After watching the Story of Stuff episodes, reflect on the following prompts. Please comment on other people's posts as well.
Story of Stuff
http://www.storyofstuff.com/
1. What makes a healthy consumer vs. a not-so-healthy consumer?
2. Are you willing to pay more for products that are manufactured in a more responsible way? What is the flip-side of your perspective?
3. Whose responsibility is it to ensure/regulate the way that stuff is produced/used/disposed?
4. Are you aware of a local economy functioning here in the San Antonio area? (farmers markets/locally produced items) Include a link and comment...
5. In what ways do you feel empowered to change for the better?
image from www.waitslowdown.com
question number one.
ReplyDeleteSo if I'm understanding the question right i think that the difference between a healthy consumer and a non healthy consumer would be that a healthy consumer would be one of those individuals that has the newest and latest technology, which contributes to the Gold arrow as we saw in the video. A non healthy consumer would be somebody who actually sticks with what they have until it is no good or it has broken, There for they are still contributing to the Gold arrow but just not as fast as "the system" would like and want.
I found it interesting that almost everything we buy is all part of the plan. Their goal is to get us to consume so they actually make things last for only a short period of time so that way we well still have trust in the product and well have to buy another one , not knowing that maybe are product would have been good for 5 years but instead was programed/designed to last only 2 years.
Another key point was how everything keeps changing. Clothes come in and out of style making us consume in order to fit in. Technology is also changing right before the blink of an eye . For example only a small part might change like she mentioned with computers and how it was only the chip that changed, but yet the chips are different sizes(they know what they are doing) there for we have to get rid of the whole computer. The last key factor that caught me was how they change the style. I believe it is true that even if the technology of a product didn't change that much, but the style did most individuals well still go out and buy the new product once again to fit in.
Everything is part of "The Plan" and thought really well through. They do a good job of hiding it, i might add, and in the end win because the uneducated (about the plan) consumer keeps on doing exactly what the want , which is to contribute to the big Gold arrow.
1. I think a healthy consumer is someone who shops smart and not frequently versus a non healthy consumer who listens to all the ads on TV or radio and shops on a daily basis.
ReplyDelete2. No because either way, companies are finding new ways to get people to keep buying their products, no matter how long they last. On the contrary if someone actually took the time to assemble my product it would be a slight relief knowing that a machine did not put it together raising the chances of it being defective.
3. Pretty much everybody is responsible for how the stuff is regulated. In every step of an item from producing it to disposing of it, people are always there to toy with the product. The workers that collect the pieces for one product need to make sure they obtain the right pieces. The people that assemble the product need to make sure it is assembled properly. Those who buy the product should know how to use the product and dispose of it properly once the product is old, and those who check the recycling should know how to sort out the trash from those people who don't know how to dispose of products properly.
4.
5. Not shopping as much, and making m products last until they are worn and torn and not just buying to stay in trend.
I believe that a healthy consumer only buys things when they really need it, and is not wasteful. Healthy consumers try their best to reuse and be responsible about their purchases. A not-so-healthy consumer is someone who buys frivolous things all the time, and would rather buy something new than spend some time to fix something they already have. They also would rather buy something cheap and poorly made, than spending a few extra dollars on something well made. I personally don’t mind spending more for products that are manufactured in a more responsible way. If I see that a company is trying to help the environment, I don’t mind spending more on their products. Other people think that simply buying a few cheap things that couldn’t possible hurt the earth that much. They also think that it is better to just buy the cheaper items, as things break soon or become outdated and they don’t want to spend too much money. I think that it should be the government’s job to regulate how things are produced and disposed of, as they have the power to make strict laws. They need to make strict laws to limit how much pollution and trash is being produced by companies, as it is necessary to keep the earth healthy. We all live on this earth though, so everyone should be held responsible to how they dispose of their trash. Many more things that we use could be recycled, and it is up to everyone on the earth to recycle the majority of what they use. If we don’t take care of the earth now, we will all have to pay for it later.
