Individual Reflective Journal: Transforming Habits for Environmental Sustainability

In this document we will discuss about Individual Reflective Journal and below are the summary points of this document:- Lack of knowledge and interest in environmental issues hindered my understanding of sustainability and globalization. Enrolling in an environmental science course helped me realize the negative impact of my habits on the environment. The course emphasized the importance of sustainable practices and the need to change habits for future generations and global well-being.

Running head: INDIVIDUAL REFLECTIVE JOURNAL
Individual Reflective Journal
Name of the Student-
Name of the University-
Author note-

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Due to the sheer lack of any iota of knowledge and expertise about the myriad aspects
related to Nature and Environment. I had never endeavored to delve deeper and garner proper
knowledge about the surrounding environment. Owing to my utter lack of interest in gathering
knowledge about the various nuances such as sustainability and globalization, I had failed to
come to terms with my own bad habits that had contributed to the depletion of nature and
perpetrated the negative effects on the natural environment. With the dawn of the twenty first
century, the various issues related to sustainability, global warming and globalization has arisen
to grip the conscience of people throughout the world. This phenomenon of global awareness
about the various aspects of Nature has even endeavored to touch my conscience. I have decided
to inculcate proper changes in my habits and modify them to accentuate the idea of natural
sustainability.
However, enrolling in the diploma course for the protection of environment, I have
started viewing my practices as irrelevant and harmful for the surrounding environment. The
University of Sydney offers courses on environmental science (The University of Sydney, 2019).
I had enrolled in this course to gather knowledge about the various aspects relate to Nature,
environment and globalization. Enrolling in this course helped me in understanding and gauging
the flawed nature of my endeavors and the areas where I need to improve and bring in necessary
changes. This course compelled me to learn about the various aspects of food wastage in
Australia. The course had also strived to change my perception about the usage of petroleum and
fuels. It has made me realize that unless the available resources are used in a proper and
sustainable manner, it is not possible for the future generations to avail the resources. This course
had also impressed upon me the need to develop better practices and habits that can accentuate
the quality of the surrounding environment. In addition to this, the course also made me realize

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that inculcating better habits can help in reaping the benefits by the future generation and will
help contribute in the processes of globalization.
The universal phenomenon of recognition of the presence of environment degrading
factors and attributes has led to the change in the perception of many. Global environmental
sustainability refers to the practice of sustaining and retaining the renewable and non-renewable
sources of energy and resources provided by Mother Earth (Taylor, 2014). The practice of global
sustainability assists in the maintenance of the already available resources for future usage by the
upcoming progenies (World Wildlife Fund, 2019). However, I used to practice habits that
contributed to the deletion of sustainability and contributed to the disruption in the natural
equilibrium. I used to contribute to the rampant soil and environmental pollution by generating
waste that are not easily disposable. I was immensely dependent on the usage of plastic bags.
Even until the present day, I find it difficult to get rid of the habit of asking for plastic bags and
containers made of plastic. Many studies have projected the dangers of the over use of polythene
and polymer. Studies unearth the fact that plastics take longer time to get decomposed in the soil.
In addition to this, the usage of plastic pollutes the marine environment (Xanthos & Walker,
2017). Statistics also reveal that Australians produce 3 million tones of plastic on an yearly basis
(Wwf.org.au, 2019). Needless to say, I was unaware of these statistics and ideas. I was unaware
of the consequences of disposing plastics that can cause severe soil and air pollution. I was
unaware of the fact that the repeated and surge in plastic usage can impede the progress and
sustainability of the environment. It has to be accepted that repeated and increase in the use of
materials made of plastic can reduce the sustainability of the soil and related components.
Studies present that the soils in Melbourne are affected by the contamination by plastics and
harmful materials (MacGrath et al., 2016). Unaware of the consequences and implications, I had

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adopted the habit of utilizing consumers made of plastic. In fact, I was quite happy with the
incorrect habit because I did not have to wrack my brain striving for other alternatives. Though I
was aware of the disadvantages of using plastics, I was not aware of the intrinsic consequences
of plastic on the natural environment. Unwilling to adopt any positive change, I have continued
using plastics. The phenomenon of globalization had helped me to imbibe ideas about the effects
of the use of plastic.
Having acquired the habit of sheer laziness, I have shunned the habit of proper waste
disposal. Without any second thought about the consequences, I had inculcated the incorrect
habit of generating unnecessary waste products. Owing to my intrinsic habit of wasting food, I
had developed the practice of throwing leftover food at unwanted places. Little did I realize that
wasting food can lead to the creation of imbalance in the factor of sustainability. Recent studies
have projected that reduction of food wastage is intrinsically related to the aspects of improved
livelihood and sustainability in the cases of globalization (Thyberg & Tonies 2016).Recent
studies have depicted that there are many cases of food wastage in Australia. Studies also present
that Australians produce 361 kg of food waste every year (Lawrence, Richards & Lyon, 2013). I
feel quite sad to find myself as a contributor to this huge amount of waste that is generated every
year. Along with my friends and peers, I had actively contributed to the generation of waste that
has amounted to the disruption in the natural ambience.
Having grown up without any moral, social or environmental implications, I had failed to
recognize my duty towards the surrounding environment. I should have understood and
improved the situation of food wastage by taking into consideration the importance of individual
contribution in reducing world hunger and feeding the hungry mouths. Waste disposal is one of
the most important aspects related to sustainability and globalization (Vandermeersch et al.,

