Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet – Film Comparison

There are many differences between the directors techniques used in both films. The choice of location is evidently different. Baz Luhrmann in his 1997 version of the film presents Verona as a modern city, dominated by scenes of chaotic urban violence. He uses panning shots across the metropolis with police cars and helicopters darting about, and human casualties strewn across the ground. This would be quite different to Shakespeare's original setting in a rural Italian town. Verona beach is the cities name, and this is used thorough pathetic fallacy to create a darker feel to the film – Mercutio's death cry â€Å"A plague, on both your houses!† seem to take immediate effect as a storm is called in. In Zeffirelli's 1968 film, Verona is a closer representation to what Shakespeare might have had in mind in the late 1500's – a small town, with only a few icons – such as the Church and the marketplace, instead of a whole city as in Luhrmann's film. Baz Luhrmann uses wide, panning aerial shots of the city, with quick changes – for example the introductory scene when flashes of newspaper headlines are transposed with writing from the chorus of the play. These camera shots create a sense of urgency and impending doom. He uses stills on the characters faces to emphasize emotions, and also on key features – to highlight their importance to the audience. For example: the statue of Christ with his arms outstretched, the heads of both families & archive footage of the previous brawls. The camera shots in Franco Zeffirelli's film differ though his more extensive use of close up action shots – such as the marketplace brawl between the Montagues and the Capulets. The diegetic sounds add realism, and so the audience feels like a participant in the action, rather than an onlooker. Zeffirelli also places the camera in the centre of the two families, to create a sense of equality and balance – emphasising the â€Å"Both alike in dignity,† quote from the chorus. The two directors have interpreted the mood differently, and this is shown in numerous ways – clothing, accent and attitude are all contributing factors. In Luhrmans film the Montagues are all shown with Hawaiian shirts and army haircuts, but they turn out to be the weaker, more submissive family when faced with the prospect of fighting without their masters. The Capulets however are completely different. With dark leather jackets and sunglasses they radiate malice, this is also shown though the music, as normal noises are heightened and western type music slowly plays. The sunglasses could also be a disguise, hiding their eyes and their background roots as Latin people. Latino's were considered to be an inferior race in America, and so they are trying to hide this by acting more aggressive and violent towards anyone who could be a threat. Zeffirelli uses bright and colourful costumes in his film for the Capulets – they are more laid back, almost like practical jokers with nothing to do. The atmosphere that they create lacks any kind of malice. It is almost the same with the Montagues in this film, but they wear more neutral colours, such as dark blue, and black to suggest their scholarly upbringing. There is also the underlying subject of the fate that is controlling Romeo and Juliet: For example just after Romeo kills Tybalt he shouts, † I am fortunes fool!† As a character I think Romeo is just trying to blame his own misfortune on something else to be free of guilt. Dramatic irony also plays a key part in both films, whereby the audience know vital pieces of information that the characters do not. For example in Luhrmann's film when Mercutio is stabbed, he puts on a brave face to his friends but reveals his true pain only to the camera when he turns around. Also in Zeffirelli's film, when Tybalt stabs Mercutio, only he and the audience can see the blood on his sword. Part 6 I think the audience response to each film would have been from an entirely different perspective. In Luhrmann's version both families are shown as if they had played an equal part in the death of Romeo & Juliet because of changes throughout the film – for example in the opening scene, the Montagues start the fight by biting their thumbs at the Capulets, instead of the other way around. This film would be suited for a modern audience, as Luhrmann has omitted some of Shakespeare's original language, making it accessible to a wider range of people. In the opening scene of the newer film, I think Luhrmann chose a modern city as the setting for the film, to present a hectic urban world familiar to a 20th centuary audience. The media coverage of the feud makes the play's events seem more realistic as they watch violent videos of the chaos on the streets of Verona. The updated and renamed Verona Beach is a clever mechanism by which peaceful and violent worlds collide. Franco Zeffirelli's opening to the film was much slower and spread out with a gentle beginning; he introduces the film with the main chorus and then goes on to the marketplace scene – the Capulet's are the main cause of the trouble and the audience take an instant dislike to them. I think this is a terrible way to start the film as the audience usually judge the main characters within their first few scenes, and Capulets are always the troublemakers. I personally prefer Baz Luhrmanns modern version of the opening scene, as it is more direct and engaging towards a modern audience with