Example environment dissertation topic 8:

‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’: An analysis of how the amount of food waste can be reduced – A prison-based case study.

Working with HMP Channings Wood, in Devon, this dissertation seeks to provide the prison with a framework for waste minimisation. In order so to do, this study first carries out an audit with regard to the types of foodstuffs that the prison buys in (including their packaging) and thereafter assesses what items could be produced on site so as to reduce food miles. Subsequently, it analyses the present waste produced (in terms of excess food produced) and proposes a range of options whereby the prison could recycle such waste material. These include, not only changes to the nature of menu-planning within the prison but also a feasibility study as to the potential to opening a small pig-farm within the premises by which food slops could be reused.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Pretty, J.N., Ball, A.S., Lang, T. and Morison, J.I.L. (2005). ‘Farm costs and food miles: An assessment of the full cost of the UK weekly food basket’, Food Policy, Vol. 30(1), pp. 1-19.
• Tittle, P. (2012). ‘Scrubs up for food waste’, Material Recycling World, 15th June 2012.
• Webster, A. (2010). ‘Environmental prison reform: Lower costs and greener world’, New England Journal on Crime and Civil Confinement, Vol. 36, pp. 175-185.