Essay #2

Introduction

The Story of Stuff (2007) is a documentary video, which explains from where the stuff comes from and where, does it go. In books it is mentioned that stuff have to simply pass through these stages: first is extraction than second one is production followed by distribution after that consumption and final is disposal. Every stage is interacting with the real world. It’s relating with societies, nations, economies and the atmosphere. People are the one who runs the system and for whom the whole system works.

Extraction

The process of extraction undermines the ecological impact of overuse of resources. Leonard goes on explain that production primarily deals with the production of toxic contaminated products which are not only harmful for the planet, but also for the living beings inhabiting it. Also the major multinational corporations use the term ‘Distribution’ for ‘selling of toxic chemicals’ or externalizing the cost. Cheap products are produced at the expense of environmental safety. ‘The heart of the system’, i.e., consumption inherently implies the notion of ‘keeping the materials flowing’. People are perceived as consumers and their essential identities have taken a backseat. In fact only 1% of the total materials produced are consumed (Leonard, 2007).

Production:

The usage of vigor to mix poisonous with the natural resources makes a production of poisonous contaminated goods. There are several synthetic chemicals in our current world was tested a few of the effects that affecting the people health. It has even been tested for world health influences and none of them have been tested for synergistic health effects.

 We are exposed to these chemicals on everyday basis when they get interacted with other chemicals (US Journal, 2008). 

In present world, consumers have reached a point where the smallest members or new coming members of our societies, including our babies and even many women’s who are at the age of reproductive.

Distribution

This means selling of all the toxic contaminated junk is done on a very rapid speed. The goal is to keep the value down, and let the persons buying and keeps the inventory moving.

How the prices are kept down? Well, the store workers are not paid so much and they can withhold on health insurance every time they can. The distribution of all these things results in negative effects to the environment. Energy used to transfer all stuff around the world it also for lighting and dominated of all shopping centers and department stores. “This has given rise to increase of asthma and cancer among workers” (McKibben, 2007).

Consumption

Consumption means “Current consumption patterns are unsustainable and inequitable and must be changed” (The Story of Stuff Project, 2007). Nowadays, there are kind of consumption patterns are unsustainable and unfair and should be changed. But, change the behavior of consumer is not enough. We must buy the less damage product available and at reasonable prices. For example people in high income countries waste a lot of water when taking a shower or washing a car, people should be more efficient in spending water and because of that we get water shortages. Also, people buy a newer version of the same product and they throw away their old product although the difference between the two products isn’t big.

Disposal

“At the finale what occurs to the things we buy, all goes out in the garage and this brings the imports to disposal. In US citizens makes at least 4 ½ pounds of garbage a day” (American Rivers, 2008). This is almost twice what each of the citizens uses to make 30 years ago.

First of all the garbage either goes to landfill or buried otherwise first it is burned and then buried. Are all the ways to land, water and air, which in turn change the climate? One should focus on recycling rather than dumping and burring the waste.

Consumerisms in UAE

According to research it is found that residents of the UAE feel that the burgeoning expatriate population in addition to consumerism is the greatest intimidation to the citizens. UAE citizens feel that in their culture religious practices are diluting because of large number of expatriates visiting UAE. The highest threat is of "highly materialistic and consumerist society". Expatriates from worldwide are living in UAE, which have in turn increased the consumerism and purchasing power of UAE citizens.

1. UAE is becoming a shopping hub in the world, they are mostly attracted by number of retailers and even they launch “ Shopping Festival “ which attracts number of consumer’s worldwide to visit UAE for shopping.

2. Increasing Expatriates is giving rise to pollution and population in the country, which is in turn affecting the health of citizens of the country.

Conclusion

People or consumers should start believing and supporting renewable resources and even companies should start to support recycling of the goods. Government should make certain rules and regulation for customers that they should not indulge in buying of repetitive products in one home. Initiatives should be taken care of correct usage of natural resources.

 

References

American Rivers | Rivers Connect Us. (2012, January 1). American Rivers | Rivers Connect Us. Retrieved May 22, 2013, from http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AMR_content_e2a7

Consumption The Story of Stuff Project. (2007, January 1).  The Story of Stuff Project. Retrieved May 27, 2013, from http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-stuff/learn/consumption/

Cook, A., & Shade, R. (2009, April 7). Story of Stuff «  The Story of Stuff Project.  The Story of Stuff Project. Retrieved May 22, 2013, from http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-stuff/

McKibben,  B. Deep Economy (2007), and Vicky Robin, Towards a Solution to Overconsumption undated.. (2010, June 8). Bill McKibben, Deep Economy (2007), and Vicky Robin, Towards a Solution to Overconsumption undated.. Retrieved January 1, 2012, from Bill McKibben, Deep Economy (2007), and Vicky Robin, Towards a Solution to Overconsumption undated.

Russell, W. G. (2008, January 1). Table of Contents. The Sustainable Enterprise Fieldbook. Retrieved May 22, 2013, from http://www.thesustainableenterprisefieldbook.net/page10.html

Story of Stuff (2007, OFFICIAL Version) - YouTube. (2007, January 1). YouTube. Retrieved May 27, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9GorqroigqM

Story of Stuff (2007, OFFICIAL Version) - YouTube. (n.d.). YouTube. Retrieved May 22, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9GorqroigqM

Sustainable Energy | UNDP . (2013, January 5). United Nations Development Programme. Retrieved May 22, 2013, from http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/environmentandenergy/focus_areas/sustainable-energy.html

The Story of Stuff | Watch Free Documentary Online. (2007, January 1). Top Documentary Films - Watch Free Documentaries Online. Retrieved May 22, 2013, from http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-story-of-stuff/

 

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