Midterm

MidTerm Assignment: Critical Reflection — Circular Economy

This assignment serves as your Midterm Evaluation for PH 60

A Critical Reflection connects theory or research with practice by moving beyond summary to analysis, transforming ideas from the readings into original insight grounded in your own understanding and course concepts and materials.

Background Readings (Required)

Carefully review the following materials on Circular Economy

Circular economy definition – EU 2023.pdfDownload Circular economy definition – EU 2023.pdf (for pdf check below)

What is circular economy and why does it matter? (https://climatepromise.undp.org/news-and-stories/what-is-circular-economy-and-how-it-helps-fight-climate-change)

How the circular economy went from environmentalist dream to marketing buzzword. (https://grist.org/accountability/circular-economy-plastics-recycling-reuse-waste-conference-seattle/)

Topic Selection

Choose one topic below, or focus on a specific component of more than one topic, and analyze within the framework of the Circular Economy:

Waste Management(https://www.circularonline.co.uk/news/new-us-legislation-can-drive-growth-for-waste-management-companies/). and Extended Producer Responsibility (https://ga-institute.com/Sustainability-Update/introducing-the-next-wave-in-sustainability-mandates-epr-laws-in-u-s-states/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Healthcare waste (https://medcitynews.com/2021/03/healthcare-must-move-toward-a-circular-economy-and-single-use-device-reprocessing-offers-a-template-to-follow/.)

Retailers (https://www.forbes.com/sites/claraludmir/2023/05/04/how-retailers-are-embracing-sustainability-with-circular-initiatives/?sh=40c17a683288). and Popular Brands (https://sustainabilitymag.com/top10/top-10-brands-embracing-the-circular-economy-in-2023)

Assignment Instructions

Write a Critical Reflection of 300 words maximum (1-2 paragraphs) that addresses the points below. Your response should emphasize synthesis, interpretation, compare and contrast, and critical thinking. This is NOT a Summary.

Provide brief background context and define the concept of the Circular Economy. Clearly state whether your reflection focuses on a single topic or on the intersection of two or more discussion materials, and explicitly identify that focus.

Present your rationale and hypothesis(es) related to the environmental health issue discussed in the selected materials.

Analyze the information presented, considering key arguments, evidence, assumptions, or insights.

Discuss broader implications, including environmental health, equity, policy, or implementation challenges.

Link your analysis to previously covered course topics, demonstrating conceptual understanding and integration.

Reflect on relevance to your research interests, professional goals, practice experience, or broader academic trajectory.

Academic integrity and AI use

This Midterm reflection must be ENTIRELY YOUR WORK.

Do not use AI-generated text or AI-based tools (including but not limited to ChatGPT or similar platforms) to generate content.

Your writing should be based on your personal reflection, critical thinking, and interpretation of the assigned readings and course materials.

Submissions that rely on AI-generated language, structure, or ideas may be subject to academic integrity review.

Formatting and Submission

Include your full name and a short title (100 characters).

Reference the citations provided for the material(s) you analyze, so that your reflection can be clearly linked to your selected topic or topics.

Write 1 to 2 paragraphs, not exceeding 300 words.

Submit as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF.

i This is an individual reflection based on your learning and experiences in this course. You do not need to adopt your stakeholder role for this assignment.

Note: Avoid writing a summary. This is an opportunity to critically analyze and reflect on the material. Use the rubric as your guide to ensure you meet all expectations.