Change Management - Individual Assignment - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1709 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Management Essay Type Analytical essay Level High school Did you like this example? Change Management Individual Assignment Table of content Page Company introduction03 Presentation of collected information A brief description of change situation 04 The facts lead to the change05 The approach to the change06 Hazards identified at the work place06 Reasons for non à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" compliance to PPE06 Implementation 07 Challenges 08 Strengths 08 Weaknesses 09 Benefits09 Analysis and Discussion09 Conclusion 10 References 11 Company Introduction Asoka Glass Mirror Company was established in 1946.Since then they supply and install glass and structural Glazing systems in Sri Lanka. Asoka Glass Mirror Company works in a close proximity with many local and international construction companies. The policy of the company is to work hand in hand in cooperation with the Architectsand the Consultants. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Change Management Individual Assignment" essay for you Create order The company deals in all types of flat and curved glass namely Clear, Tinted, Reflective, Figured, Wired, Laminated, Tempered, Ceramic Frit, Self cleaning, Fire rated Bullet Proof, Night Vision and other types of Architectural Glass. Asoka Glass Mirror Company is the pioneer of introducing Tempered glass in building construction in Sri Lanka and they are the one and only company in Sri Lanka that design, supply and install a tempered glass curtain wall. With 110 employees, the Company has achieved great performances over past decades. Vision To consolidate the legendary status as the pioneer in the national glass industry through innovation, customer service and product quality to international standards. The Objectives of the Company the objective of Asoka Glass Mirror Company is to provide a one stop solution to customers on all types of glasses. The company assets are its superior Products and its professional knowledge and technical expertise in the industry. To further augment their position as a comprehensive solution provider, they have developed an expert team to provide design, supply and installation services in structural glass applications. Today they are widely recognized in the industry as the leading solution provider of high quality glass backed by their fast and responsive service. Their commitment in providing quality products and services has established them as the Market leader in the island. Products : Tempered Glass Safety Glass Ceramic Frit Glass Double Glaze Glass Duratex Terraglaz Bullet Proof Glass Opaci à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" Coat 300 Curved Glass Vanceva Sun Guard Fire Rated Glass . A brief description of the change situation Health and safety measures are undertaken to prevent many more injuries at work and to reduce the economic and social costs. During past 3 years, Asoka Glass and Mirror Company have introduced new Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) including high quality gloves, hand guards, boots and goggles. Any item of PPE imposes a barrier between the wearer and the working environment creating additional strains on the wearer; impair their ability to carry out their work and create significant levels of discomfort. Any of these can discourage wearers from using PPE correctly, therefore placing them at risk of injury and/or ill-health. Thus, they have conducted training sessions for the employees to educate them regarding the importance of using these equipments correctly at the work place to reduce exposure to hazards. The main aims of these changes are, To improve the Quality of life of the employees. To minimize the cost due to hazards. To gain high efficiency and effectiveness from the employees. To increase the productivity of the Company. After introducing these new PPEs and after training the employees about correct and timely use of these equipments with tight supervision, the rate of injuries among the employees was reduced drastically. Further, the percentage of absenteeism per year was reduced and performance of the employees was greatly increased. Hence, the productivity and the yield of the company was improved. The facts lead to the change Although the Company has introduced some PPE earlier, it is found that most of the employees are not using them during working hours. The Management has identified that it has led to increased number of injuries among workers which directly related to number of absentees. Further, they have identified that the productivity of the Company is reduced and they were unable to gain maximal effectiveness from the employees due to this fact. As an example, Goggles for eye protection was the most challenging but most required PPE. Most of employees who experienced eye inj uries in the past, havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t been wearing eye protection at the time of the accident. It is found that thousands of workers in the World are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented. The approach to the change They approached this matter in a stepwise basis. They analyzed the details on current situation of the company and identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the company. Before implementing the change, Human Resource (HR) Department planned the procedure to be done. They held a meeting and collected valuable ideas from the executives to implement this change successfully. After that, HR executives made the whole company aware about this change department wise. Then, they identified the hazards at the workplace. They