cct333-lab4

=**CCT333 - Lab #4**=
 * Write three paragraphs on how Annie Leonard defines the system of the 'materials economy' and describes its interactions.**

Annie Leonard's definition of the "materials economy" introduces five major stages: extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. It is formed in a linear way but needs to take into consideration the people involved in all stages. This system is interacting with people on multiple levels, it is affecting our environment, government and even our health. The people on top (government) have the responsibility to look out for the people, but currently they are more interested in pleasing high end corporations.

Stage one in the "materials economy" is extraction. Extraction happens when we use natural resources to produce goods for the consumers. The planet is limited in the amount of resources it can provide, but once a developed country uses up their share, they move on and trash a developing country. The second stage is production, where the materials extracted goes into the process of production. This stage is where man-made toxic chemicals are mixed in with the natural resources to produce contaminated products that big-box corporations will sell to consumers. Not only are toxic chemicals embedded in products, they are being excreted into our atmosphere as well as into the planet. The third stage is distribution; this is where the products are sold to consumers at the lowest price possible as fast as possible. The reason why products are sold to people this low is because other people have been suffering along the way to produce it. People lost the sustainability of their natural resources so they are forced into production where they are being exposed to toxic chemicals.

The forth stage is consumptions; where the heart of the system is. It is designed in a way where people are constantly consuming products and following new trends that are designed by marketing tactics. The media makes us believe consumption is necessary in our society because it helps sustain our economy. Lastly, the final stage is disposal, where the products being consumed end up in the garbage. Our trash ends up either in the landfills or in the incinerator. By burning our garbage, it creates even more toxins (super-toxins) that become very harmful for people and the environment. Annie Leonard suggests we think about alternate solutions that will result in a non-linear system. By recycling and being aware of our environment, it will help us live a better life.


 * Define extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. (1 paragraph for each term)**

__Extraction__ Extraction is use of natural resources on the planet. Currently, 80% of the planet's natural forests are gone with about 2000 tress in the Amazon being chopped down every minute. We have even turned and polluted our water sources to the point where they are no longer drinkable. We are consuming natural resources so quickly that we will soon run out at this constant rate. On a whole, this is a problem that needs to be considered in order to protect the planet.

__Production__ In production, we use energy to mix toxic chemicals in with natural resources to make toxic contaminated products. There are about 100,000 synthetic chemicals today, which is exposed to us through these products. Not only is it harmful to people, but it is also harmful to the environment. As long as we put toxins into the products we use, there will always be toxins in our lives.

__Distribution__ Distribution is "selling all the toxic contaminated junk quickly as possible". This means the big-box corporations are selling the products that have been contaminated at a low price to keep people buying and their inventory moving. The reason why prices can stay low is because they are externalizing the costs. The purchase price isn't capturing the price of what it is worth because workers are helping to pay the cost. Workers from all the different stages aren't getting paid very much and aren't offered proper health insurance.

__Consumption__ Consumption drives the system because it is what drives the society. Annie Leonard describes it as the golden arrow. After 9/11, the President urged everyone to shop because we are a nation of consumers. The value of our identity is measured by how much we contribute to the arrow which is how much we consume. This keeps materials flowing.

__Disposal__ With an increase of consumption, there is an increase of disposal and garbage. 99% of the stuff consumers buy end up in the garbage within 6 months. The garbage either gets dumped in a landfill or burned in an incinerator. Eventually, the pollution will reach the air, land and water that we use on a daily basis. this will ultimately change the climate.


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

Annie Leonard organizes her flash presentation effectively by using an effect interface design. The graphics are simply drawn using black on a while background, and allows for the viewer to focus on the images as they go along with her narrative. The images are animated slightly enough so they are still lively looking, set on a repeated loop as the presentation is going on. It takes a simplistic approach but does the job effectively.

Annie Leonard also integrates real video with her flash by having herself physically in the video. The audience can follow her as she is speaking which makes it easier for the viewer to pay attention. There is a difference in just listening to audio than there is to listen to someone speak with hand and face gestures. It makes it more lively and makes the facts she states relatable. People can connect to her on a personal level opposed to it just being a voice-over.