better special effects – such as the petrol station explosion; it has enhanced sound effects and a wide choice of music. It appeals to me more that the Zeffirelli version, which even though is more accurate and faithful to the original script, it now comes across to me as outdated. Luhrmann's omissions from the original script are vital into understanding what kind of film he wanted to demonstrate: for example he cut a lengthy dialogue between the Capulets Sampson and Gregory in favour of a more explosive and dramatic opening to the 3rd brawl in the petrol station. Many of the omissions are also to do with sexual hints or jokes, which would be perfectly ordinary in Shakespearean times, but a modern audience, would not understand or approve of them. Luhrmann also changed the timing of Juliet's scene to after Mercutio's death to show the change in attitude that Romeo has gone through, from being more faithful to his wife than his friends – to the exact opposite. In the end I think each films outcome was decided by what kind of film the directors wanted to portray to the audience – With Baz Luhrmann going for a modern love story / action film, and Franco Zeffirelli opting for a more traditional retelling of the classic play. This influenced how the characters would be portrayed, the location of the films, the scenery and most importantly, the language in their retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Type 2 Diabetes

Living with Type 2 Diabetes Introduction Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems. No cure has been found for this disease. However, an important part of managing diabetes is maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and exercise plan. Olokoba, Obateru, Olokoba, 2012) Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. The cause of type 1 diabetes is not known and it is not preventable with current knowledge. Symptoms include excessive excretion of urine (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger (polyphagia), weight loss, vis ion changes, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur rapidly. Mosorovic, Brkic, Nuhbegovic, Pranjic, 2012) Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset) results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. Type 2 diabetes comprises 90% of people with diabetes, and is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity. Symptoms may be similar to those of Type 1 diabetes, but are often less obvious. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed several years after onset, once complications have already arisen. (Mosorovic, Brkic, Nuhbegovic, Pranjic, 2012) Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, affecting 25. million people of all ages (8. 3 percent of the U. S. population). Of the 25. 8 million affected people, 7. 0 remain undiagnosed. Diabetes is the leading cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults in the United States. (http://diabetes. niddk. ni h. gov) Meet Mrs. M, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 35. Mrs. M is now 57 years old. She has learned that although there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, it can be managed. She is aware that in order to better manage this disease she needs to eat well, exercise, and maintain a healthy weight.Mrs. M has graciously agreed to be interviewed. We will learn more about her, how she copes with this disease, and her struggle in maintaining a healthy weight by incorporating healthy cooking in her lifestyle. I will use the five holistic variables within the Neuman Systems Model (NSM) to identify how Mrs. M’s internal and external environment are affected. I will also assess Mrs. M’s learning needs and provide a trustworthy and reliable resource from which she can benefit from. Physical Variable Mrs. M was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 35 when she became pregnant with her last child.During a routine doctor’s visit, it was noticed Mrs. M w as gaining a significant amount of weight. Around her 24th week of pregnancy, the doctor ordered she have a glucose test. The test showed a high level of sugar in her blood. The test was repeated and once again, it showed that her glucose level was higher than normal and there was also sugar in her urine. At that point, the doctor diagnosed her with gestational diabetes. In 1990, the only thing that was prescribed was that she begin administering a daily injection of insulin. This came as a completely shock to Mrs. M. She had never even heard of this thing called â€Å"diabetes†.Even more disturbing was the fact that she, and her unborn baby, was now carrying this disease. The doctor advised Mrs. M that although the glucose could reach and affect her baby, the insulin would not cross over to the baby. She was pleased with the news that once she delivered the baby, she would return to her normal diabetic state. The doctor informed Mrs. M the importance of checking her blood gl ucose and maintaining a healthy diet after the birth. This would help to reduce her chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Despite the recommendations, Mrs. M ended up developing type 2 diabetes.For the past 22 years, Mrs. M has been living with this chronic disease. Her medication has been changed several times throughout the years. At the moment, she is taking Glucophage 500mg and 4 units of Humilin in the morning. From the last time Mrs. M was seen by her primary care physician, these were her results: she weighed 170 pounds, blood pressure was 122/78, average blood sugar was 125 mg/dL, average hemoglobin A1c test (HbA1c) average was 5. 