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2014). The National Waste Policy, 2018, propounds and emphasizes on the generation of less
waste that can pave the way for sustenance of natural resources (Environment.gov.au, 2018).
Without taking into consideration these aspects related to generation of unnecessary waste, I had
followed the footsteps of my friends who had imbibed the habit of disposing waste without
considering the aspects related to the surrounding environment. Generation of huge waste and
incineration can affect the equilibrium in the environment and lead to rampant air and land
pollution (Song, Li & Zeng, 2015). In my past years, I had failed to take into consideration these
aspects. Had I tried to gain substantial knowledge about the idea of waste disposal, I would not
have continued on the same path contributing to the degradation of the environment. After
reflecting upon my past actions and habits, I can mention that my habits or practices are not
conducive to the natural environment. Even in the present scenario, I find it difficult to shun the
habit of disposing waste at unwanted places. Even in this present scenario, it is difficult for me to
prohibit myself from wasting food.
Recent studies have presented that sustainable consumption is a suitable alternative that
can sustain the resources and help in meeting the needs of many people (Lorek & Spangenberg,
2014). Even my consumption habits depicted sheer non-reluctance and non-awareness of the
future aspects. Sustainability also includes the idea of retaining the available resources to meet
the needs of the future. However, I feel that sustainability should also include the aspect of
closely monitoring the usage of natural resources by the citizens of countries. After purchasing
the four-wheeler, I was on the seventh cloud. Needless to say, I had resolved to utilize my time
by driving the vehicle to its fullest. Due to my careless attributes, I had developed the habit of
exploiting the natural resource of fuel and petroleum by keeping the engine in the ‘on’ mode
while the car was not running. This had led to the excess usage of petroleum. I was unaware of

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the fact that loss of petroleum can pave the way for eternal damage. Recent studies have
projected that fuel and petroleum are the chief conventional resources (Ellabban, Abu-Rub &
Blaabjerg, 2014). The sustainability of these natural and conventional resources are important for
the survival of human life. In order to resolve the situation, I should have resorted to the proper
and accurate usage of the petroleum products. Had I taken into consideration these factors, the
rampant factor of high petroleum use could have been curbed.
Studies and statistics also reveal that Australia’s need for fuel is compensated by the
imports from the Middle East. Thus, it can be said that Australia reaps the benefit of
globalization. Statistics also reveal that Australia is running out of fuel and needs immediate
attention (BBC News, 2019). Given the scenario, the conservation of natural and conventional
resources are important for the survival of the future situation. I had not been able to recognize or
curtail my habit of the rampant misuse of petroleum and fuels. Owing to me non-conformist
stance, I had even refused to pay any heed to the requests of my father.
I have been highly influenced by the various aspects of the phenomenon of globalization.
Learning about globalization have made me realize that this is a path-breaking occurrence that
promises to integrate the whole world into one. However, I am quite surprised at the negative
impacts and disadvantages of this phenomenon. According to my perception, it is highly
important to erase these differences.
The concept and rampant phenomenon of globalization has spread its tentacles on the
minds of many people throughout the world. Globalization refers to the phenomenon of global
flow and exchange of ideas, cultures and thoughts amongst the various countries, irrespective of
the myriad boundaries (Marginean, 2015). As a global phenomenon, Globalization has engulfed
the minds of many. The phenomenon of globalization has served to enlarge the perception of

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many citizens throughout the world. It has mowed the boundaries amongst the cultural
boundaries of various nations. Globalization also includes the idea of local and territorial
businesses acquiring the status of global recognition and global influence. The term also
emphasizes upon the aspect of global recognition of various aspects. The phenomenon of
globalization is chiefly based on the idea of the accentuating interdependence amongst the
nations of the world (Leung, Qiu & Chiu, 2014). This idea is the chief driving force of the
concept of globalization.
The concept of globalization chiefly focusses on the global exchange of economic
ideologies and economic endeavors. According to the opinion of Pieterse (2015), globalization
encompasses the phenomenon and idea of global interconnections. However, I think that the
phenomenon of globalization also includes the ideas of sharing myriad ideas and perceptions
about the changes in environment and the steps needed to be taken to alleviate the problems
created by the various environmental disruptions. In my opinion, the phenomenon of
globalization helps in the proper exchange of information about the state of the environment and
the ideas related to sustainability.
There are innumerable advantages of globalization. The concept and occurrence of
globalization has assisted in the global transference of information and important ideologies.
Globalization also assists in the global exchange of relevant ideas that can help in the resolution
of various problems met by various nations and territories. Another advantage of globalization is
that due to the exchange of proper ideas and strategies, this can lead to the reduction of poverty
and other related issues that affect the various constituent nations. Another advantage of
globalization is that it leads to enhanced communication amongst the countries. According to my
perception, the establishment of proper communication amongst the countries helps in the proper