ReplyDeleteA great way to be a more responsible consumer is to buy local items. Local food doesn’t have to have all the chemicals other food does to keep it from going bad on long truck rides cross country. Also buying locally is good for your local economy. A great website for buying local food in San Antonio is http://www.sanantoniofarmersmarket.org/index.html. The website shows you where you can buy local fruits, vegetables, jams, bread, and even fish. Things like farmers markets make me realize that I can make a huge change in my life to contribute less to the problem of too much stuff. I see that buying foods from farmer’s markets means less packaging that will get used and thrown away. I can reuse bags and containers, which contributes to less trash being thrown away. If I can make these simple changes, I can convince other people to do so too. If everyone can use reusable items rather than throwing things away, we can all make less trash to be thrown away. I can also buy things from more responsible companies, and not give any of my money to companies who hurt the earth in their production of goods. Also, I can use things for as long as I can, instead of going out and buying the latest and greatest new thing. I know that these are little changes, but if more and more people start to make these changes, the earth will slowly start to heal.
ReplyDelete1)I think a healthy consumer is one who only buys what he or she needs and doesn't spend excessive amounts of money on goods that can be purchased for cheaper. A non-healthy consumer is one who buys way too many things that are of very little or no use to them.
ReplyDelete2)I don't mind spending more money on goods if they are produced to help the environment or are organic. I recently started researching foods and what is in them and how they are produced and what they can do to your body. Also, I am switching to all natural products like all natural deodorant that have little or no toxins. So in that case, I do not mind paying more for products like these.
The flip side would be that people like to save money so they buy really cheap unhealthy goods or goods that are bad for the environment.
3)Produced- the producers. Used- the consumers. Disposed- the consumers.
4) Yes, I like to shop at Sprouts farmer market sometimes. http://sprouts.com/home.php Also, I love to go to the Foundry coffee shop because it has fair-trade, organic, locally produced coffee.http://www.thefoundry-sa.org/
5)I feel that most change has to start with the individual before it can reach the multitude. Everything starts somewhere so it takes the individuals to choose to make a difference and change the way they consume and the way they live before it can have a big affect on the world as a whole. This inspires me and makes me feel empowered. I feel the purchases I have made and the products I have begun to switch to have empowered me as a world changer!
11:00 PM
ReplyDelete1. I believe that the difference between a healthy consumer is the ones that don’t exceeded on spending/buying as much, and only get what they need , unlike the non-healthy consumer that believes on all the ads and buy many things for no reason and as often.
2. As for me I wouldn’t mind paying more for products that are being manufacture more responsibly because it is not only helping me out but as well as the environment. The flip side may be that many do like to save money as well and would go for cheap irresponsible ways to shopping and only buying what's cheap and not so good as well.
3. Produce is the producers, used is the consumers, and the disposed are also the consumers as well because it all depends on the consumers to do what they do with the things they have purchased.
4. I am recently new her in San Antonio, but I did do a lot of shopping at farmers market in Austin but I will love to know where there are some here near by so I will be able to go!
5. I believe as an individual, Not shopping as much, buying only what I need, and making everything last to the end instead of throwing out stuff. I believe on recycling so that I can do my part on that as well, and now looking and keeping my eye on things that are being manufactured responsibly. And hopefully simple things can make a change.
In response to Madalyn thanks for the web links and coffee links it helps a lot I'm recently new here and looking for that :) also Staci you had really good websites and I agree that I so want to start giving my money in a responsible manner now!
1. A healthy consumer would also be an ethical consumer, one who is conscious of how items are produced and the affect those products have on the economy, people and environment globally. Someone that doesn’t buy frivolously or excessively, but practices “positive buying, when needed, favoring ethical products... fair trade, cruelty free, organic, recycled, re-used, or produced locally.”
ReplyDelete2. I would be willing to pay more and in many cases, where I know about the product and how it’s produced, I do. For instance, my family purchases meat from a local farm, where we know exactly how the cows/chickens are bred, fed and packaged. It’s a bit more work on our part and more money up front but in the long run the benefits far out way that cost. However, I also understand that not everyone is able to do this and much depends on the product/item you are wanting/needing at that time. I’m not sure how feasible this would be to most who are living paycheck to paycheck. Even those who aren’t living above their means, are also looking for “what is convenient” or the “best deals” so they can put their money elsewhere. I think if we all were aware of the affects and did our
3. I personally feel it is the responsibility of the business to ensure that their product is produced, manufactured and regulated properly. However, if they have done so in an ethical way, then once that product is sold, it belongs to the consumer. It should be the consumers responsibility to be educated on the products and also to dispose of their purchased items properly. The government/state should intervene with providing adequate places, instruction and laws when it comes to disposal of certain items. This way the consumer has knowledge of how to dispose of those items properly.
