"Where Your Cellphone Goes to Die" Response

The article, "Where Your Cellphone Goes to Die" by Leyla Acaroglu is about how e-waste negatively affects people in impoverished places, and steps that can be taken to help stop this from happening.  It is not acceptable for electronics manufacturers to pay developing countries to take the U.S.'s e-waste.  There are several ways that U.S. cellphone manufacturers can change their e-trash disposal practices.

Exporting e-waste affects the health of women, and children in places like India, China, and Ghana.  The major health issue deals with toxins produced when women, and children attempt to remove materials from the e-waste that they can sell.  For example, "Greenpeace, the Basel Action Network, and others have posted YouTube videos of children inhaling the smoke from burned phone casings as they identify and separate different kinds of plastics for recyclers."  As a result of exporting e-waste the U.S. is indirectly harming women, and children in other countries.

One way that U.S. cellphone manufacturers can change their e-trash disposal practices is by following Japan's example and requiring manufacturers to establish their own recycling facilities.  Or they can make cellphones easier to dismantle, thus reducing the risks posed by crude recycling techniques, like those employed by children in Ghana.

The U.S. can take steps to improve the harmful effect our e-waste has on the world.  It comes down to the government taking action to limit or eliminate the export of toxic waste or to require manufacturers to properly recycle their own products.  We as consumers can also help by replacing these products less often, or pressing for safe recycling.

THE END OF AMERICA'S CAR CULTURE?: Upfront Article Response

YOUNG PEOPLE GIVE UP CAR CULTURE FOR INTERNET

In the article "The End of America's Car Culture" the author, Alessandra Potenza, says that years ago young people were all crazy for cars and they were a symbol of the American dream.  Young people of today don't seem to be as interested in cars, as their parents and grandparents were at the same age.  There are many causes for the decline including, revival of cities, more eco friendly transportation, rising gas and insurance costs, and the internet. Teenagers and young adults instead seem to be more interested in the new technology.
One cause for the decrease in interest of cars, is the comeback of the cities.  Potenza states that "America grew more prosperous and Baby Boomers--those born between 1946 and 1964-- began leaving cities in search of safer, less-crowded places to raise families."  Not only did you need a car in the suburbs to get around, but it was a time when two cars in the garage became a popular symbol of the American dream.  Today, cities have become much more popular, and have easily accessible shops, cafes, and activities that you can walk or bike to.  Walking, biking, and taking public transit is becoming more appealing to more young people who are environmentally conscience.  Most are aware of their carbon footprint.  Calvin Leckenby, a 15 year old high school student states, "I don't really think that cars are a great thing to be using and I love to ride my bike."
Another cause for the decline in car culture is that the cost of owning a car is more expensive.  With gas prices at about $4 dollars a gallon, and insurance rates sky high, many would like to spend their money elsewhere.  They would prefer to spend it on new mobile devices and gadgets.
In the text, researcher Thilo Koslowski says, "The i-Phone is the Ford Mustang of today.  He means that the Ford Mustang used to be considered a status symbol, because everyone was into the car culture and wanted a cool car.  Cars were a way for young people to socialize.  They would go to drive-ins to see movies and drive throughs to eat food.  Today the i-Phone is use to socialize by connecting online to research restaurants, text friends to meet or just chat. Status is determined by the cutting edge technology that you have.
 I totally agree with the researcher.  Everyone wants the newest versions, and they aren't cheap.  My dad went to Verizon to get me a new phone and couldn't get in the door because the line was all the way down the block for the new i-Phone!  That says it all, need I say more!
The article "The End of America's Car Culture" by Alessandra Potenza, shows that America's car culture does seem to be coming to an end and technology culture is taking over.

"The Fault in Our Stars" Inquiry Question #1 Response

The book "The Fault in Our Stars", by John Green, is about a sixteen year old girl named Hazel with stage IV Thyroid Cancer, and her struggles to maintain good health.  She falls in love with a boy named Augustus Waters, who had cancer as well and lost a leg from it.  There are various sub-issues in the book, but they all stem from the main issue of Hazel having cancer.

The major issue in the book is Hazel having cancer.  Her whole life, unfortunately, seems to revolve around her cancer.  She doesn't go to school, and she doesn't have many friends.  She always has to worry about having her lung machine close by.  She is also constantly thinking that she might die soon.

Another issue is Hazel's relationship with Augustus, and whether or not to officially date.  Augustus loves her and wants to have more of a relationship.  She loves him back, but she doesn't want to take it any further because she might die, and she doesn't want to hurt him in that way.

A final issue is Hazel's relationship with her parents.  Her mom wants her to have a life, to go out and have fun, but Hazel is afraid to do that because she has little experience going out.  So she feels pressured by her mom, and they argue a bit.  Another problem is that she is being defiant toward her parents.  But she is a teenager and has mood swings and rebellious instincts (which is normal), so you can't really blame her.

The many different issues in the book "The Fault in Our Stars", by John Greene are treated in various ways during the story.  The author inspires people to not give up the fight, to keep on going until the end.