Lab+4

 __Lab 4 - 'The Story of Stuff'__

Write three paragraphs on how Annie Leonard defines the system of the 'materials economy' and describes its interactions.
 Annie Leonard defines “materials economy” in five inter-linking stages. The Material Economy consists of extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and disposal. Leonard effectively displays the effect of production and consumption in society using both illustrations and animations.

Leonard expands on each stage very effectively. She outlines each one showing the negative impact on both the planet and its people. This technique is both entertaining and valuable for its audience. Leonards years of research is displayed in a clear and informative matter that the audience can relate to. By displaying items like iPods and pillows, items we use everyday and that the audience can relate to, it allows them to see her perspective and understand her message.

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

 * __Extraction__: ** The video defines it as a fancy why of destroying our planet and exploiting its natural resources. This is the beginning of the “material economy”.
 * __Production__: ** This is the process of exploited natural raw materials that get manufactured into finished good. This is mostly done with a mixture of many harmful and even deadly chemicals, which effect not only humans but also the natural resources surrounding us..
 * __Distribution__: ** This is the step that occurs after all resources are manufactured into products, they now need to be sold to consumers. Since the goal of all organizations is to cut back costs, most if not all products are outsourced. Since labor is much cheaper in third world nations, it is produced there. For distribution transportation is needed such as trucks, ships, trains etc.
 * __Consumption__: ** One of the key aspects of this process is consumption. Without this there would be no need for any other steps. Consumption is a key factor in any economy, without it the economy will collapse. Once this step stops, so does the entire cycle.
 * __Disposal__: ** Is the very last step. Once the consumer has used the product or it has become outdated it needs to be disposed. Most products simply end up in landfill. Statistically only 1% of purchased products are kept, the other 99% is disposed.



How does her Flash presentation effectively organize the categories comprising 'the materials economy' in its interface design? (2 paragraphs)
 <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Annie Leonard way of displaying her concern for both humans and earth is a truly effective and modern way of education media. She uses a different approach as compared to the usual public announcements. By using multimedia images and animations she can address the audience in both a serious and entertaining direction. By using stereotypical images and figures she allows the audience to almost relate to the issues and her concerns. <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Using a Flash presentation allows <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Leonard presentation <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">to be well organized.