4. This is a great farmers market that is held locally every Sunday.
http://legacyoutdoormarket.com/
5. I’ve already tried in many ways to educate myself on how to be a more responsible consumer. I enjoyed these videos and I think my next area to tackle would be “bottled water”. I do feel empowered to make a change in this area. Bottled water is convenient for me, I’m not a soda drinker either but when I’m needing something quick, bottled water is always readily available, everyone sells it these days. I did just buy myself a cute water bottle so now I just need to make “filling it and taking it with me” part of my daily regime.
1. A healthy consumer is someone who is concerned about the products they are buying. They know how the product is made,the durability, and how effective the product will be. I healthy consumer isn't just going to by the product for any reason, they are going to make sure they are putting in a good investment and not just throwing away money because they have it.
ReplyDelete2.I would not be willing to pay more because just because they are manufactured more responsibility doesn't mean they are any more effective. If something is still going to be made into a newer updated version in about a year, its not a good investment because people are going to be the newer one just because its the latest. So no matter how its manufactured, it doesn't matter its any better then what it was before. There will always be better products on the way.
3. I believe its the governments responsibility to regulate how stuff is produced, the companys responsibility to ensure how the people use the product and the people's responsibility to ensure how they dispose of it.
4.I am not from SA and have only been here a year. I am not aware of any local economy functions in this area. I am from a small town west of houston and there is a great farmers market every sunday that me and my family go to every sunday on our way home from church.
http://wildwestworldinc.com/Farmers_Market.html
Its such a cute place. and along with the farmers market on sundays, its a little rustic town store with a bunch of different buidings with a bunch of rustic and western items. A bunch of random stuff but you can't leave without buying something.
5.I feel empowered to change by helping with recycling and putting products back on the market by reusing them and not wasting money on something newer and better.
1. A healthy consumer is well informed of any long term effects his or her actions may have on our current environment. On the other hand, a “Not-so-healthy consumer” will continue to be influenced by fads and social norms.
ReplyDelete2. After watching the online videos, Yes, I am willing to pay more for products that are manufactured in a more responsible way. The flip-side to this is choosing the items or companies that follow safer and Healthier guidelines. Furthermore, economy can also play a big factor, if I am in need of saving money, it will be hard for me to make the healthy consumer choice.
3. It’s everyone’s responsibility, the manufacture, the retailer, the consumer, Everyone involved in making the stuff and disposing.
4. Yes, San Antonio has several local economies, from Farmers market to flea market.
5.I will no longer purchase juice box drinks, and I will inform other people via social media
Website Link for question #4 http://www.sanantoniofarmersmarket.org/index.html
ReplyDeletehttp://missionfleamarket.net/
A healthy consumer to me means one who only buys for what is needed such as food and hygienic products. A not so healthy consumer means someone who buys for their wants such as new clothes to have the latest trends or a new bag that just came out for the fall. I would be willing to spend more on products that are manufactured in a more responsible way because I didn’t realize how products I buying everyday were manufactured. Now that I know, I would much rather pay more knowing this product is worth me buying. The flip side to this is I only know what the company tells me about the product being manufactured. Some can lie just to sell the product. I believe it’s the government to ensure and regulate the movement of stuff. There should be a committee dedicated to just “stuff”. I feel empowered to change for the better after watching all the clips about the many toxins that are in our every day products. It’s also very eye opening to know what happens after we recycle. What I thought was good about recycling, isn’t always so good once the stuff is sent out overseas.
ReplyDeleteResponse to: Madalyn Mae
I also agree with you on q.5. Is we want to see change, individually it needs to start. I believe there is no way for us to see a change or speak of change if no one is willing to change for the better.
1. A healthy consumer is one that doesn’t buy things because they are newer, or things that aren’t necessarily a necessity. That’s something a not-so-healthy consumer would do. For example, buying something that you don’t necessarily need at the time but you buy it anyways because you want that certain item.
ReplyDelete2. I am not willing to pay more for a product that is manufactured in a better way. Paying less for something that is exactly the same, maybe not as new works great for me! My mother for example bought the first Ipad edition for a cheaper price when the Ipad2 came out. Yes the Ipad2 had some new functions to it but for the most part, they are the same.
3. I think that we as individuals are responsible for how stuff is used, disposed and produced. If every person takes the initiative to get rid of something properly, it will better us all. It all starts somewhere and once we contribute to it, we will see a better outcome.
