Lab+4


 * Tutorial #4 Wiki Question:**
 * Analyze the information architecture of the "Story of Stuff" web site, and describe how it has been designed to maximize its content as a teaching tool to deliver complex information. (2 paragraphs)**

The "Story of Stuff" website has been designed to maximize its content through text summaries, videos, podcasts, external links, as well as annotated scripts of their projects. This approach to delivering complex information is effective because the same message is granulated to accomodate different types of learners (visual, audible, textual, etc.). All of the content is summarized to the fullest while supplying evidence and supporting articles in archival information such as the scripts or resources. The content is also interactive by questioning the audience about the current state of society's practice. In addition, the site offers appropriate direction of aid if individuals desire to support the effort through books, donations, DVDs etc.

Another attribute that makes this website effective in maximizing its content as a teaching tool is by its social networking capabilities. The website can sync up as a virtual "community" where information can be passed on from user to user. Since the website syncs facebook, twitter and youtube, the message becomes easier to share through these channels. In addition, the site keeps close attention on their progress updates, documenting them for the community to see and share.


 * Describe each stage of the material economy. (6 paragraphs/one stage each paragraph)**

The material economy is composed of 5 stages: extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. These stages are part of a linear model that is inefficient, toxic, and wasteful. The most important transition in this model focuses between the distribution and consumption stages where industries have exploited resources to create disposable products. This outdated model is challenged by a new way of thinking that brings environmental factors into play composed of techniques such as Green Chemistry, Zero Waste, Closed Loop Production, Renewable Energy, and Local Living Economies.

During the extraction stage, raw materials such as wood, minerals, oil, water, plants, animals etc are harvested for the beginning of the material economy model. The main problem here is that humans are consuming these materials faster than they can replenish themselves, use destructive methods for processing these materials, and lastly, the products are not being equally distributed. This has a degrading impact on human habits as well as the environment. Once these raw materials are processed they are ready for the second phase in the model, the production phase.

The production phase, factories add toxic chemicals to the raw materials to make toxic products. This phase requires large amounts of natural resources and creates a steady stream of pollution. The process results in climate change water pollution, waste and toxic pollution. During this phase, workers are forced to work beside these toxic chemicals and inherit chronic diseases that they pass onto their generations. Closed loop production suggests that the production phase can be clean, just and sustainable.

The third phase of the model is the distribution phase that involves transporting and selling the products quickly and cheaply. The main idea of this phase is keeping prices low and keeping consumers buying. The mechanism behind this process is the externalization of costs which means that the price tag does not reflect the work put into the product. This situation is a chronic issue because it encourages over consumption through price incentives.

Consumption is the fourth stage in the model which includes consumers buying and using these toxic products. The market has influenced people to buy disposable products because they are more sanitary, convenient or cheaper. The biggest problem here is the systemic issue of governmental regulation of these products; changing consumer behavior is not enough. The increase in consumption has a direct impact on the labour force resulting in the most hours worked per week in history. The longer hours of work leads to more consumption, less life satisfaction, less time for building community and a bigger ecological footprint.

The disposal phase is the last stage in the model which involves dumping or burning the products when they stop functioning or out dated. Although some of it is recalled for recycling, the amount of consumption dramatically outweighs its effects in the toxins released during the burning or dumping phase. The main issue here is designing a system that will create as little amount as waste as possible by the disposal phase. This must be implemented from the entry point of a closed loop production system so we optimize the amount of reusable materials during manufacturing. It is during this phase where returning the waste to the natural environment is a key practice to ensure a healthier society.