# data[].attributes.body
My name is Liana Martinez Reina and I’m 17 years old. I’m currently a dual enrollment student through the School for Advanced Studies (SAS) at MDC North Campus. I was born in Havana, Cuba and at the age of 7 my family and I migrated to the U.S. Hence, I mostly grew up in Miami, Florida. My parents decided a few years ago that the best thing for our family was to move to a peaceful and calm neighborhood in Miami Lakes. My neighbors are very kind and wise, especially in giving advice. To continue, one of my goals is to get into Brown Law. However, I envision myself moving to Pennsylvania and practicing law with the FBI. From my perspective, being successful is having the ability to follow my goals/dreams without the concern of paying bills. Thus, regardless of the concerns, one begins to have as they grow older, I expect to follow my passion: the law and work for the benefit of the people. On the other hand. I would like to own my law firm or own any sort of business. If I were to own a business I would use some of the earnings to improve it, assure my parent's last few years in full comfortability, guarantee my retirement, and donate to charities focused on helping kids, homeless, and recovering addicts as well as abandoned/abused dogs. As a matter of fact, I like to participate in community service activities to help some of the elderly in the area where I lived. I have also tried beginning a program meant to help the homeless, but unfortunately not many want to help. Though I somewhat gave up now, I hope that someday in the future I will see it realized and perhaps better than I expected. Overall, my greatest accomplishment or thing I’m proud about myself is how I patiently wait and work to see each of my goals come true, some say that good thing happen in due time, so while I wait, I’ll help the universe to make it happen.

# data[].attributes.headline
What research tool caught my attention? Which topic am I selecting to research, and why?

# data[].attributes.subject
What research tool caught my attention? Which topic am I selecting to research, and why?

# data[].attributes.body
The topic I decided to research is electronical waste. The motive as to why I choose to research this topic is because I always wondered where all electronic devices go after people constantly update or replace their devices. Meaning, almost every month companies like Apple or Samsung release new products and almost immediately people around the world buy them. Some refurbished their electronics, while others trade with stores, or simply put their old devices in cabinets – which eventually end up been thrown away. Hence, I picked this topic because I would like to know the effects of having electronical devices as waste. Does it have the same effects as pollution or other waste been thrown in the ocean? Does it have an island like that one island filled with trash? Are the effects long term? This are just some questions that came to mind when I was picking out my topic. Moreover, the professor mentioned the Miami Herald, Kanopy, and MDC Learning Resources. Personally, I knew of MDC Learning Resources, however I have never had the opportunity to use it. As for the other resources, I have used Miami Herald during my years in middle school, but not Kanopy. Though Kanopy seems interesting, it seems to be more of a documentary website, which I hope to find further information in regard to my topic.

# data[].attributes.headline
Privilege for the poor: Farming giant gives back-to its workers' children

# data[].attributes.subject
Privilege for the poor: Farming giant gives back-to its workers' children

# data[].attributes.body
The carbonless fuel that could change how we ship goods by Maria Gallucci .

Maria Galluci begins her presentation by including her experience or memory from when she traveled, by ship, a few years ago. She then introduces her topic: pollution. She begins to discuss how the transportation of goods in cargo ships releases pollution or diesel fuel into the environment, hence polluting it. Green ammonia, "t's stinky, toxic, I [and is] potentially explosive"(Galluci 2021). To explain, green ammonia is used to make chemicals or fertilizers since it can be somewhat toxic, however, Gallucci is proposing the use of it in transporting large cargo ships. Galluci states "industry experts are convinced that ammonia could be a game-changing way to drive giant cargo ships, and could be used safely and be cost-competitive". Meaning, the use of green ammonia would not be useful to replace toxic fuels released into the air, but it would also be more economic for companies that sponsor these ships. Furthermore, Gallucci mentioned "ammonia doesn't contain any carbon molecules, [which means} it doesn't create carbon dioxide when used as a fuel. [On the other hand,] it contains one part nitrogen [(the main component of air)] and three parts hydrogen[(the building block of water)].". This signifies, that in order to create ammonia, there would be no need to use any form of fossil fuels. Overall, the main concern in using green ammonia in cargo ships is the lack of accessibility. Since it's a new concept introduced, there is a lack of storage facilities, pipelines, or distribution networks that would guarantee that ships can fill their tanks in any location or stop they travel to.

The billion-dollar campaign to electrify transport by Monica Araya.