interviewed a random number of employees covering each and every section to identify the reasons for non-compliance over Personal Protective Equipments. Afterward, they tr ied to address the challenges to non-compliance in a better way introducing high quality products with a tight supervision. Hazards identified at the workplace Injuries to eyes while handling glass products Injuries to body while handling, lifting or carrying glass products Injuries due to slipping or falling on the ground Injuries due to contact with moving machinery Reasons for non-compliance to PPE The primary cause for non-compliance was workers consider that PPE are hard to use because they are uncomfortable, too hot, poorly fit, not available near work task, and looking unattractive. Further, it is time consuming to wear those equipments before work. In addition to that they have a perception that using PPE interferes with the ability to perform the job effectively. The employees consider more about the physical discomfort arisen when wearing these equipments. The strategies taken by safety managers to encourage greater PPE compliance were, Improving existing education and training programs Increased monitoring of employees Purchasing more comfortable PPE Purchasing more stylish PPE Tying compliance by individual performance evaluations Developing incentive programs. Implementation When implementing the change, the following facts were taken into consideration. protection of workers compliance with applicable regulations and internal company standards technical feasibility The Management considered the hazards, evaluated possible control methods, integrated various approaches, and reexamined them frequently to ensure a safe workplace. They have done evaluation, and reevaluation at various stages throughout the program. This required commitment and active participation of all employees including senior management, supervisors, and workers. The change was implemented carefully, methodically and introduced step wisely. First, the employees were encouraged to use PPE. The proper types of PPEs were selected considering the degree of protection required and the appropriateness of the equipments to the situation. Decisions were made based on thorough hazard evaluation, worker acceptance, types of PPE available and the cost. An individual fitting program was carried out by qualified personnel. The fitting with PPE to employees were checked on an individual basis. At the time of fitting, it is showed each worker how to wear and maintain PPE properly. They were trained on correct use of equipments and educated them regarding the benefits of using PPE. The time allowed for workers to wear new PPE was increased gradually. After 2 weeks from the date that the program is introduced, the use of PPE made a required condition of employment with tight supervision. Education programs were held on a regular basis to overcome objections to wearing it. Each problem was addressed on an individual basis. The changing program was monitored by inspection of the equipment and auditing of procedures. Challenges Main challengers of this implementation are; Although a number of employees accepted the new change and adapted to the new situation, a few employees looked towards these changes in a negative way. They considered that wearing new PPE is a nuisance and it reduces the effectiveness. Several disputes were taken place between the Management and employees regarding this matter. It was bit difficult to gather each and every employee for the training sessions where they were educated about PPE, their use and maintenance and health benefits of using them unless making the sessions compulsory for everyone. Strengths Human Resources department got fullest support from all the executives of the company to implement this program successfully. The support given by all the officers regarding good quality PPEs There was a good supervision team. Better horizontal level communication. Availability of trained personnel to conduct training sessions. Weaknesses The main weakness was lack of knowledge of employees and the reluctance to accept the changes. Benefits Reduced absenteeism of the employees. Reduced expenditure for hazards management. High efficiency and effectiveness of the employees. Increased productivity of the Company. Analysis and Discussion Asoka Glass and Mirror Company has implemented several strategies in order to familiarize the employees with PPE. According to the management of the company the highest resistance towards PPE was exhibited among the workers at the age above 45 years due to the traditional views of them. The management had to conduct several training programmes for the workers above the age of 45 years for them to realize the importance of PPE. Selection of more stylish and comfortable PPE had shown a significant influence towards changing of the employees at their late 20s. According to my point of view I feel that it will be more effective if the management can arrange small field visits for the workers to other companies who are currently using PPE which will allow them to share ideas with other employees who are familiar with PPE. Conclusion Implementation of a change management strategy should consider employees according to their ages, due to the variatio n of the attitudes with age. Making changes in the attitudes of the employees will be more effective than implementing strategies that will put rules and regulations for the employees. References https://www.asokaglass.lk/index.php?id=31#vision Addressing the Challenges of PPE Non-Compliance ; October 14, 2011 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), PPE Standard Precautions, Policies and Practice By Kelly M. Pyrek Injuries In the Glass Factory Workers, Nagpur ; K.P. Brahmapurkar 1, A.G. Lanjewar2, J.R. Biranjan3, S.P. Zodpey4 ;Indian Journal of Community Medicine Vol. 31, No. 3, July September, 2006