4. The San Antonio Foodshed is a great organization that is promoting locally grown foods in San Antonio. The website states: "to describe the flow of food from the area where it is grown into the place where it is consumed."
http://www.sanantoniofoodshed.com/
5. I feel like I can change for the better really committing to not purchasing things that I don’t necessarily need and by purchasing fewer water bottles. Having a plastic water container can do the same job.
In response to Marquie Krpec,
I also feel empowered to change by recycling more. I didn't ever really realize the outcomes of recycling and how some things can be re-used. Properly disposing of things can really make a difference.
1. A healthy customer is someone who is aware of where the products they buy come from and where they go after they use them so they only buy what they need.
ReplyDelete2. I think I would be willing to pay more for some stuff, but not for everything. I think I would pay more for some small things that are not a lot more expensive, but overall I probably would not pay a whole lot more.
3. A lot of it is the big corporations because they are the ones producing and distributing the products, but some of it has to do with us and how we use and dispose of the products.
4. I know there is a farmers market here on Sundays over by 281 in the Leagacy shopping center http://legacyoutdoormarket.com/. There is also a farmers market on Wednesday in the parking lot of the nursery on Thousand Oaks.
5. I feel I have a responsibility to do what I can to help out by being aware of what happens to all the stuff that I use. It is my responsibility to recycle the things that are recyclable and to not buy stuff that I don’t need.
I think that a healthy consumer is one who doesn’t buy stuff just for the sake of buying it. It is someone who isn’t concerned with keeping up with trends and instead buys things because there is a need for them not just a want. On the other hand a not so healthy consumer is someone who doesn’t stop to think about the impact that their consumption has on others. There are things that I am willing to pay more for if they are products that I know are produced in a more responsible way. Unfortunately I can’t always do that but I do purchase cleaning products such as dish soap and detergent that are safe for the environment and packaged in ecofriendly materials. I love coffee but make sure that I buy fair trade organic coffee. I think that a lot more people would be willing to purchase products of this kind if they were just as affordable as other products. Too many times money constraints keep people from doing what they know to be the better choice and that is a sad but understandable situation.
ReplyDelete1. I believe someone who is a healthy consumer considers their surroundings and future. Someone who realizes that we as a society are in a time of change from being over wasteful to less wasteful and for environmentally safe for ourselves and other. A more sustainable lifestyle that allows for reusability not wasting everything we consume. Such as the video stated, “we only keep 1% of what we consume and 99% is thrown away after 6 months of use. I believe a not so healthy consumer is one who consumes and doesn’t take notice of the side effects that is brought on with not being aware or caring what you buy. Lacking care for themselves and the others around them. This may be due to several factors such as not knowing. Even I had little knowledge on such things as e-waste, and I never thought of where all this ended up and what harm it brought to not only me but globally. People who consume without some sort of environmental ethics and not discarding their waste in the proper way is what I see as a none healthy consumer.
ReplyDelete2. I would always pay more if it was healthier and safer. The only issue would be always being able to afford these items, being a college student that isn’t always the most feasible thing to do. Knowing that it was responsibly made would make me feel better about buying the product especially knowing that other people weren’t getting hurt, underpaid, or having unhealthy working conditions in the process of making these products.
3. The government and corporations are responsible to ensure/regulate the way stuff is produced/used/disposed. Also people affect how it works because its all the little people who contribute their work to make the products so without them, products won’t get made. With those people speaking out they also have a say in making their own working conditions safer and better for all.
4. Pearl farmers market here in San Antonio, Texas provides fresh, local and seasonal products that they themselves planted, raised, and harvested. http://pearlfarmersmarket.com/
5. I feel that the knowledge and information I have gained from this class, videos, and assignments has allowed me to become more aware of what’s happening in my surroundings. It has brought much to my attention on the way I and what steps I need to make to change to better myself and the society around me.
In response to Chrisanne Salinas blog #1. I agree that someone needs to follow ethics on how they consume and not just on what they consume but even to degree of the houses we build. I noticed even as a CSM major the way we build our buildings these days are even unethical. This needs to be changed so when we build something and its demolished we find ways to reuse the resources that went into not just put it all in a landfill or incinerator.
Q.1-I think a healthy consumer makes purchases based on need and not just fad or want. I think a healthy consumer plans their purchases and realizes that sometimes less is more. An unhealthy consumer would be one that always needs the next and newest thing as sonn as it hits the market just because it is available.