98%, her cholesterol and triglyceride levels were within normal limits, her kidneys were working well, and no obvious sores or infections of her feet or skin.Her last optometry visit showed no problems with her vision. She knows dental exams and cleaning are important and makes sure to visit the dentist every six months. In assessing Mrs. Mâ€℠¢s physical variable, I determined that the lack of knowledge about diabetes as a major stressor. Mrs. M’s doctor visits have been a major resource. Socio-cultural Variable She is a traditional Mexican woman and her cooking or eating habits have never been a concern. She has always cooked traditional Mexican dishes, which are high in fat. She never learned to cook or eat healthy.It is a belief of Mrs. M that anything that is â€Å"low fat†, â€Å"nonfat†, or essentially â€Å"healthy† must not taste good. Mrs. M was recently laid off and is unemployed, leaving her with no insurance. She does not want to visit the doctor’s office because she says that it is too expensive. Not only does she have to pay for her medication, but also the doctor’s visit and the laboratory bill. This has given her motivation to try to lose weight. She does realize that if she loses weight, she could possibly be able to get off the medications she is on.At this poin t, she is walking on a daily basis but still finds it hard to start healthy eating habits. She would like to learn how to maintain a healthy diet that she and her family can benefit from. It is hard for her to break free from all the foods she has loved all her life. However, she realizes it is necessary to make this drastic change in order to help her lose the weight. In assessing Mrs. M’s social-cultural variable, I determined that the lack of insurance as a major stressor. Mrs. M’s motivation and willingness to lose weight are major resources. Psychological VariableJust like everyone else, Mrs. M has good days and bad days. On most days, she feels motivated and hopeful that she will be able to better control her diabetes and get off her medicine. She goes on daily walks and really enjoys it when her daughter goes with her. She says that when her daughter goes on these walks with her, it makes the time go by fast and she really enjoys the time they spend together. Th ese walks serve not only to lose weight but also as a distractor. Mrs. M uses this time to talk about her day and about life in general. However, there are days that are not so good for Mrs. M.There are days where she feels defeated and burned out by her diabetes. She feels like she is â€Å"old† now and her health is slowly declining. She has had this disease for so long now and doesn’t see any improvement. It has been a stagnant process for her and that really frustrates her. There are days when she gets angry that she can’t eat certain foods and that she has to take medications to be able lead a semi normal life. Some days, she feels like just giving up and letting God decide her faith. In assessing Mrs. M’s psychological variable, I determined her feeling of defeat is a major stressor. Mrs.M’s daily walks with her daughter are a major resource. Spiritual Variable Mrs. M is a devoted Catholic. She has complete faith in God, the Catholic Church, and the power of prayer. Mrs. M feels our whole universe isn’t controlled by human beings, but by God. Her life, past and future, lies solely in God’s hands. There is no question in her mind that there is an afterlife, where her soul and spirit will rise to and will go to a better place. She is not scared of death. She looks forward to the day when she will be at peace and free of worries and pain; a place where she will live eternally, full of happiness and joy.She anticipates the day when she can reunite with her father and be able to see him, talk to him, and hold him again. Mrs. M feels she has lived a gratifying and good life. She says she has been blessed to have had the opportunity to live and experience this thing we call â€Å"life†. She knows her disease has many health consequences and feels that if something happens to her, God made it happen for a reason. He controls her life and she is willing to accept what he has decided for her. In assessing Mrs . M’s spiritual variable, I determined that there is no stressor involved. Mrs.M’s faith in God is a major resource. Developmental Variable Stage of development Generativity vs. Stagnation is Erik Erikson’s second psychosocial development stage of adulthood and happens between the ages of 25-64. During this time, we establish our careers, settle down within a relationship, begin our own families and develop a sense of being a part of the bigger picture. We give back to society through raising our children, being productive at work, and becoming involved in community activities and organizations. By failing to achieve these objectives, we become stagnant nd feel unproductive. Mrs. M is in the Generativity stage. (Craven, Hirnle, 2009) Tasks of developmental stage Mrs. M is married with 4 grown children, and will celebrate her 36th wedding anniversary on December 14, 2012. Mrs. M was born in Jalisco, Mexico and moved to the United States when she was 21 years old. Her ideas and customs still remain traditional to the Mexican culture. Mrs. M was raised with the idea that family should come before everything, even herself. Mrs. M put her education on hold to be able to provide for her family, leaving