In addition to Maria Galluci's argument of transporting goods in a fuelless manner, Monica Araya further focuses on one of the goods mentioned in the previous article. Such a good involves transportation, however, it may be done in a smaller distance or perhaps worth less than a ship worth $400,000, which is cars. Araya discusses the need for cars to be electrical, to such extent that it uses no sort of fuel in order to transport. An example, of this influence, is Tesla. A brand where cars are electrified and charged on certain stations, rather than have them filled with gas. Araya mentions " [that] some industr[ies] project [that] some companies see a lot of fossil fuel cars in their future up to 2050." However, Araya further argues that 2050 is a long time and the current situation that the world/climate is facing will worsen; hence, through speaking of the topic and advocating for the issues she predicts that the majority of the people from Asia to California will likely have electrified cars by 2035. By increasing the use of electrified cars by 2035, "160 billion tons of CO2 or more than three years' worth of humanity's entire emissions, excess emissions" will be reduced. Araya further concludes that electrified cars are needed to reduce climate change and that supporting the movement will not only benefit companies, financially wise, in the future but it will be "being in the right part of history".

Reflection:

The previously discussed articles mention innovative ways that modern-day civilians and companies could reduce the influence of pollution in the air or climate. As Ms. Galluci mentioned there is the format of goods to be transported, globally, with the use of green ammonia. Though, green ammonia is not widely known or recognized it may be considered an influential or impactful recreative way to help ships travel without needing fuel. Like Ms. Gallucci's innovative way to transport goods, Araya discusses transportation on land and a large part of what makes pollution. Such are cars, a machine that people use daily, whether is short or long distances, more than half of the population owns one. Some even have multiple, thus doubling the pollution as trucks or larger vehicles need gas/diesel. However, Araya introduces electric cars and their need in order to help the Earth as more than three years' worth of released emissions are released into the air. This is crucial because if it were to be prevented, less pollution would be released into the air which increases the influence of electrified cars; hence, reducing the overall effect of fuels being released by cars as it creates a long-turn effect and influence in the people's preference of travel. Thus, by watching this Ted Talks I learned that there are more eco-friendly alternatives to transport goods and even drive from point A to B. However, not many know of these ways or prefer to use them because it may cost more money to built such appliances or structures in order to accommodate the projects.

# data[].attributes.body
The Story of Stuff
" The Story of Stuff" is a short film made by Annie Leonard, Louis Fox, and Jonah Sachs. The film begins with an introduction to the process of Materials Economy. Materials Economy is the process in which products go through, from creation to disposal. Leonard mentions the system in which products go through is linear. To elaborate, having a linear system "in a definite world" is improbable and factors like culture, societies, economics and the environment are affected. The process not only considers extraction or disposal but it deals with how its regulated and conducted by the government or corporations. Leonard states that five percent of the population uses over thirty percent more than what they need to. Consumption has increased and the numbers keep on rising as well as the numbers in regards to disposal and contamination to the environment. Like water, a crucial product needed for the survival of humans, it keeps growing in counts of contamination by humans themselves. Furthermore, contaminated or toxins are not only in the products one purchases, but it has gradual effects on the consumers as well, and eventually the Earth.

The Story of Bottled Water
Annie Leonard begins the short- film by answering a question many seem to have asked: Is bottled water better than tap water? The speaker includes an example of Fiji water against tap water in from Cleveland. The point of the example given is to include facts gathered by research. According to Ms. Leonard tap water received a higher score in taste and quality tests. Also, tap water is of lesser price then manufactured bottled water. Research shows that bottled water costs two-thousandth times more than tap water, however,  there is a high consumer demand. Manufactored demand is when manufacturing companies use panic or fearful tactics so consumers buy their products in fear of lacking them. Additionally, the product will likely include a picture or writing that calls to the consumers attention. On the other hand, consumers are unaware that the production of water bottles releases toxins to the air when they are burned off, if not sent to landfills where parts of the product may be used for other items. As a matter of fact, many recycle their bottles, but that doesn't necessarily mean the products will be used for recycling. Companies share or falsely accuse cities tap water and instead offer or promote more of it.

