Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

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6A 

           Economic Trend
As we discussed in class, plastic straws are being banned as an act to slow down climate change. Just the other day, I went to Starbucks with one of my friends who had ordered a frappe, and when she grabbed the straw, she found out that it was a paper straw, since plastic was banned in the county of Alachua. Since then, I have been thinking about how people don't like to use paper straws because of its tendency to melt after being in a drink for too long. Based on that, there is an opportunity to fix this issue. I think any company with these paper straws or even any induvial who would use a straw for drinking something would be a potential customer. This opportunity would be relatively easy to exploit; we can use more biodegradable materials to create a straw that would be environmentally friendly.
The government has passed a new law that individuals under 21 years old cannot buy vape or tobacco products. I think this is a very smart idea since it prevents younger individuals from buying these harmful substances. I believe an opportunity exists to create a good vape and tobacco alternative. Every under-age individual and maybe even some other addicted individuals could be potential customers for this opportunity.

Regulatory Trends
Coronavirus is a virus that has been spreading around China and is very dangerous. It is a prevalent topic of conversation since everyone wants to stay healthy and clean. There is an opportunity for there to be an easier way for people to stay healthy. Every individual would be a potential customer for this unmet need to be fixed. I think the opportunity would be relatively hard to fix, but I do believe it is necessary. Many victims have been claimed by the virus already, and China built a hospital to treat all the patients with Coronavirus.
In Oklahoma, the hazardous waste management program is being revised. I think this is an opportunity because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has emphasized how vital the regulations are. The EPA wants to enforce more provisions under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. I came across this article while looking for rules. This opportunity can be relatively hard to fix, and we have to come up with a new way to dispose of hazardous waste without causing harm to the earth. I saw this as an opportunity because I am very environmentally cautious, and I know that dangerous waste is terrible for the planet.

Comments

  1. Justino Quezada Jr.February 8, 2020 at 4:46 PM

    Hello Deborah,
    I actually had taco bell yesterday and ordered a soda from there and the straw they gave me was a weird one. It was not plastic and it seemed kind of like cardboard. I liked it because they are a bit more sturdy then the plastic straws and can see how this would help the environment more. Also my roommate was devastated after that tobacco law passed because he is 18. I would also fully support the production of healthier tobacco alternatives for society.
    Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Christopher ZislinFebruary 9, 2020 at 9:45 PM

    Hey Deborah,
    Not only are plastic straws banned in Gainesville, they are also banned in my hometown. Although removing plastic straws is a step in the right direction, I do believe there are much larger plastics that need to be taken care of.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Camila ParraFebruary 10, 2020 at 12:14 AM

    Hi Deborah,
    I really enjoyed your idea of creating a new straw alternative with biodegradable products as I am not a fan of the paper straws. It is especially difficult to drink items that take a longer time to drink and then realize your straw has melted down. There are definitely better alternatives and I really enjoyed your view of this opportunity.
    Good job overall.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Maeghan SolankiFebruary 10, 2020 at 11:35 AM

    Deborah,
    I enjoyed your thoroughness as you spoke on these topics, and also your inclusion of personal anecdotes. I really do enjoy your opportunity belief about Starbucks paper straws and how there is room for innovation there. However, I think the rest of the posts lack the flair that you put into your first point. Overall, this is a good read!
    Respectfully, Maeghan Solanki

    ReplyDelete

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