Conscious Choices: The Ethics of Consumption

In this episode of Viterbi Conversations in Ethics, hosted by Aryan Shah, a data science graduate, the focus is on the ethics of plastic consumption and battery production. Jessica Huang discusses the benefits and versatility of plastics, their detrimental environmental and health effects, and the imperative for collaboration among scientists, engineers, consumers, businesses, and governments to address overuse. The conversation emphasizes engineers' ethical responsibility in tackling plastic pollution, debates government versus consumer accountability, and explores challenges faced by individuals in adopting sustainable practices. Scott Sobolewski explores the ethical dilemmas in battery production, including environmental impacts and the mining of rare-earth metals like cobalt and lithium. The discussion also covers alternative technologies such as sodium-ion batteries and the role of engineers and public awareness in promoting ethical practices. Together, the episode aims to highlight the complexities of ethical consumption, propose solutions, and underscore the pivotal role of engineers in fostering a sustainable future.