Reflection:

As a citizen or civilian I enjoy buying products that I believe I need or simply want. Consumption relates to my role as a citizen because I among many play a key role in buying products that are constantly releasing toxins into the atmosphere. These products may not be necessary, but rather be considered luxurious items. For example, in a court of law judges apply certain rights depending on whether or not did the defense actions were deemed fundamental or necessary. the same concept applies, people buy products in an increasing or irrational amount without the need to. By doing so, they are also increasing the production rate of these products which not only means having a higher amount of toxins being released but also having an amount of people working in manufacturing factories who are exposed to such toxins. As a consumer, it seems unlikely that the general public will consume products in a reasonable amount or with a fundamental need, specially nowadays where a Pandemic is taking place and citizens are buying hysterically amount of the products they use because stores are running out of the item or its prices are increasing.

After watching the previous stated videos I've being inspired to consume less products that in reality I do not need. Such products may be Coca Cola, water bottles, or foods sold in large bulks. Personally, my family and I purchases items in bulks in order to decrease the items we visit the grocery stores, however, my father enjoys going every day - which often ends up in our home being overstocked with items ( mostly food) that we don't need. Though we do donate some of those items, there's always some left and even more coming. Furthermore, I was inspired to make some changes in the way I purchase my items,on the other hand,  I believe that once I visit the grocery store or see something I like I will purchase without giving a second thought into what I just learned. It seems to be a bit unreasonable or unpractical of me to keep a chain of bad habits that's not only hurting myself but my peers and environment as well, however it is a habit that has being trained for many years and it's hard to break when there's many things one wants, specially with such good manufacturing demand techniques used by companies.

# data[].attributes.body
"The cement and concrete industry is responsible for about 8% of the world's carbon pollution"(Niranjan 2022). The documentary discussed how cement and concrete affect the daily lives of citizens by releasing pollution into the atmosphere, the narrator implies that this form of released pollution may contribute more to the harm in the atmosphere than cars or any other format. Meaning, because concrete is highly used or crucial to the continuation and advancement of civilizations as the Romans progressed in engineering, its need means higher demand and production in infrastructure, therefore releasing higher numbers of pollution. According to the video, the Roman Empire created "volcanic concrete", however, because the empire fell so did the accurate and elaborate explanation of how to replicate this form on concrete. Nowadays, some ingredients in making concrete are " cement, water, and cheap filler rocks like sand and gravel".Because of how cheap it is to produce concrete with the use of the previously mentioned items, it is predicted that many, especially those leading businesses in infrastructure, will not alternate for other methods-not that the other methods are any less harmful or effective. "The cement is what gives concrete both its incredible strength and toxic emissions. At super high heat calcium carbonate of the limestone and silicone dioxide of the clay join to form strong calcium silicates".But the reaction also releases carbon dioxide that heats the planet". Meaning, the use of cement is the root of how concrete releases pollution into the air. Hence, that's why some experts who work or are focused on the concrete field predict that there would be an increase in the release of toxic emissions in the air from 2.5 to 3.8 gigatons per bear by 2050. Overall, I would agree with the narrator of the documentary in regards to the topic that concrete is an issue that's not often spoken of, or at least, personally, I never knew it was an issue that highly contributed to how our climate and air is being filled with poison. Having learned that though concrete is an issue to be aware of, it is actually the makeup of it that causes the most harm to the environment. Meaning, building offices, stores, or other business is part of the economic structure that the country and world needs in order to increase the GDP and have a better market/economy, however in the quest of it there is an overproduction of these businesses which means that supplies are in higher demand and result in their effects or toxins been released at a higher quantity. Thus, the video brought more awareness regarding the issue, I believe this helped served as an eye-opener of how this overproduction of infrastructure is affecting our planet, more so now that the population in the state of Florida is increasing as there are more apartments and houses been built.

# data[].attributes.body
Electronic waste is the ghost everyone thinks is hiding under their bed when they were children, we feel as if it’s there, but we ignore it as we fall into a deeper sleep. Having to focus on a research topic that affects my community, I opted for looking deeper into my own curiosity.  Meaning, as discussed in SP2 I questioned where did the overproduction or other known as “trash” (previous models of devices) end up. I imagined that there was to be a landfill similar to Semakau, a landfill filled and oriented with rubbish discarded by civilians. The majority of its component is plastic and material that will take centuries to completely dispose of. Because of the excessive use of technology in my surroundings, I decided to research the previously mentioned topic. Nowadays, researchers consider the excessive use of electronic devices to be an addiction of similarity to drugs or alcohol. While having to live through the Covid-19 pandemic not only has the percentage of usage of electronics increased, but it has also augmented the number of devices people dispose of. In the beginning, some had computers or tablets, which eventually they had to replace, while others were just buying their first products. For example, Apple users, most start with their phone, then the watch, then the computer, and so in a short- unaccounted period all their products are from Apple. Meanwhile, society has modernized its ways by taking notes on tablets, making food orders through an app, or perhaps attending class virtually. Hence, I doubted the purpose of having to research a topic in deeper, mostly because I was concerned about having to write a “big” research paper in a short amount of time; however, I ended up enjoying researching and understanding a topic whose impact is considered some-what small for now, but in a few years when majority to almost everything is done through technology- it will affect more than one may predict.

