Week+4

'The Story of Stuff' with Annie Leonard at http://www.storyofstuff.com/ index.html is a cultural and educational phenomenon, and has had over 5 million viewers.

Download her annotated script version of 'The Story of Stuff' from http://www.storyofstuff.org/ downloads.php and read it carefully.


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

Annie Leonard defines the system of the "materials economy" as a linear system that goes through a process of extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. It is the way we get our "stuff" and how these things move along this path. She refers to this system as a linear system which is in crisis, mainly because we live in a finite planet and it is not possible to run a linear system on a finite planet.

Annie states that every step along the way the system is in fact interacting with the real world, the systen interacts with societies, cultures, and economies. She explaines that the diagram is incomplete, as there is no representation of people. One of the key components to this system, as people are the ones who live and work in this system. Also, there are limits posed at every stage in the process. These limits interfere with the well-being of the environment as well as people, and so because of the limitations of resources we end up with third world countries whom are forced into working hard labour.

As mentioned before, the materials economy is a system in crisis, due to the fact that it will not last. Today, in our world large numbers of resources are consumed by smaller populations. And so, we are taking in more than we actually need. The problem is that we are not doing anything to replace the resources we take from the environment, and hence these resources are disposed and go to waste. Hence, we are responsible for the outcomes in this system and need to change some habits in order to shift over to a healthier environment for the people.


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

Extraction which is also known as natural resource exploitation, is the first stage in the materials economy. More simply, it is "trashing the planet." People today are using too much stuff, we chop down trees, blow up mountains for metal, dig for fossil fuels, use up water and so forth. This is undermining the planets ability for people to live here.

Production uses energy to mix toxic chemicals in with the natural resources which make toxic contaminated products, this is the second stage in the materials economy. For as long as we keep putting toxics in, these toxics will also come out and as a result harm our bodies. Factory workers are a high risk, which expose them to these toxins.

Distribution means selling all the toxic contaminated junk as quickly as possible, this is the third stage in the materials economy. The goal is to sell in at the lowest cost and keep people buying these toxic things. "Keep prices down, keep people buying, and keep the inventory moving." The real cost of making things are not captured in the price, which externalizes these items.

Consumption which is the heart of the system, the engine that drives it, this is the fourth stage in the materials economy. The consumer society is kept unhappy with what they have, so that they go out and consume more. Hence, this mean producing as many consumer goods as we can. Our society progresses daily in the consumer culture as there is always something new that comes out and attracts the consumer society.

Disposal is the last stage in the materials economy. When products are disposed, they go to the garbage. All of this garbage gets dumped in a hole in the ground or burned which has severe effects like pollution and creates new toxics in the environment. If we stopped burning garbage, this toxic could be prevented.


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

The flash presentation effectively organizes the categories comprising the materials economy in its interface design. Firstly, the manner in which Annie separates the 5 stages in the material economy at the top of the screen makes it very simple for the listener. Especially if they want to listen to a specific stage again, rather than starting from the beginning each time. Also, it is very useful that one has the choice to watch and listen to her explain about the stage or simply we could read about it on our own.

Annie's interface design is very simple, as it comprises of black and white cartoon-like images, this is beneficial for people who are color blind as they aren't missing anything important. The images are also moving and coincide with what she is talking about, giving the listener a visual as well as a informative approach. The graphics are basic but also get the point across to the audience very clearly.