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exchange of relevant ideologies, which, in turn, can assist in the deletion of negative ideas,
prejudices and cultural boundaries. Another benefit of globalization is that this phenomenon
leads to the exchange and greater access to the enhanced and developed technological
implementations. Recent studies have presented that the concept of globalization is intrinsically
related to the concept of technological development (Audretsch, Lehmann & Wright, 2014).
However, I believe that technological advancements can be linked to globalization only when the
countries and citizens are willing to garner and assimilate the advancements in the technology. In
addition to this, it can be mentioned that globalization has resulted in the development of
interconnections amongst the various nations and countries. The major advantage of
globalization is that it leads to the global interchange of consumer goods, medical facilities as
well as educational facilities (Bremmer, 2014). Due to globalization, western cultures and
traditions have penetrated into the Moroccan market (Nwankwo, Hamelin & Khaled, 2014). It
has been seen that due to the phenomenon of globalization and exchange of proper educational
ideas, the world has become conscious of the various important nuances.
Despite the innumerable advantages, I feel that the concept of globalization also includes
innumerable disadvantages. According to my opinion, certain flaws need to be overcome to
realize the prowess and potential of Globalization. In my opinion, in order to implement the
various advantages related to globalization, it is necessary to erase these flaws to reap the
benefits of the global phenomenon. One of the major disadvantages of Globalization is that it
paves the way for the deletion of local business enterprises. Recent studies depict that
globalization often lead to the erasure of local economies. With the arrival and onslaught of
global market and economy, the citizens often ignore the local economies. In my perception, this
leads to the disruption in the economic structure in the given territory. Local business enterprises

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fail to garner the required support and participation from the buyers. I think that in order to
resolve this, it is essential for global traders and markets to realize the importance of local
markets and strive ways to conglomerate them in the global phenomenon. In addition to this, it is
also seen that the negative effects of globalization can be felt in the African economy. Statistics
reveal that the liberalization and financial openness generated by globalization has led to the
creation of lack of proper financial advantage (Asongu, 2014). I think that this is not a positive
signal for the sustenance of globalization. In addition to this, the concept of financial
globalization has served to accentuate the negative impacts on the local economies. Financial
globalization has not been able to reach the positive consequence that it was supposed to reach
(Schmukler & Abraham, 2017).
Another disadvantage of globalization is that it leads to disruption in the natural
environment and surrounding atmosphere. The exchange of consumer goods and materials
entails the idea of generation and exchange of waste products. Recent studies have presented that
globalization often has a negative impact on the environment by degrading the quality of land,
water and other natural resources (McMichael, 2013). In my opinion, these impacts on the
environment disrupts the equilibrium of the environment. Another study has presented that
international trade implies certain negative and altering consequences on the land and
ecosystems of the areas concerned (Meyfroidt et al.,2013). According to my opinion, this
constitutes one of the most important disadvantages that is related to the global occurrence. I
think that, in order to achieve the advantages of globalization, it is necessary to take into
consideration the environmental aspects. Taking into consideration, the various aspects and
consequences upon the natural environment can assist in the proper implementation of the
processes of globalization.

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According to my opinion, the concept of globalization is connected to sustainability. I
believe that globalization must take into consideration the aspects of sustainability. Globalization
should strive to maintain the standards of sustainable development for the future environment.
Studies also emphasize on the implementation of ideologies of sustainability with the concept of
globalization. Sustainability of the environment must form the intrinsic priority of the global
managers and global businesses. To retain environmental sustainability, it is necessary for the
process of globalization to take into consideration the factor of the non-transference of waste and
to reduce the impact on the Nature. Recent studies have also projected that the process of
globalization must include the process of impressing upon the governments about the bio-fuels
(Daugbjerg & Swinbank, 2015). As the term depicts, globalization entails the notion of exchange
of ideas. In my opinion, this can allow the scope for exchange of relevant information about bio-
fuels. Globalization also encompasses the notion of sharing the common sense of
interconnection. Thus, it can be said that to maintain the sustainability of the environment, the
concept of globalization needs to upgrade itself to include the various aspects of sustainable
development and protection of the natural environment.
After enrolling in the course and gaining the required knowledge about the various
aspects and consequences, I have resorted to inculcate necessary changes in my life style and
habits to bring forth concrete changes in the perception of many. After learning the concepts, I
have resorted to adopt measures to save and protect the surrounding environment. I have also
tries to inculcate measures that can assist me in reducing the generation of waste and waste
disposal. I have even signed a pledge to reduce the consumption of diesel and petroleum. In
order to save the environment, I have decided to switch over to the use of cycles rather than

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motor vehicles. My previous habits have taught me that I had exhibited lackadaisical attitude
towards the surrounding Nature.
Following the course, I have learnt that conserving the environment is necessary for
sustainability. I have learnt that to achieve sustainability, it is important to preserve the
environment. In the future, if I come across people who try to waste food or conventional sources
of energy, I shall try to prohibit the person from misusing the available resources to ensure
proper sustainability of resources. Thus, it can be mentioned that sustainable development and
sustainability in relation to globalization and global practices is relevant and should be
implemented.

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