ReplyDeleteQ.2-I would be willing to pay a little more for products that are manufactured more responsibly. The flip-side to this is that not everyone can afford to pay more even if they wish they could.
Q.3-I think the responsibility of ensuring the way in which stuff is produced should lie with the companies producing the products and with our government who is supposed to be keeping tabs on these businesses with regards to our bests interests. The way in which the products are used are determined by the consumer after purchase and the way in which products are disposed of also ultimately belongs with the consumer as there are no "trash police" at this point in time. However, I feel that our govt. and the businesses that manufacture the products should "help" us along in the proper disposal of our items by offering "take-back" options or electronics recycling facilities.
Q.4-I am aware of some local farmer's markets here in san antonio, two of which are: San Antonio Farmers Market (www.satxproperty.com) and Pearl Farmers Market (www.localharvest.org).
Q.5-In changing for the better, I have already started carrying a reusable water bottle and have stopped purchasing bottled water. I also shop mostly for need and almost never feel like I must have the "next best thing" on the horizon.
*In response to Madalyn Mae on Q.5, I agree that change has to start with each individual. Even though we think our actions to help may be small, the cumulative effect can change things.
*In response to Yan on Q.3, I agree that it is everyone's responsibility to ensure the way stuff is produced/used/disposed of as we all have a "hand" in the equation.
In response to Chrisanne Salinas:
ReplyDeleteI've just started to tackle my bottled water use too. But even after I decided to try to use reusable bottles more often, sometimes I would grab bottled water if I was ever in a rush. I never realized how bad it was for the environment, and now I’m appalled at the affects bottled water has on the earth. After hearing the presentation and facts about it, I’ve been less tempted to grab bottled water for convenience.
1. In my opinion a healthy consumer is someone who is aware when buying things. They know that this is a product they absolutely need and are not just spending their money on things just because they want them. Also knowing where these products come from and how they are made is part of being a healthy consumer.
ReplyDelete2. Yes I would consider paying more for a product that is manufactured in a responsible way. It would not only benefit me and my health but also the environment. The only thing is there are still times when you try to be a more responsible consumer and try to remember the harm you are doing to the environment for instance by purchasing bottled water but at the same time if you don’t have money or are low on money and you have a choice between buying something cheaper even though it isn’t the smartest choice most people will go for the cheaper price regardless of the consequences.
3. I feel that everyone should take part in these decisions. I think government and business should regulate how product should be made and sold to the consumers and we should be told what we can do with the products we buy after they are no longer useful to us so that we can also help dispose of things properly instead of harming the environment.
4. I am not from San Antonio so I am not aware of any but I did look it up online and found the Pearl Farmers market but I’m not sure if this is correct or not : http://pearlfarmersmarket.com/location
5. After being in this class and learning so much about things I never knew about like for instance the presentation we did on Plastic’s last week, I was not aware of the harm we are causing by buying and using plastic bottles not only to ourselves but of course to the environment. I want to be aware and a smart consumer so that I can try to make a difference.
1. A healthy consumer uses their resources properly. If something is bought and could be recycled for instance, that's what they'll do. They spend money on necessary items other than temporary things that they'll have to keep buying. A not-so-healthy consumer buys things just to buy things. Just because they have the money, in people's minds, it's okay to buy just because they can.
ReplyDelete2. If the product was worth the extra money, yes I would pay more. On the flip side though, if the product did the same thing or worked the same way as if it were previously made, I wouldn't see the point in paying extra money just because it was manufactured differently.
3. I think whoever is producing or manufacturing the product, it's their responsibility to tell us how it should be regulated. Now, the way it's used and disposed is the individuals responsibility. Once it's out of the manufacturers hands it's up to us to make sure the materials are being disposed in the proper manner. Tons of waste are being dumped on land which could all be avoided by the way our materials are disposed.
4. Honestly, no I'm not aware of any farmers markets here in San Antonio.
5. I feel more empowered to change for the better in a sense that our lands are being wasted by tons of materials that aren't being properly disposed of. We're killing millions of fish because waste is being dumped in oceans. I'm just more aware of where my materials are going and what it's doing to our society.
In response to Cory on question five, I think the topics we've discussed in this class have also made me more aware of how certain items are affecting our country and what we can do to try and fix these issues.
1)A healthy consumer is one who only buys what he or she needs. A non-healthy consumer is one who buys in excess and things that they do not need.