her to work low paying jobs.She has worked her whole life to give her children the most and best she can. This has included working 12 to 14 hour shifts and then rushing home to make sure her kids had dinner and did their homework. She has always strived to keep her family happy, safe, and united. Her children are grown now and she maintains a good relationship with them. Now that her children are grown, she feels a sense of emptiness. She admits to feeling an overwhelming amount of sadness when thinking of how her house was once filled with her children’s laughter and now is so â€Å"empty†.There have been days when she feels she may be depressed. On these days she has to force herself to get out of bed and doesn’t feel like eating. She knows this is not good for her and affects her diabetes. She has noticed when she is feeling this way, her blood sugar drops. On the other hand, remembering all the precious times she has lived with her family brings a smile to her face. Mrs. M has always made her kids her number one priority and feels they have not let her down. Knowing that her kids are positive and productive members of society gives her a sense of accomplishment.She has a glow on her face every time she speaks of her kids. It makes her feel proud, loved, and special to know she has a family she can depend on, regardless of the situation. In assessing Mrs. M’s developmental variable, I determined that the depression she deals with is a major stressor. Mrs. M’s family is a major resource. Health Learning Needs After speaking with Mrs. M, her main concern is incorporating healthy meals and eating habits into her lifestyle. She feels cooking healthy is something she has always struggled wit h and would like to get more information as to how to cook healthy meals.Mrs. M has made it clear that she is a visual and hands on learner. She needs to †first see it and then do it† in order to better understand a task. Due to this information, I believe Mrs. M would benefit from a website that plays videos and has live demonstrations. Learning resource My recommendation to Mrs. M is that she visits the American Diabetes Association website at www. diabetes. org. This website has a lot of information that is helpful to anyone with type 2 diabetes. Mrs. M would benefit from the â€Å"Food and Fitness† tab.Under this tab she can find information on what type of foods she should be eating, healthy recipes, and helps in planning meals. There is also information about fitness and weight loss. There are great exercise ideas which will help Mrs. M get motivated to lose weight. This website offers live videos which will help with her visual learning need. Conclusion In summary, the NSM aims to promote a client’s optimal wellness. This model helps us see beyond just the objective clinical manifestations, which we are trained to observe. It helps us understand our clients on a whole new level, an interpersonal and holistic level.By completing an accurate NSM assessment, we see how culture, economic resources, spirituality, and family affect a client’s disease process. With the help of the NSM, I was able learn more about Mrs. M, assess her learning need, and provide a trustworthy and reliable resource from which she can benefit from. The www. diabetes. org website will teach her how she can maintain a healthy weight by incorporating healthy cooking in her lifestyle. References Olokoba, A. B. , Obateru, O. A. , ; Olokoba, L. B. (2012). Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Current Trends. Oman Medical Journal, 27(4), 269-273. oi:10. 5001/omj. 2012. 68 Mosorovic, N. , Brkic, S. , Nuhbegovic, S. , ; Pranjic, N. (2012). Quality of life of people with Diabetes Mellitus. Healthmed, 6(7), 1076-1080. Demirbag, B. (2012). Neuman system model as a conceptual framework for community-based nurses when working with patients. Healthmed, 6(7), 2438-2445. Craven, R. F. , Hirnle, C. J. (2009). Fundamentals of Nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) (February 2011). Fast fact on Diabetes. Retrieved from http://diabetes. niddk. nih. gov/dm/pubs/statistics/#fast

Capitalism

An essay defining the economic theory of capitalism. Capitalism is an economic system in which the private sector controls and regulates the economy. This paper defines capitalism and explores its origins in economist Adam Smiths Wealth of Nations back in 1776.It also discusses critics of the system, the most influential being Karl Marx whose Marxism theory claimed that economic crises and capitalism are linked. Under ideal conditions, the growth of capitalism spurs friendly competition for consumers, ensuring that private enterprises will provide the best goods or the best services at the most reasonable prices.The reality, however, is that bigger corporations tend to monopolize their markets through practices other than friendly competition.Rather than concentrating on product development, many big manufacturers rely on marketing practices such as glitzy ad campaigns and celebrity endorsers to hook consumers.Corollary to this, many smaller businesses that provide comparable or even better products are not able to compete. This limited arena of competition also gives rise to an underclass of workers, many located overseas.Conglomerates such as Nike take advantage of cheap labor from countries like China to keep the prices of their shoes down.Such labor practices would be harder to enact in the United States, where the government is responsible for enforcing labor laws.

