gives us detailed information on results occurring from the
ban.

Application to Research
Having many current problems and solutions that have occurred from the ban this site is useful to
stay up to date on the current trends and allows me to access useful data an articles. I can
find other resources with the links provided by the site and also track the data provided.
Question: How will high-income countries react to the upcoming addition?

Rosengren, Cole, and Edwin Lopez. “5 Charts That Show the Trade Flow Effects of China's
Import Policies.” ​Waste Dive,​ 20 July 2018.

Summary: Data Tables and Graphs

While written sources are great, hard facts and data show progress, and these ​data tables and
graphs ​provide context on how China’s import ban has affected the rest of the world
economically. Statistically, some data these graphs provide is the percent change in
plastic and paper net exports per country, the change in imports send to China measured
in dollars, and much more.

Application to Research
These data tables and graphs provide statistical evidence that can be used to support my research
paper and come from the reliable source of global import and export data. The data
models can provide information on the exact change in imports to China economically
and even the difference between how much paper and plastic was previously imported.

“Scientists Calculate Impact of China's Ban on Plastic Waste Imports.” ​Phys.org - News and
Articles on Science and Technology​, University of Georgia, 20 June 2018

Summary: Journal Entry

This ​Journal Entry​ in Science Advances helps show the predicted path on where the ban will
lead to and also gives background on why China had implemented the ban in the first
place. First off, this entry shows us that in previous years recycling and using foreign
countries plastic was profitable to make new products, but in recent years it is no longer
profitable as the imported plastic was of low quality. Predicting what will happen, this
entry says that larger countries will try and ship there plastic to low-income countries
who do not have the infrastructure to support or take in the plastic.

Application to Research
This entry provides a unique look at how large of a problem the ban is, and also the problems
 with current recycling. Not only does this source provide nice graphs and data, but it also
references reliable people and sources. Question: What was the plastic situation before
the ban?

Shira, Dezan. “Trash or Treasure? Prospects for China's Recycling Industry.” ​China Business
Review​, 6 Apr. 2016,

Summary: Website
This ​website ​summarizes China’s problems with pollution, and how recycling is much different
from the normal perception. Shira, the author, starts off by explaining China’s agenda of
becoming an eco friendly country, and what current problems it has. Some of the
problems China faces are its seven billion tons of waste buried, informal recycling
industries, CO2 emissions, and much more. Then continues on to China’s implemented
regulations, import restrictions, and then talks about investments China could make to
improve its ecosystem.

Application to Research
This source is well written, statistically enriched, and informative. The website provides details
that predate the current Import ban, and allows me to research on the context that led up
to the ban and why it was implemented. Question: How much resources, time, and
workforce is China willing to invest in a eco-friendly environment.

Stevens, Eugene S. ​Green Plastics An Introduction to the New Science of Biodegradable

Plastics.​ Cheryl Baldwin Frech, 2002.

Summary: Book
Eugene S. Steven’s ​book​, Green Plastics An Introduction to the New Science of Biodegradable
Plastics provides the concepts needed in understanding how clean plastics are made, and
why they are needed. Stevens starts off by explaining the history of plastic and its uses
but slowly gets into the more detailed information by explaining the many environmental
problems plastics cause. Finally, he introduces his solution, a clean biodegradable plastic.
Stevens not only explains the practical uses of clean plastic but also goes into the
chemistry of it allowing for a basic model of how it can be made.

Application to Research
Being able to view how biodegradables are made, and also information on the problems with
plastics allows me to see possible solutions and improve upon them. This source is
especially useful in providing easy to understand information, and also has a website that
related to it. Question: How can businesses apply biodegradables in an economically
profitable fashion?

Szczepanski, Mallory. “Industry Associations Respond to China’s Expanded Waste Import Ban”
Waste 360,​ 20 Apr. 2018.

Summary: Article
In this ​article, ​China’s waste regulations are explained more in depth along with some of their
effects on the current state of affairs. Within recent times China has added onto its first
ban of 24 waste products and has increased it to an astonishing 56 total now, and even
plans on increasing it more in the future to protect its environment. WIth these recent
bans, many organizations are complaining and taking many actions to adapt or prevent
China's aggressive moves. In summary, major organizations plan to adapt to China's ban
that will affect over 676 thousand metric tons of U.S scrap only, and much more
nationwide by finding new places to dump.

Application to Research
Having many resources and organizations attached, and even more detailed information about
China’s policy this article allows me to understand the effect of the Waste policy more
in-depth. This article also includes much data and specific information about related
effects on the waste ban.

Tremblay, Jean-François. “China Restricts Imports of Plastic Trash.” ​Chemical and Engineering
News,​ 8 Jan. 2018.

Summary: Article
In recent events, China has restricted its imports on 24 different types of waste and mainly
plastics. As China has taken in millions of tons of plastic in the past, taking in 776,000
metric tons of plastic in 2016, the abrupt import ban has left many manufacturers and
governments are confused as to what will happen. Although the import ban is in effect it
does not ban all waste products, but the waste levels imports have dropped to around .5%.
With the new policy in effect the ​article ​addresses problems that may occur, and some
actions that could be taken, but overall no solution has taken effect.
.
Application to Research
This article relays valuable information about current events and different peoples opinions who
are directly affected by the recent policy ban. With the key statistics provided about the
impact of China’s plastic restrictions, I will be able to strengthen my research and be able
to find other sources through this article. Question: How will the waste restrictions affect
everyday life?