ReplyDelete2)I wouldn’t mind spending more money on goods if they are produced to help the environment or are organic. It would not only benefit me but the environment as well. Knowing that I am a college student, sometimes I do tend to gravitate towards the cheaper products because I’m not able to always afford to be economically and environmentally conscious but I do try to be.
3)Produced are the producers; used are the consumers; disposed is the consumers.
4)I’m really new to San Antonio so I still haven’t discovered everywhere yet but in Victoria I would go once a week when they have a large selection.
5)I think that by not getting the things that you do not need and only buying things that you do use and need, it would help overall. I know that when I see friends/roommates get so much fresh fruit because it was on sale, or whatever the case, and it goes in the trash at the end of the week it’s so wasteful. I usually try to go to the store more often that do something like throwing things away. I was always taught not to because someone somewhere else in the world, and even people close in our neighborhood, may not have eaten anything that day so we have to be thankful and not wasteful.
Donna I think that it’s great that you aren’t purchasing juice boxes anymore. I had to learn this lesson years ago after I saw a news report.
1. What makes a healthy consumer vs. a not-so-healthy consumer?
ReplyDeleteA Healthy consumer is a consumer that uses products and services that are recyclable and are aware of the potential effects they have on the planet.
2. Are you willing to pay more for products that are manufactured in a more responsible way? What is the flip-side of your perspective?
I am torn on this issue because while I understand the problems that we face as a planet I also have to deal with the realities of everyday life. I am an unemployed college student that is being supported partially by a single parent and partially by scholarships/loans. On a tight budget it is difficult to afford the pricier (although healthier) items I would like to buy. I also have to say that while I feel for the plight of people in third world countries and even people here in the U.S. who are dealing with the underhanded dealings of big corporations again it is a lack of other resources and convenience that hamper my sincere concern and ability to make better choices. I in no way want to seem like this is a big excuse but in many ways I just can’t see any other solutions.
3. Whose responsibility is it to ensure/regulate the way that stuff is produced/used/disposed?
I believe it is our responsibility as people to put pressure on our governments to regulate and enforce laws on items produced/used/disposed. It is a difficult task because there are a hundreds of products being created/distributed every day but it needs to be a priority.
4. Are you aware of a local economy functioning here in the San Antonio area? (farmers markets/locally produced items) Include a link and comment...
Yes, I know there is a local farmers market that comes about once a month and another that is here every Saturday called Pearl’s Famer’s Market. http://pearlfarmersmarket.com/
5. In what ways do you feel empowered to change for the better?
I feel empowered due to the fact that I know how the system works and how many harmful chemicals are probably surrounding me but I also think that now I also feel quite helpless to really make any immediate changes due to financial and logistical restraints.
1. What makes a healthy consumer vs. a not-so-healthy consumer? From the perspective of the speaker in the videos, a healthy consumer would be one that makes well informed decisions when it comes time to buy products. Making sure they absolutely need it, and that it is not harmful to either themselves or their environment. An unhealthy consumer on the other hand, would be one to just buy things for their convenience without care to themselves or their environment. If you were to look at it from the company's point of view, it would be the opposite. A healthy consumer buys product without giving much thought other than the fact that they should buy it and want it. An unhealthy consumer would be those that don't give in to the advertising, and are extremely careful with their money.
ReplyDelete2. I'm kind on the fence about this one. I suppose I might be willing to pay the extra, if I had the money to afford it. You would think though that these companies would be striving to find a more eco-friendly way of making their products in a way that would still be affordable to both themselves and their consumers. It's kind of the same logic that I have with fast food restaurants and their healthier food options. We hear all around us to eat right and stay healthy, but it's hard to do when you go to a restaurant and say, have to pay $.20 extra for a wheat bun and then another $.30 for salad instead of fries. It becomes so much cheaper to go without, but more unhealthy if we do.
3. It falls on everyone I think. Big companies should take their part in making sure that their business is not harming our planet (if they don't they eventually won't have a planet to sell to), but at the same time, I think the general population has also become a lazy one. We are becoming more about instant gratification, and as such it is a bother to take care that we do our part in things like recycling. It is also, then, up to those companies that handle the recycling to make sure it is being handled properly.
4. I unfortunately don't keep up to date with the news very much, and as such am also unaware of what ecological projects we have here in San Antonio.