Impact of Censorship and the Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Impact of Censorship and the Internet - Essay Example With such an enhancement towards freedom of open expression, encouraging public debates and discussion of proposals, Internet has also confronted with the negative aspects with the only solution left to rate or filter online content. This idea has been mainly supported by anti pornography feminists. Cyber crime is also an aspect that allows a person to think about such a measure that helps in censoring the Internet. Since the government can punish such actions, that are the real bone of contention in the hindrance of such regulations. As Catharine McKinnon, a leader of a movement wrote in a statement against sexual speech, "Only words, but because they are sex, the speaker as well as the spoken-about is transformed into sex". (Levinson, 2003) "The intensity of the crime can be detected from such a dynamic declaration common to sexual harassment and pornography where the triumph of the word police, no matter what their politics, has been to turn their precepts into common wisdom. Pornography is harmful, the Internet is dangerous, artists are corrupt, tolerance is capitulation, and discussion, imagination, and plain old talk must be controlled and censored. Even liberal-minded people who are against at the prospect of censorship talk easily of limits." (Levinson, 2003) Pornography involves children, that infect their minds and lives, harassment whether live or virtual corrupts humanity; other crimes such as fraud and gambling are becoming common in our daily lives. The suggestion lies in the cure of censorship from individual speech rights to collective groups or peers which if implied, will resolve conflicts over what is good and bad speech. Censorship refers to crime prevention on the Internet; the following steps can be taken in this respect: Develop effective Internet and security policies for all websites to be implemented. In the public sector, governments should attempt to regulate and restrict the use of computers by their employees. Service providers should be subjected to obscenity laws in countries they obtain customers. These laws must be strict and liberal except in the case of child pornography, where the laws must be generally extremely strict. Child pornography has been taken seriously to such extent that Child Pornography Protection Act (CPPA) prohibits and criminalizes the use of computer technology and define child pornography in terms of the harm inflicted upon real children to a determination that child pornography was evil in and of itself whether it involved real children or not. (Ferrera, Cyber Law) Child Online Protection Act of 1998 (COPA) expresses the following rationale for the new legislation: The Internet presents opportunities for minors to access materials through the web in a manner that could frustrate parental control or supervision. The protection of the physical and psychological well being of minors by shielding them from materials that are harmful to them presents a compelling governmental interest. Industry attempts to provide ways to help parents and others restrict a minor's access to harmful materials have not been successful. Prohibiting the distribution of material harmful to minors, combined with legitimate defenses, is currently the most effective and least restrictive means to protect minors. (Ferrera, Cyber Law

Research Paper On Stem Cell Research Legislation And The Related Legal

On Stem Cell Legislation And The Related Legal Issues - Research Paper Example The issue of stem cell research legislation came to the scene in late 1998 when researchers realized the isolation of human embryonic stem cells. This discovery was done by Dr. James Thomson and it gave an immense promise for new means of disease treatment. Today scientists are finding news ways of using these stem cells in repairing worn out tissues. The history of stem cells research involves human stem cells as well as animal stem cells. The stem cells are usually found in the embryos like in adult creatures. In November, 1998, James Thomson who discovered the stem cells isolated cells from the internal cell mass of early embryos and went on to build up the initial stem cell lines. At the same time, germ cells were derived from cells in fetal gonadal tissue by John Hopkins. They were referred to as primordial germ cells. It is from both stem cells and the primordial germ cells that pluripotent cells were developed. In human cell research, a blastocyst which came from in vitro fert ilization was used. In 2000 funding of such research was allowed by President Clinton but only from cells of aborted human fetus. However later president Bush allowed it on existing human embryonic stem cell lines as noted by Furcht, Hoffman and Reeve (2011). How It Compare To Comparable Statutes in the Rest of the World The argument of using the embryo for stem cell research is becoming a worldwide concern, varying from country to country. However, some parts of the world seem to be on board in relation to stem cell research and its great role appears to be making a difference. The research is also getting backed up with government financing and grants. In China, there is the StemCells China which connects people all around the Globe with active stem cell treatment centers in country. The stem cell therapy and umbilical cord stem cells are relatively unestablished in the west and have experienced a long history. Doctors treating patients in these centers have come across hundreds o f cerebral palsy. Most of the genetic disorders react well to umbilical cord cells as well as cord blood cells. In Australia there is the Australia Stem centre and the embryonic stem cells are acquired from embryos from eggs fertilized through the in vitro fertilization procedures in the clinics. From this the spare embryos not needed during implantation are used and donated for purpose of research only with consent from donors. However in