Lab+4

**Lab 4

Write three paragraphs on how Annie Leonard defines the system of the 'materials economy' and describes its interactions.** Annie Leonard defines materials economy as consisting of five stages; extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. She explains each of these stages providing footnotes for additional information and statistics wherever possible. Leonard explains that the materials economy is missing a very important factor, people. She explains that the system is facing a crisis as a result of a linear system that in infinite and we live on a planet that is finite. She also explains that there are many people who have a say in the way the system operates while many do not. Leonard states that the government ‘s main purpose is to watch out for us and take care of us however they are busy ensuring that multi million dollar corporations are running effectively.  __Extraction__ is the first stage in the system of materials economy. It involves extractracting natural resources from the Earth which are then used to make a variety of products. Leonard refers to extraction as “trashing the planet”
 * Define extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. (One paragraph for each term**

__Production__ is the second stage where the natural resources from extraction are mixed with materials to make products such as computers, pillows and mattresses.

__Distribution__ is the third stage where products are transported to retailers and wholesalers in various parts of the world. Leonard explains that during distribution the main goal is to keep the production price low while paying workers low and increase the buying price. __Consumption__, the fourth stage involves consumers buying the products that were made and distributed. This stage is the most important out of all five as it is very valuable to have high consumer spending. __Disposal__, the final stage is where the consumer gets rid of all the products they have bought in order to make room for new ones. Leonard explains that many of the products we buy are not recyclable so they get dumped into a landfill or burnt which in turn pollutes the atmosphere.  **How does her Flash presentation effectively organize the categories comprising 'the materials economy' in its interface design? (2 paragraphs)** Leonard’s Flash presentation effectively organizes the categories comprising the materials econonomy in its interface design by placing them in chronological order and allowing user interactivity. The viewer has the ability to obtain more information about each stage and allows the user to navigate easily through each stage. Each stage is easily identified by graphics that are in the presentation. These aids assist the reader in understanding more about each stage and what it includes.