Summaries of group sentiments about their product in GA1 (luxury/necessity and what they would do if it could no longer be manufactured)
1. The consensus of group one was that books are a luxury. It was
in agreement that books are a substantial source of information in a vast array
of areas, but generally speaking it is possible to survive without them. There are people today who live every day
without the luxury of books, whether it be a tribe in
west Africa or a society in
produced the internet and audio tapes could be an alternative source of collective information.
2. Group Two concluded that shoes were a necessity and a luxury. We all need shoes in out everyday life, they are essential to commuting to every destination outside of the house, although women tend to have multiple pairs which isn't necessary. There are not too many other materials that we could use as shoes on our feet besides creating a form fitting cloth or wood structure for support.
3. Group 3 concluded that our product the automobile was a necessity that has been made into a luxury. The reason however it is a necessity is because of urban sprawl and the need to travel from one place to another. Some alternatives to our product the automobile If production were to stop on this item would be walking, riding a bike, etc. if the distance was manageable.
4. Antiperspirant is a luxury; although it may be considered a "necessity" by some people in modern society, it is not directly required for survival. If antiperspirant were to stop being produced, there are all ready many other alternatives available, including deodorant, which does not reduce the production of sweat from the body, but does mask body odor. An increase in the
number of showers taken each day would also help to reduce the excess smell stemming from the lack of antiperspirant.
5. After discussion, the consensus of group 5 was that the skateboard is a luxury. Life as we know it would survive just the same without this device yet so much energy, wood and aluminum is wasted to create it. There are plenty of other forms of transportation and entertainment for people to enjoy that wouldn't cost the environment as much as the skateboard does.
6. We decided that cell phones were a luxury in most cases since they do not provide food, water or shelter, the necessities of life. If cell phones did cease to exist people would have to start using land lines, pages and pay phones again. People would also be put in more danger during things like car accidents because they wouldn't have a way of instant communication.
7. Group 7 determined that toothpaste is best classified as a luxury, although many would argue that it is a necessity. It is debatable, but ultimately toothpaste is a necessity for hygeine, not for life. Alternatives to this substance include floss, as well as antiseptic mouthwash.
8. After our discussion, our group concluded that film cameras are definitely a luxury. Cameras offer a type of art and capture memories, but they are not needed for humans to continue to survive. Our group also decided that if film cameras were not available, a substitute could be a digital or video camera, technically speaking. But if no cameras existed, we would have to get used to more drawings and other means of making pictures.
9. After filling out all the questions, our group came to an
easy conclusion that MP3 players were not a luxury item. We decided this because if we did not have MP3
players our society would still be able to survive and thrive. There would
also be easy replacements for our item. Instead, one could listen to a CD player, tape player, or the radio and still get enough music intake to satisfy them.
10. Group 10 concluded that backpacks are a luxury. Although backpacks are convenient to use, most items could be carried in your hands or pockets. Plastic bags, baskets, or small boxes could be used to carry multiple objects.
11.
12. My group decided that water bottles are a luxury and not a necessity. We agreed that plastic water bottles can be easily substituted by other kinds of containers. The group did not go into detail about any specific substitutes for plastic water bottles but it is quite obvious that they are a luxury item.
13. Group thirteen concluded that detergent soap is a luxury, not a necessity. Detergent contains many chemicals that are not even part of the cleaning process. Baking soda, borax, plain soap, washing soda, white vinegar, ammonia, and lemon oil could all achieve the same practical result of detergent with much less environmental impact.
14. We decided that it was tough to decide whether or not it was a luxury or necessity.
Transportation is necessary, and a bike is a more environmentally friendly alternative then driving and more efficient than walking. By definition although, it is a luxury. We realized alternatives were: Walking, Skating, Driving, Flying, any means of transportation really.
15. Our group does not believe that sunblock is a necessity. Sunblock is a luxury because there are many ways for us to get the UV protection we need without sunblock. Besides the natural melanin pigment we all share, our clothes can serve as great UV protection. Wearing a white t shirt is equivalent to wearing USP15. Hats, longer clothes, umbrellas, all are great alternatives to sunblock.