Australia it is illegal to conduct research from naturally conceived embryos thus these cells are not derived from fertilized eggs within the woman’s body. This is because of the fact that embryos are not particularly created for research functions. There has been a wide range of views on human embryonic stem cell research in world. The increasing case of those against embryonic stem cell research is based on the idea that it is destructive to human embryo according to Lanza (2004). For instance, for those who perceive a fertilized egg as a live consider the research pure misery. Other countries consider it as group of cells with the possibility of becoming a human but not an actual human and in this case stem cell research is encouraged. However there seems to be global agreement to the issue of stem cell research particularly its significant contribution to the society thus making many countries support it according to Kelly (2007). As a result there is

Qualitative Characteristics of Financial Information Essay

Qualitative Characteristics of Financial Information - Essay Example The information is not just useful for the capital providers but also to the other user groups such as government, regulatory bodies etc. The next level of conceptual framework is the fundamental concepts i.e. qualitative characteristics of financial information and elements of financial statements. The third level is the implementation level, which contains recognition, disclosure and measurement concepts through principles, assumptions and constraints (Appendix 1). The qualitative characteristics of financial information are an important part of the total conceptual framework because they act as a bridge between the first level and third level of the framework. However, the definition of quality threshold of materiality and the conflicts between prudence and neutrality, and relevance and reliability has always been debated. In addition to the discussion of these constraints, this essay presents the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting 2010 provided by IASB as to how the new framework has placed these characteristics. ... The Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting 2010 or commonly referred to as Framework 2010 states the objective of financial reporting that is to provide the financial information related to the reporting entity that can be helpful to investors and creditors in making appropriate decisions (McConnell, 2011). Therefore, in order for the financial information to be useful, it must possess some characteristics such as materiality, prudence, neutrality, relevance and reliability. An information is considered material if its misstatement, modification or omission can influence the economic decisions of the users, taken on the basis of that information. Materiality depends on the magnitude of the error in circumstances when the misstatement or omission has taken place. The financial statements are prepared in an uncertain environment due to many events such as useful life of fixed assets, collectability of doubtful receivables, and warranty claims. These uncertainties are recognized b y exercising prudence while preparing the financial statements. Prudence means making careful judgement in making estimates in the uncertain conditions, so that the income or assets are not overstated and expenses or liabilities are not understated (IASC Foundation and IASB, 2008, p.25). Neutrality means that the financial information should be free from any bias and does not influence decision making in order to achieve predetermined outcome. Financial information is useful if it has the quality of influencing decisions by helping the users in evaluation of past, future and present events related to the reporting entity. The past information regarding the financial position and performance is frequently used for predicting the future performance and position. Information is

Environmental Impact of Products Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Environmental Impact of Products - Essay Example Their examples can be used to show how companies had to change their products and their processes in order to become more environmentally friendly. Environmental degradation has become a very important topic for the world today watchdog groups as well as concerned bodies focus on various ways and means in which they can force giant companies to help the environment rather than harm it (Green, 2005). Government regulation, think tank pressure, as well as the opinions of various consumer groups, can force companies to become friendlier towards the environment (Schulte, 2006). Undoubtedly, human activities including the actions taken by corporations have had a visible impact on the global environment and this has been noted by the scientific community at large. While the government can make laws to regulate a bare minimum to be done by corporations, consumers have to ensure that they do not support those companies which are hurting the environment (VonAncken, 2006). Consumers who have access to vast amounts of information about the companies they make purchases from can demand that the brands or businesses which they support behave ethically and show their responsibility for not hurting the environment. Organisations have to show that they are ethical producers since consumer wish to be ethical themselves and may make the purchase decisions based on knowing if the company is helping the environment rather than hurting it (Ethical Consumer, 2006). By being friendly to the environment, companies such as Apple and Cadbury Schweppes are helping their shareholders and investors (Phillips, 2003). Through the scientific developments in recycling, proper water conservation, and more efficient technologies for generating energy, individuals and companies have made great advances in becoming more environmentally responsible. At the same time, these efforts fall short of what will be needed in the world for sustained long-term prosperity.