My first impression of sustainable development projects is that they are very important. Now we need to closely link environmental protection with economic and social development. It’s hard to combine environmental protection and economic development. So we need long - term and complex ideas to find new ways to integrate them.

2.What have you learned so far?

So far, I know that sustainability is not only about environmental protection. It’s also about linking it with social benefits to bring more welfare to people. Protecting the earth’s environment is a big responsibility. We must also meet the needs of social development.

3.What did you find difficult to understand?

I think the hardest thing to understand is how to have better environmental sustainability in today’s fast development. Some environmental protection plans have unique ideas and technologies. But they can’t be done because of how people live. How to make a sustainable plan that everyone can accept is a big challenge.

4.What are your thoughts on sustainability in your own industry?

My major is undergraduate animation. I think animation sustainability can focus on cutting e-waste, using green energy, and recycling electronics. These are all key points. Many companies only go after short-term profits.

5.Do you think this will be a challenging project?

I think this is an important project for the world and individuals. It needs knowledge from different subjects and long-term benefits. People need to join together. This can bring new ideas. It also makes us responsible for the world.

1.People around the world often perceive virtual things as having no carbon emissions because of their intangible nature. In reality, electronic devices consume enormous energy during their usage phase, generating various types of e-waste. E-waste is non-biodegradable, occupying our planet's shared land resources, polluting the air and water, and further affecting life on Earth. Therefore, this issue is global in nature.

• Describe the solution that was proposed

2.Avoid replacing electronic devices and upgrading accessories to cut carbon emissions from manufacturing. Raise environmental awareness and know that digital products are not carbon-free. Promote solar energy to reduce power use. Simplify packaging and use eco-friendly materials. Start trade-in programs, rentals, and swapping.

• My opinion

3.My view is we can keep things under control for now, but long-term solutions need more new ideas and technology. This is because we can’t clean up e-waste completely. Now, some people say we should send e-waste into space, but that’s not a real solution.

2. If I had unlimited imagination, I would find ways to maximize sustainability.

3. If I did virtual animation, my travel carbon footprint would be zero.

4. If I put sustainable ideas in my short animations, I would help people like sustainability.

5. If I designed a cup, I would make it biodegradable.

6. If I knew what all people thought, we would solve global problems and achieve sustainability.

7. If I could paint a picture with colors, I would choose to use edible products.

8. If I were an inventor, I would turn all artificial products in the world into biodegradable ones.

9.If I hosted my portfolio website on green servers, each visitor’s browse would support renewable energy projects.

10.If I were science, I would put all the fragments of electronic products into everyone's minds, rather than physical objects.

• Who is the artist and what is the background of the song?

American singer Marvin Gaye created and performed the song in 1971. Its relaxed style and direct lyrics talk about ecological destruction and environmental pollution. The song shows people’s worries about industrial development, resource use, water pollution and other problems at that time. It wants people to care more about environmental damage and take responsibility for the earth.

• What do you think the artist’s message or attitude is?

Gaye used music to show his care for the environment, peace and civil rights. He was among the first to put environmental ideas into pop music. His eco-friendly lyrics with nice melodies helped people gradually care more about protecting the environment. The lyrics show he knew a lot about ecological problems.

• Can you find any interesting or topic-specific vocabulary?

"ecology", "mercury", "radiation", "heavy water".

• How would you describe the mood of the song?

The song feels light but also a bit worried. The lyrics are full of worry and thought about the environment, and care for the earth’s future and hope to save it.

• What do you think of the song? (Give your opinion)

This environmental song has strong lyrics that can make people want to protect the earth. It was an important step to bring environmental themes into music.

• Who is the artist and what is the background of the song?

An American singer created the song. It was released in 2018, in the time of global climate crisis.

• What sustainability issue is the song about?

The song is about global warming.

• What do you think the artist’s message or attitude is?

The artist shows how people ignore climate problems. He uses summer heat to show rising global temperatures. The happy melody is different from the serious topic.

• What research did you do? What did you learn?

2018 was the fourth hottest year ever. That’s when the song came out.

• Can you find any interesting or topic-specific vocabulary?

"Hotter", "Oxygen mask", "We just watching", "Summer".

• How would you describe the mood of the song?

The song feels light and happy. It makes you think of beach days in summer. But the lyrics are negative and worrying. This makes a strong contrast.

• What do you think of the song? (Give your opinion)

The song is memorable. The melody and lyrics are very different. It also talks about the global heat crisis at that time. It makes people feel connected.

• How are the two songs similar / different in their message or topic?

The two songs call for ecological responsibility. They promote green development. One focuses on industrial pollution. The other focuses on global warming.

• How are they similar / different in style, tone, or approach?

Both songs have lyrics about the harms of environmental pollution. One is electronic music. The other is soul music.

• Which do you think is more powerful or effective, and why?

Mercy, Mercy Me is impactful. It is a classic environmental protection song. Its lyrics are direct. Its music has a unique tone. The song makes listeners think about environmental responsibility. It makes people face industrial pollution.

This is an NPR article from the Goats and Soda section, published on October 5, 2024. It shows the public health problem caused by local e-waste. Kids touch toxic metals without any safety gear. This pollutes the environment and causes many health problems. It also shows the global unfairness in e-waste management.

Where did you find it?

I found it on the NPR website, specifically in the Goats and Soda section, which focuses on global issues, culture, and sustainability. The article’s URL (provided) directly links to the discussion about e-waste in Ghana.

How is it relevant to your project?

This shows a very irresponsible attitude toward the health of kids and adults. It proves rich countries ignore e-waste and have no solutions. Poor countries get forced to take in the waste. This is like the environment-friendly ways to solve digital e-waste problems.

I gave a speech about greenwashing today. I think it went pretty well. But the evidence to confirm something as greenwashing still needs to be strengthened.

For public speaking, I didn't feel as nervous as before. My ability to speak and respond mentally has improved a lot. I think it went smoothly. The classmates were very active in listening to my opinions. I really appreciate everyone's patience.

But there's still a lack of natural expression and delivery in my speech. The good thing is that my speaking skills have improved much compared to before. This is especially true for making PPTs and reacting quickly.

The reason for the smooth progress is that I did a lot of practice in private. I've learned that no matter what I think of the content of my speech, I must present it with the best attitude.

A classmate’s presentation

Otonia's speech left a very deep impression on me. The reason is that her way of speaking was very vivid and engaging, allowing for interaction with the audience. It made me think deeply about her speech and I agreed with her. The product she talked about was a bag from Hong Kong. I also agreed with her considerations because it was indeed expensive, greenwashing, and not sustainable. So I think her speech was very helpful to me. I can also learn from her way of speaking and content. Therefore, I really appreciate her way of speaking.