The Story of Stuff was an incredibly interesting documentary that kind of woke me up to the problems that have been circulating in the environment. One major part of this documentary was the over-consumption, specifically in the U.S. While most humans tend to take for granted the resources that we are essentially provided in our lifetimes, it is now known that many of these resources will not last forever. The documentary states that the United States only accounts for five percent of the world's population but they consume thirty percent of the world's resources. The average human consumes nearly twice as much as they did fifty years ago, contributing to the idea that we are literally flying through our resources. From prior knowledge, I have learned that the populations of many developing countries like Nigeria are expected to skyrocket over the next couple of decades. With this being known, we are going to need even more resources to be able to contain the growing population. The documentary made a reference to the over-consumption and materialistic desires of the modern world when it narrowed in on the changing computers over the years. Because of the way computers are constantly being made and altered, you aren't able to simply change a chip inside of an old desktop to be able to update it. Instead, you have to buy an entirely new computer, and throw away the other. Perceived obsolescence is something that has just become inevitable in today's society. If they don't have the newest version of a piece of technology, they will soon find out or be convinced otherwise that they need it. Part of the time, they don't even need the newest item. Sometimes it is just a marketing trick to help the firm make money. Even when we go to recycle our computers, there are still many cons, and the main one is the e-waste. Electronic waste consists of a number of toxic chemicals that are hazardous to human health.
A class I took called global challenges began to truly connect all the dots to my realization of the problems. Everytime I recycle or throw something away, I take it for granted. It is human nature not to constantly envision the filled up landfill that your trash might go into. Americans generate on average about 4.4 pounds of trash a day and imagine thinking about that times a couple of billion. Something else that I have also never thought about is the constant deforestation that continues to happen. The documentary states that we have less than four percent of our forests in the U.S left. In global challenges, we have learned that forests are a lot more than just a place with a lot of trees. The trees in these forests are actually aiding our survival, ensuring that we are able to breathe. Not to mention, they are home to many species and they help with soil erosion. Without these forests, the quality of life for humans and animals is going to down. This film served as a great warning to the environmental dangers that are creeping up on us. If we don't do anything and let it continue, eventually the Earth will begin to pay for it. We are able to do a couple of things now to combat it. One of the first solutions is to start planting trees. Planting trees is an easy step to try to limit deforestation. Another is by not using paper. Because of the great demand for trees, the supply keeps getting smaller and smaller. Making the personal choice to use paper wisely or stop using it in some scenarios can begin to yield results when many start choosing to do so. Another solution which might have to be taken if no improvement begins is the creation of punishments and incentives. Many of the countries that are contributing the most to the consumption of resources and deforestation need to be given clear reasons and benefits of making the right choice. The documentary evoked a sense of wisdom into the mind of the viewer. After watching this, I definitely will try to be at least a little more careful with my consumption.The documentary includes a small attack on the average American and it really shows the viewer that change is necessary and can be done in their everyday life.
A class I took called global challenges began to truly connect all the dots to my realization of the problems. Everytime I recycle or throw something away, I take it for granted. It is human nature not to constantly envision the filled up landfill that your trash might go into. Americans generate on average about 4.4 pounds of trash a day and imagine thinking about that times a couple of billion. Something else that I have also never thought about is the constant deforestation that continues to happen. The documentary states that we have less than four percent of our forests in the U.S left. In global challenges, we have learned that forests are a lot more than just a place with a lot of trees. The trees in these forests are actually aiding our survival, ensuring that we are able to breathe. Not to mention, they are home to many species and they help with soil erosion. Without these forests, the quality of life for humans and animals is going to down. This film served as a great warning to the environmental dangers that are creeping up on us. If we don't do anything and let it continue, eventually the Earth will begin to pay for it. We are able to do a couple of things now to combat it. One of the first solutions is to start planting trees. Planting trees is an easy step to try to limit deforestation. Another is by not using paper. Because of the great demand for trees, the supply keeps getting smaller and smaller. Making the personal choice to use paper wisely or stop using it in some scenarios can begin to yield results when many start choosing to do so. Another solution which might have to be taken if no improvement begins is the creation of punishments and incentives. Many of the countries that are contributing the most to the consumption of resources and deforestation need to be given clear reasons and benefits of making the right choice. The documentary evoked a sense of wisdom into the mind of the viewer. After watching this, I definitely will try to be at least a little more careful with my consumption.The documentary includes a small attack on the average American and it really shows the viewer that change is necessary and can be done in their everyday life.
