Lab+4

__**Tutorial #4 Wiki Question:**__


 * Write six paragraphs, one on each stage of the 'materials economy', and define its interactions. (6 paragraphs/one stage each paragraph)**

The linear process from extraction of resources to production to distribution to consumption to disposal. It is a system in crisis because we live on a finite planet and resources will eventually run out. They are all correlated because one stage can’t happen without the other.
 * Material economy and its interactions**

It is the process of natural resource exploitation which also can mean trashing the planet. We go all means to get what we want. (minerals, water, wood, etc…) But the problem is resources are limited. United States has especially been consuming too much resource which would require 3-5 planets to keep up. America’s response to limitation of resources is to take other people’s (Third World countries).
 * Extraction**

The process of turning natural resources into things we can use which may require use of energy to mix toxic chemicals. Downside is that some of the synthetic chemicals haven’t been tested for human health impacts or synergistic health impacts. These type of chemicals can be found everything ranging from computers to pillows. People with the highest exposure to toxic contaminants are babies (from breast-milk) and factory workers. The whole communities get wasted including its resources and its people (those who have no choice but to work in toxic conditions).
 * Production**

After the resources are turned into products, it needs to be distributed to people who are going to buy them. The goal is to keep the prices down, keep the people buying and keep the inventory moving as quickly as possible. They achieve this goal by externalize the costs (underpay workers). Products are so cheap these days that we aren’t “actually paying” for the things we buy. People living in these Third World countries “pay” for the stuff we buy for their loss of natural resources, clean air, etc…
 * Distribution**

North Americans primary identity has become that of consumer. The primary way our value’s measured and demonstrated is by how much we consume. The total material flow through the system is so fast that it’s hard for the planet to keep up. After the World War 2, economies said that the American economy’s ultimate purpose is to produce more consumer goods. Their strategies include planned obsolescence (designing “trash” so we need to buy new ones soon) and perceived obsolescence (throw away things that is still usable). Media (advertising) convince us that we can’t be happy unless we buy something which creates the material economy.
 * Consumption**

All the things we buy at the end all goes out in the garbage. All of this garbage either gets dumped in a landfill or is burned in an incinerator and then dumped in a landfill. This process pollutes the air, land, and water. Incineration is especially bad because it releases toxic into the air. Recycling does help because it is simply not enough.
 * Disposal**