NSU Humanities Students Tackle the Problem with Plastics
From left, David Kilroy (Chair, Department of Humanities and Politics), Jared DeRosa, Christophe Godbarge, J.C. Avila (C.O.O., Montachem International, Inc.), Aidan Kunju, Hailee Delgado, Amanda Furiasse (Assistant Professor of Humanities, Marlisa Santos, professor and director, Center for Applied Humanities) at the IN-SIGHT showcase event.
While younger generations may prioritize climate change and plastic waste reduction in their beliefs, they are less likely to recycle than older generations, according to findings in a research study done by Nova Southeastern University students.
A small group of students began a collaboration in 2022 with Montachem International, following the company’s sponsorship of a case competition for NSU’s INST 1500 Global Issues course. Students in that class were invited to do a research project on global plastic use and waste, and three winners were selected based on a faculty panel decision. The three winners were then invited to present to Chief Operating Officer J.C. Avila and his colleagues from Montachem.
Seven students have participated over the past two years in the IN-SIGHT program, an undergraduate think tank that works with businesses and community organizations.
“Montachem’s enthusiasm for that first iteration of the case competition then translated into their support for the think tank,” said Marlisa Santos, Ph.D., director for NSU’s Center for Applied Humanities.
Montachem has been serving the plastics industry since 1988, distributing a line of thermoplastic resins and related additives to plastics’ converters around the globe. Realizing the potential negative impact of plastic distribution, Montachem is exploring approaches to incentivize recycling efforts.
From left, IN-SIGHT fellows Christophe Godbarge, Aidan Kunju, Hailee Delgado Jared DeRosa
The students were 2022-23 IN-SIGHT Fellows Jared DeRosa, Hailee Delgado, Christophe Godbarge and Aidan Kunju and 2023-24 IN-SIGHT Fellows Jared DeRosa, Savannah Delano, Alexis Lass and Charlotte Opris. The groups have worked under the direction of NSU Assistant Professor Amanda Furiasse, in the Center for Applied Humanities.
As part of their project with Montachem, the students did research and produced an in-depth report on a topic that presents a problem and provides a solution.
“The IN-SIGHT fellowship vividly demonstrates the humanities’ unique capacity to embrace diverse perspectives and leverage the inherent creativity of the human spirit, paving the way for sustainable solutions that resonate beyond academia,” Furiasse said.
Among some of the findings of the group uncovered were:
- Younger people may be more likely to be influenced by social media, which can amplify the appearance of sustainability but may not necessarily translate into practical action.
- With plastic waste already a major problem worldwide, this trend among younger generations is concerning because it suggests future efforts to address the issue will be hindered by a lack of engagement and participation from those who will soon be responsible for managing waste.
Jared DeRosa and Aidan Kunju assist in a beach cleanup.
The students’ concluded not all plastic products can be recycled with present technologies. Recycling requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology, and while recycling may reduce plastic waste it may not necessarily reduce the environmental impact of plastic production and use because of greenhouse gases recycling produces.
After the students’ presentation, the Montachem asked them to expand on their research. While this is their first client, Santos is optimistic there will be others in the future.
“The IN-SIGHT program demonstrates not only how relevant the humanities are in addressing real-world problems,” she said, “but also how imperative it is to seek perspectives from these disciplines, as they provide critical vision in improving our communities.”