Department of History Associate Professor David Kinkela presented an original paper during a conference at the Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington, Del., on Friday, Oct. 31.
The conference, “Green Capitalism? Exploring the Crossroads of Environmental and Business History,” brought together professional environmental and business historians to discuss businesses being “green” using historical perspectives. The presentations given over the two-day gathering addressed issues like why corporations decide to “go green,” how sustainability affects profit and the true intentions of a business deciding to exhibit more environmentally sound practices.
Dr. Kinkela’s paper, entitled “Plastic Six-Pack Rings, Ocean Pollution, and the Challenge of a Global Environmental Problem,” used the example of photodegradable six-pack rings to explore different environmental topics, such as the relationship between businesses and government mandated environmental regulations and the relationship between people and waste. He concluded that the government has a growing environmental consciousness and that its regulations are a driving force for businesses to “go green,” as opposed to consumer demand.
As an environmental historian, Kinkela has had many published works regarding environmental issues, including two books. He is currently the director of Fredonia’s Honors Program.