Now, having to build a composition of articles and reflections is complicated. In SP3 while researching electronic waste, it was a complex process since so much of the information found seemed to be crucial to communicating the what’s and how’s of the topic. Having found that information and wisely selected which pieces to include in my discussion, another issue was the order of how to introduce it. Once, I finished my research- I opted to organize it in cause and effect. This signifies I began by introducing the definition of electronic waste then I transitioned into what are the cause and provided some examples, lastly, I included its effects on the community, planet, and even ourselves. Overall, I expected to have a ‘chill” or tranquil time to have my responses and research, but on the contrary, I often found myself in a predicament, whether it was choosing what piece of information to include or were the sources sufficiently credible. Though I was rather skeptical about conducting/performing this research activity, I personally found it rewarding since I was able to learn new effects and details that some device mechanics or salespeople never communicate to the consumer when persuading them to buy a product.

In CAS1 videos diversified under “The Story of Stuff” had a wide range of topics that concerned the environment. One of those topics was “The Story of Stuff” itself, where the authors Annie Leonard, Louis Fox, and Jonah Sachs mentioned how are created, transported, sold, and fall into a cycle where it not only affects our environment but cultures societies and economics as well. Having found that over thirty percent of the population user more products than needed, helped me rationalize why there is so much societal pressure to have the latest or vogue electronic devices rather than optimizing the use of the device one currently owns. Overall, I felt discouraged to know that as humans, the majority discusses how earth-friendly and recycling is best, but some fail to “walk the talk”. On the other hand, it allowed me to learn new vocabulary, market-wise, inspire me to look at how some topics affect our planet without one realizing or intending to harm it. Though it didn’t change me as a person, having to do these activities, certainly helped me learn more about the environment and be more aware of some topics and issues that are currently affecting our planet, causing more harm to citizens and animals than one would expect.

# data[].attributes.body
Breaking the Echo Chamber on Immigration by Lucy Crelli

Immigration is an ongoing subject where it always comes to the topic during elections. For example, in 2016 the election between President Trump and Hilary Clinton, immigration was one of the few topics that must often discuss especially with President Trumps' claims to "build a wall". Nowadays, immigration seems to be more controlled but citizens preferring one of the two major political parties are protesting, and at times even using violence. "Breaking the Echo Chamber on Immigration" by Crelli mentions how citizens of the two different parties delegate their views. To explain, they discuss why they stand by that position in an objective format that doesn't compromise their relationship and keeps the discussion objective. If the subject were to be portrayed through another format it would extract the direct or objective tone of establishing the facts rather than making a personal statement or perhaps agitating the speakers helping the media. Overall, immigration is a topic that needs to be spoken of in a way that effects would not harm citizens in the migrating country but also aid those who are migrating. Personally, I learn that those who choose to be part of political activities or parties may feel as if they're obstructed from sharing their thoughts and beliefs without being judged or categorized into stereotypical beliefs.

" Privilege for the poor: Farming giant gives back — to its workers' children" by Alfonso Serrano

Serrano in " Privilege for the poor: Farming giant gives back — to its workers' children"  discusses how farmers and their families often lack education as the majority are immigrants. However, Serrano states that companies like Wonderful are beginning to establish schools in the communities where their farmers work in order to encourage education. The schools are meant to help students receive some education from kindergarten to the eighth grade and apply for scholarships later on. Additionally, the parents/farmers would also receive some educational classes. The plan created by these companies is to not only encourage agriculture but also reduce the division between stereotypical beliefs of immigrants and education in society. If any other form of media were to be used to share this sort of information perhaps more awareness or initiatives would be taken place as at times others need media to recognize events or accomplishments to begin promoting it themselves. As mentioned before immigration is a topic that still needs discussion as well as the resources that immigrants need. Like education, those that hire immigrants should aid in more than just education - they should offer work visas or other resources to provide a more stable work and family environment for their workers. On the other hand, I did learn that some companies are choosing to be the first in a movement that will likely take more initiative in the upcoming years.