5. Quite the opposite actually, especially after watching the video about bottled water. I make it a point to recycle at home and whenever I can outside, but to hear that my work is for nothing, and it just just getting dumped elsewhere was very discouraging. I still want to help by recycling though. And while the videos had interesting information, there was so much negativity and not enough on what to do to help. What programs are out there that try to turn things around, what organizations can we join to help. I felt that there should have been more of that in those videos to inspire others and give them a way to do their part.
1. A not-so-healthy consumer is one who spends foolishly. They buy products that aren't necessary and of course without think about what they are buying. A healthy consumer is one who buys responsibly and only when products are needed. These people actually look into what they are buying before actually buying it
ReplyDelete2. I do have to admit that currently I am not willing to pay more for those products that are manufactured in a more responsible manner. Spending those few dollars makes a difference financially, I see it as saving a few extra dollars. The flip-side to my perspective would be that if I were to spend those few more dollars on certain products I would be making a difference in the world.
3.This job belongs to our government and to us, the people who live in this world. The government can go as far as making laws and banning certain toxins, but we all know it is not going to happen overnight. To help the process we as people can simply control what we buy and maybe do a little research.
4.I do know that the farmers market is available to us, but I myself have never been. I have never been there, so I don't have any idea of what it is like to shop there. Hopefully one day very soon all that can change!
5. Watching what really goes into the products I buy on daily basis really turned me for a loop. It makes me want to change and do things that will better our environment and not damage it, but at the same time it's a little discouraging knowing what I'm doing wont help very much. What I do to help will never be enough to see a change worldwide.
In response to Veronica I totally agree with your statement saying you find it discouraging that the changes your willing to make in your lifestyle won't make much of a difference at all. I also noticed in the videos that we are informed of all the problems, but not so much solutions to these problems. It left me with many questions at the end of all these videos.
ReplyDeleteA healthy consumer is an informed consumer. A person who is aware of what goes into products, aside from the metals and plastic. A healthy consumer also purchases things that will be able to last a while as opposed to purchasing the "next best thing" right away and trashing the "old" item. While I would love to be able to purchase products that are manufactured in a more responsible way, the fact is that I barely make enough money as it is. So I cannot spend more than the minimum for necessities. The only was I could possible spend more for products is if I made more money. I think properly disposing of stuff is a combination of the consumer's and the government's responsibility. The consumer needs to be aware and careful where things get thrown away. But the government also needs to help by providing us with somewhere to safely dispose of stuff. I know OF a farmer's market, but unfortunately I have only heard of it, I have not been able to go to it. I would love to change for the better in recycling more. It's a simple step that I can take to help improve our environment and the world.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Starr,
ReplyDeleteA few extra dollars always makes a difference for me too. It would be awesome if we could all spend a little extra but I think it would just be a revolving circle. Then we would have to pay a higher wage for safer work, but if we raise our wages and then make stuff more expensive... what have we really done? I would need to make a lot more money before I could spend extra.. but then the market would have to stay put, and I don't see that happening.
1. I believe a health consumer is one who is not ignorant of the facts regarding the making/production of the items they are buying/consuming plus they know how to reuse, reduce and recycle those items.
ReplyDelete2. Yes, I am willing to pay more but could I afford it. That is the flip side. If we truly paid for what it cost to manufacture a product i.e. that radio in the video, it would probably cost 100s of dollars which I do not make for a radio.
3. It is not only the governments’ responsibility to watch out by setting statues/laws/regulations but the people who elect those in that position. The world’s populace is responsible for this earth.
4.http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/locally-grown/index.php?state=TX this link gives a list of all kinds of products for the consumer to buy locally and all in one convenient place – Whole Foods market. It might be a little more expensive but in the scheme of things (the big world wide production/consumer picture) not really.
5. I want to by more locally so to cut down on waste in fuel, under paid in the 3rd world countries, over use of earthly materials. I feel if we all did a small part all the small parts will start to add up to a bigger part. If the US uses what it seems as the most then we better start as the one who starts to use the less.
To Veronica- do not be discouraged. Keep doing your part, it does help. It would be a far bigger crime to give up and say it doesn't help for if we all felt that way nothing would change. So continue your part and encourage those around you to do theirs. It does help. If we all did a little that little will grow and change will happen.
ReplyDelete1. I think a healthy consumer is one that knows how the system works, who only buys products he really needs, what is necessary, and does not dispose of them as soon as a new one comes out.
