An excellent program by the BBC on the externalities of litter, well worth a watch and some really good starting points for discussion.

I have produced a question sheet for my students to complete as they are watching it, feel free to adapt:

Link to the program: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03gm10d/Panorama_Our_Dirty_Nation/

Questions:

Dirty Nation:

What signs are there that litter prevention schemes are not working?

How much are the negative externalities of litter worth?

Does legislation work?

What other policies may work?

What other problems does litter cause?

What is meant by ‘unintended consequences’? What examples are there?

Is it ‘fair’ for councils to pay?

Should companies be made to pay?

Should the Government intervene?

If so, how?

What do you feel is the best way to tackle this problem?