Lab+4

Write three paragraphs on how Annie Leonard defines the system of the 'materials economy' and describes its interactions.

Leonard defines the system of the materials economy by dividing it into five stages; extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and disposal. These five stages occur in chronological order and work in a linear fashion. This is shown through her timeline of the suicide economy; another name she uses to define the materials economy.

This linear system is only successful through the government’s assistance. Its ultimate goal is to fuel the economy and would care less about the consequences following its actions. This is maintained through the never ending advertisements to trigger consumerism. This five step stage begins with extraction; our planet’s resources are being extracted to the point that we are running low on resources.

Although recycling does help, however, many manufactured products are designed to be non-recyclable. This is when the disposal process comes into play. Throughout this entire system, both our health and the environment have undergone major negative impacts.

Define extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. (One paragraph for each term)

Extraction: The materials economy begins with extraction. This is the process in which natural resources are being exploited/our planet is being trashed. Resources include wood, water etc. This problem pertains to the excessive extraction of our planet’s resources, the damage that is done in the process of extraction, and an unequal share of the resources.

Production: The second stage of the materials economy. In this stage, toxic contaminated products are made through the mixing of toxic chemicals into natural resources. The full impact of these toxics on our health and environment still remain unknown. The environmental impacts created range from climate change to waste and toxic pollution. The spread of toxics will continue with this process via the air, water, etc.

Distribution: Once products are manufactured, they are distributed. This is the transporting and selling of products both quickly and cheaply. Prices have to be kept low in order to keep the inventory moving. However, prices can only be kept low by externalizing costs. In other words, the prices we pay are not reflective of how much it actually costs to manufacture and distribute.

Consumption: This is also known as the “golden arrow of consumption”. The media plays a major role by advertising the need for shopping. As a nation of consumers, our value can only be measured and demonstrated by consuming; contributing to this arrow. Products have been designed to be useless as quickly as possible and thus consumers are encouraged to continue consuming by buying new products.

Disposal: This stage takes all consumer products to disposal. All disposals end up in landfills, either directly into landfills or burned in an incinerator and then buried in landfills. This process eventually causes pollution to the air, land, and water. Some companies even export their disposal.

How does her Flash presentation effectively organize the categories comprising 'the materials economy' in its interface design? (2 paragraphs)

Her flash presentation effectively organizes the categories with its simple interface design. The simplicity of her presentation is shown through the black and white animation of which are fully supportive of her words. The simple drawings and easily understandable script add to its well designed interface.

Since the video loads its content in its entirety before the presentation begins to play, it eliminates the loading time in between each stage. This eliminates the wait time between the playing of each stage. The presentation is also broken down into different stages that can be playable at any time.