ReplyDelete2. It would be great to be able to buy environmental friendly products. My family tries buying the best products when it comes to groceries, but most of the time is hard to do. Is hard to buy the products due to the price and we end up buying the best deal or what we can afford. However, a product being more expensive or labeled as environment friendly does not mean it will be a better product.
3. I believe it is everyone's responsibility. The government has to regulate how products are produced, the big companies should be more careful of how they treat the planets resources, and us as consumers should be careful of how we dispose of our products, for example we can help by recycling.
4. I am actually not really aware of farmer markets here in San Antonio, my family tries to buy from Sun Harvest or Sprouts but I do know not everything is local. However I did find a link http://www.picktexas.com/farm_market/santon.htm
5. I feel more empowered knowing that as a citizen it is my responsibility to take care of our natural resources and knowing a bit more of how the system works. I know I should help by recycling but that it is not enough. We should become more aware of what we as consumers can do to help our environment.
Response to Monica, I agree with you, it would really be great to be able to buy better products but not making enough money always makes it a bit hard to do. The only thing we can do is just buy things that last and be responsible when disposing of them.
ReplyDelete1. A healthy consumer is a person who has the latest product that is beneficial to the environment. A not so healthy consumer is one who does not. Like a person who owns a hybrid car and one who drives a 1990 suburban.
ReplyDelete2. I for one am not willing to pay more for responsible manufacturing. I believe companies should be able to handle that by themselves and be told waht they should do and not do.
3. It is up to single countries to regulate their own production and disposal of stuff. Everyone should be held responsible and it isn't just one countrys job.
4. San Antonio Shoes is a company in the city that makes its own products like casual and work shoes. http://www.sasshoes.com/
5. After this discussiom I feel like I should be more responsible before I purchase anything so that one day it won't just end up in a garbage pile. I will think twice from now on and so should everyone else
I was looking back on this blog and noticed it wasn't there anymore! Maybe it was too long :/ going to split it up and see it if sticks this time!
ReplyDelete1) A healthy consumer v. a non healthy consumer. A healthy consumer takes initiative in educating his or her self on what exactly they are putting in their bodies and what chemical components they are subjecting his or herself to by buying certain products. A healthy consumer doesn't completely rely on the FDA's ruling on what is considered safe and unsafe. A not so healthy consumer is one who doesn't pay much attention to what ingredients he or she is consuming and just goes with the flow, buying or consuming whatever is popular and not paying much attention to the health problems that might follow such indulgence in these products. Take the full body x-ray scanners in the airport for example. Has there been any extensive research on the health problems that could occur later down the road because of these scanners? What about pregnant women, I don't believe they are exempt from these scanners. However, they can choose to opt out and get a full body pat down. But who wants to do that? Also, what about the people who work in security at the airports who are subjecting themselves to this radiation on a daily basis. Many scientists have addressed the food and drug administration and complained that safety problems were not fully addressed before the nation wide distribution of these scanners. These scanners could be safe, or they could be harmful in the long run. Nobody knows. It is up to the consumer to be smart and make the decision based on what he or she has researched. Personally, I will not go in to the full body scanners.
2) Yes, I am willing to pay more for products that are manufactured in a more responsible way. Especially when it comes to food. I try and buy food products that aren't "paragraph" foods. Meaning they don't have tons of unidentified ingredients. I also buy vegan make-up. There aren't any added chemicals to the make up. The flip side to buying these products is that it is more expensive and sometimes harder to find. The convenience of buying everything at HEB is taken away. But to me, the benefits out weigh the convenience and higher prices.
3) Well automatically one would think that oh its the governments responsibility to monitor and regulate how stuff is produced and how it is disposed. Wrong! I feel like they could care less about the well being and potential health risks of individuals. So, it is up to us as consumers to make smart choices in what we purchase and promote.
ReplyDelete4) Yes, there are many local economies here in San Antonio such as farmers markets. Personally I have never been to one here in San Antonio, but here is a website about local farmer's markets.http://www.sanantoniofarmersmarket.org/
5)I feel empowered to continue doing my own research on products and things that I consume. Especially when it comes to plastic. I never really realized how harmful the chemicals in plastics can be to the human body. I am also going to make sure that the plastics I use and drink out of are BPA free.
In response to Chrisanne: I liked when you said, "A healthy consumer would also be an ethical consumer, one who is conscious of how items are produced and the affect those products have on the economy, people and environment globally". Great comment! And I am also going to think twice before filling up my plastic water bottle before leaving the house!