Golden Arrow of Consumption in The Story of Stuff Project by Annie Leonard - Lab Report Example

Perceived obsolescence convinces people to throw away stuff which is still functional and useful as they chase after what’s in. Planned and perceived obsolescence is real, this is because people keep shopping and consuming materials and, of these ninety-nine percent becomes trash within six months. New and more fashionable materials are continuously produced, for example, shoes and clothes which keep changing in designs. Recycling has not been enough in saving the situation since it’s impossible to recycle a hundred percent of waste.

Some products are not designed for recycling, for example, juice packs and products containing too many toxic substances.The linear system can be changed to a new system through sustainability, equity, green chemistry, zero waste, closed-loop production and local living economies for a more resourceful society. The United States Government will be more concerned about working for and with the people, natural forests will be regained and waterways made drinkable. The consumption of world resources will be reduced hence overall waste reduction.

The United States economy’s goal will change from producing more consumer goods and focus on investing in education, healthcare, safe transportation, sustainability, and justice.Producers can opt to produce materials that will not easily lose value and that are recyclable. This way, the extraction of natural resources, consumer goods production, distribution, consumption, and disposal will be reduced. Consumers have the potential to most influence the system since they can choose to retain and recycle what they purchase.

Corporations that make up most of the large economies worldwide have most say in how the “Materials Economy” system runs. Third world economies are highly affected by this system through a lot of pollution, very low income and places that are difficult to live in. Consumers are also forced to work a lot of hours, meaning less leisure time and this makes them very unhappy with their lifestyles. The people working in different parts of this system include; Miners, Factory Managers and Workers, Shop Attendants and Consumers.

In this system, I am a Consumer.