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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.