Reflection:

Immigration is a topic that not only affects those that are moving but also the ones that are already residing, in that peculiar country. As mentioned, immigration is a topic currently spoken by political parties and civilians. Having illegal aliens from other countries could not only affect the United States' foreign relations but the person themselves. Because they are illegal, immigrants to some extent have less protection or ability to claim rights and compensation in case of a work injury, pay, or other. However, there are some work unions or associations that help illegal aliens with documentation, legal cases, and at times their education. Agriculture is the majority field where illegal citizens typically work or are found, like the previously mentioned organization, it is crucial to establish some sort of education for these citizens. By providing some sort of education the workers could learn new skills, look for better opportunities, or even achieve their residency/citizenship. Meanwhile, corporations would have higher educated people who are well rounded in their field and [unfortionaly] produce quality work for less [still] pay. As for the children of the workers, they are young and innovative so having a basic education shouldn't be a topic for discussion rather a right like in Wisconsin v. Yoder, where The Supreme Court established that students must attend school until the age of 16 unless it interferes with religious purposes/beliefs. Hence, utilizing the Commerce Clause established in the Constitution, the U.S and other countries should litigate as those in the articles of Solutions-  the well-being of their people and a safer, more effective immigration process or aid. If the countries were to aid each other, fewer citizens would immigrate and the population number of each country would correlate with the demand of supplies and employment rate, thus reducing the percentage of immigration annually.

# data[].attributes.headline
What is electronic waste? And how does it affect the people of Miami?

# data[].attributes.subject
What is electronic waste? And how does it affect the people of Miami?

# data[].attributes.body
Electronic waste is the unwated or unused electronic devices as well as their parts that eventually land in landfills, daily. The author in The Impact of Electronic Waste: ECycle Florida mentions how devices like "computer monitors, mobile phones, cameras,printers,faxes, and [other] digital media." To explain, citizens are buying new products when a newer versions become available or when one of theirs begins to mlfunction, or simply breaks. The parts and the device as a whole are ending up in land fills filled with a variety of parts like monitors, hard drivers, or others. Electronic waste is known as " [used items that] tend to break down and create a by-product." Creating this by-product, "E-waste produces a considerable amount of pollution, mainly through the construction of electronics compnents and the disposal of e-waste."Meaning, discarding the items that were once used is not the only way to hard the Earth, but also using recycled pieces as it ends up lasting less and proceeds to complete the cycle of usage, where the item finally ends up in a landfill and promotes an increase in pollution released to the air.

" An estimates fifty million tons of e-waste [is] produced worldwide each year. Accrosing to the [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] , eighty to ehgty-five percent of this amount goes directly into ladfills and incinerators", according to. Electronic Waste: Sustainability by the University of Miami. This signifies, that the e-waste been collected is not only piling to landfills and creating pollution as mentioned in the previous article, but is also realizing hazardous chemicals to the air when the waste is incinerated. Additionally, having the e-waste does not only harm the Earth and environment citizen s live in, but it could also affect them personally. "Proper disposal of media minimizes the risk of security breaches, reduces the loss of intellectual information, patient health information, research data, and/or other personal confidential information stored on a device". Privacy is an issue often disccussed in the United States as seen in cases like Trump v. Twitter or Griswold v. Connecticut. However, in modern days electronic devices contains people's private lives. To some, they dispose of the item without furthering considering that their information could be retrieved from the hard drive or disk. Others, do not care, but it is still a present issue that should concern citizens when disposing of their devices, in case if may be recycled and provided for some whom they don't know.

Now, lets consider how this electronical waste may be disposed. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection suggests" unwanted electronics should be recycled to recover and reuse the product itself or materials like copper, steel, or glass that the product contains". As i mentioned before, many sources recommend for devices that are no longer being used, to be recycled like given away or break apart to use the parts. On the other hand, not many mention what to consider when trying to recycle your items. The article published by "The Florida Department of Environmental Protection" mentions how  one should consider going to "recycling [facilities that ]have a DEP/EPA identification number, an insurance, and a way for the donor to check that their items where properly and safely destroyed/recycled." This would imply that the people would be able to assure that their items are not being used with a double-non specified purpose that they're not aware of. Hence, one should consider the place where they donate their items and its mission or way of recycling it, as to prevent further harm been released to the environment and world we live in.