Memo+20-Hierarchy+of+Questions

I focus on two main areas of inquiry: the relationship between social movements and "alternative pathways" for industry and the ways in which existing institutions structure and constrain possibilities for significant change. Specifically, the proposed research will address the following questions:

1. How are environmental movements contributing to or impede the development of bioplastics as an alternative pathway for the plastics industry? a. What are the shifting dynamics of environmental advocates and environmental justice groups cooperation b. What new technological interventions have developed over bioplastics? c. What is the sociopolitical climate that pervades this space? d. How do the goals and discourse differ between industry, movement, government, etc.? e. What visions of bioplastics are present between groups? f. What has the Sustainable Bioplastics Consortium been able to accomplish in their efforts, has discourse changed, have they developed new positions of access, have the members been capable of insinuating new values into products or industry? g.

2. How do existing and developing institutions for disposing of waste structure and constrain the development of alternative materials for consumer products? a. What conflicts have occurred between regulatory agencies, manufacturers, recycling communities, advocates, etc.? b. What pathways of innovation and product design are posited by the above groups? c. Do developments in the bioplastic industry mirror debates in public forums, prices of gas, technological developments, public debate,???

3. What public policies are developing around bioplastics and who is being represented in this process? a. How have federal and state legislation influenced the development of bioplastics? b. How have government purchasing regulations created a space for alternative technological pathways? c. What differences exist between German and U.S. regulations, consumer practice, and historical development of waste collection institutions? d. How has the existing Green DOT program in Germany influenced the direction and variables of bioplastic development?