434-inclass3


 * Lesson 3 - In Class Assignment 3 **


 * 1. Review the web site, the XClinic at http://www.environmentalhealthclinic.net/ What is the goal of the XClinic for impatients? **

XClinic works to help impatients with their concerns related to environmental health and provides impatients with ideas for taking action. They use local data collection and urban interventions that help the understanding of environmental systems. As a form of activism, they produce specific art, design and participatory projects.


 * 2. According to the TedX video about Natalie Jeremijenko, “The Art of the Eco Mindshift” at [] describe her philosophy as a ‘design activist’. Write two full paragraphs on her position as an activist and scientist in relation to her design methodology. **


 * The interactive script beside the movie is very helpful to reference, as what she is saying is so dense. **

Natalie Jeremijienko is an activist who explores social and environmental changes brought on by technology. Her methodology consists of the people becoming impatients, defined by her as someone who won’t wait for legislation and decide to take environmental issues themselves. She focuses on social transformation and touches base on issues around health by understanding our local environment.

She uses a variety of different methods to illustrate environmental issues that can tackled in the city. Tadpoles were used to test the water by commenting on the quality of water that affects the tadpole. She makes visible about any changes that would occur to the tadpole from the water, because tadpoles are much more fragile than humans. Fish hit the lights to reduce the objects and food that are dumped into the water. Living in an oozlogical environment. Cleaning the air by planting greenspace in areas that are rarely used in NYC. Small efforts can affect the environment and she uses visualization of information to illustrate her points.


 * 4. Review How Stuff is Made at [] **
 * and the online FAQs it has for the student submissions at [] of objects. Do you think that you would be able to participate in this project by having access to manufacturers? Do you foresee any problems with a visual essay? Please let me know by email through wiki of your response to this question. **

I don't think it will be easy to create the visual essay but it is possible. The biggest issue with this visual essay will be trying to get into contact with manufacturers and setting up a tour around the vicinity. They have to understand that we won't tarnish their image, but we also have to be objective about finding out where their raw materials come from, travel costs, etc. If we can actually obtain all this information, I think it would make for an excellent project because we obtain a first hand look at the manufacturing cycle of products. It would also be beneficial to this class because we will be able to show what we have experienced directly.


 * 5. The central debate regarding water is water a commodity to be bought, sold and privatized, like Coca Cola or is it a human right? What does the movie “Blue Gold: The Water Wars” posit in this regard? This question will become central to our society in the next twenty years. **

It is a fact that water has become a commodity that is privatized by large corporations like Coca Cola. In Blue Gold, they argue that water is a human right and should not be in control by the government or corporations. But certain parts of the world don't have the infrastructure to deliver clean water to the people, so they are forced to buy clean water packaged by corporations. It becomes a serious issue because developing countries aren't able to afford clean water, which is necessary for living.

Desaltinization - uses a lot of fossil fuels, but whoever does cleans it becomes the owner of the water.


 * 6. Write a one-paragraph biography of Maude Barlow. **


 * 7. What UN Resolution did Maude Barlow work on to have passed in relation to water? Why is this resolution so monumental? **