Advertising Speech Outline Free Essays

Angela Martin GP- To Advertise SP- To Advertise to my audience the benefits of using Febreze odor eliminating products CI- Febreze is a brand of household odor eliminator manufactured by Proctor Gamble that is a highly-effective odor remover for cooking, animal, work and smoke odors. A home is truly the heart of the family, so having a home that’s happy, good-smelling, and comfortable and clean is important to life. Febreze Odor Eliminator can help you breathe a lot easier in your home. We will write a custom essay sample on Advertising Speech Outline or any similar topic only for you Order Now Febreze just doesn’t cover up odors; it penetrates deep into fabrics and the air to eliminate odors and leaves a light fresh scent. Using Febreze is just another way to make you breathe happy and keep your surroundings smelling fresh. For this reason, I’d like to share with you some of the benefits of using Febreze Odor Eliminating products. In the next few minutes, I will discuss: 1) What Febreze is and where it comes from; 2) The active ingredients that makes it work; and 3) The safety and the availability of Febreze products. I. In 1998, Procter and Gamble (PG) introduced a new household product intended to enable consumers to remove odors from fabrics A. Febreze is classified as an air freshener by Proctor and Gamble 1. According to Chemical and Engineering News, Procter Gamble introduced a cyclodextrin-containing fabric spray called Febreze. When sprayed on a fabric, some of the cyclodextrins in the product release a pleasant fragrance. 2. This product uses a compound called cyclodextrin, which has a cone-shape which allows it to trap volatile molecules that cause odors. B. All kinds of Febreze, scented or unscented, have the same active ingredient. It is beta-cyclodextrin, which is a carbohydrate. 1. Specifically, it is an eight-sugar ringed molecule that is made during the conversion of starch. 2. It is typically made from the starch found in corn 3. The cornfields of the Midwest make cleaning products, too! II. Febreze works well in the home or car. No matter where you find musty or smelly fabric, Febreze can eliminate the odors quickly without leaving a heavy residue of its own scent. A. Febreze is safe for nearly all fabric surfaces and odors fade away as Febreze dries. 1. Febreze works well without added side effects like overbearing smell or skin allergies. Angela Martin 2. The ASPCA considers Febreze safe in households with dogs and cats when used as directed. B. After the launch of Febreze, rumors spread on the Internet that it is dangerous to household pets, such as dogs. According to Snopes. com, these rumors are false. 1. The National Animal Poison Control Center have no evidence that Febreze, when used according to label instructions is harmful to pets 2. Veterinary toxicology experts working for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center consider Febreze fabric freshener products to be safe for use in homes with pets. 3. t’s approved by the ASPCA for use around cats and dogs since December, 1998 and does not contain Zinc Chloride. III. Whereas candles once dominated the category, home air fresheners have driven the growth over the past several years. A. Innovation–primarily in the air freshener segment–has propelled the growth of the overall market, says PF publisher Tatiana Mermen. â€Å"Consumers have fallen i n love with technological gadget diffuser devices as well as the more passive reed diffusers,† 1. The recession has taught a lot of us what we can live without and what we can’t. Air freshener, it appears, is in the second category. 2. Among sprays, IRI-reported mass sales for Febreze Air Effects, introduced in 2004, reached $70. 6 million last year, eclipsing Ousts mass sales of $45. 9 million, PF reports. B. Febreze comes in a variety of sizes and strengths Regular strength (500ml), Extra Strength (500ml) Extra Strength (1 liter). There is also a small handy size (100ml) 1. Febreze Odor Eliminating products are sold at your neighboring stores: a. CVS, Targets, Walgreens, and Giant Eagle are some stores that sell Febreze b. Febreze products can also be purchased online. 2. The product initially sold poorly until P;G realized that people had become accustomed to the smells in their own homes, then switched to linking it to pleasant smells and cleaning habits to produce the successful product. a. To conclude Febreze was the first successful product in this new field of fabric cleaning, and it does work. b. Remember this is a superb convenience product that if used according to instructions works well, it is not a replacement to cleaning itself. Angela Martin In the last few minutes, I have discussed; 1) What Febreze is and where it comes from; 2) The active ingredients that Febreze contains; and 3) The safety an availability of Febreze. The makers of Procter and Gamble suggest Febreze can safely and effectively be used on car seats, sofas, curtains, clothes, sports shoes, and pet bedding as examples. In today’s modern world and busy lifestyles there are a vast range of convenience products to make life easier and Febreze is just one such item. It claims to safely remove odors from various fabrics, upholstery and surroundings. One thing I will point out in my opinion that you should bear in mind; this is NO SUBSTITUTE or replacement for clean air but it sure smells like it with Febreze. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. â€Å"Febreze review†. Ciao Shopping Intelligence. Retrieved September 14, 2001. 2. â€Å"Chemical Functional Definitions – Cyclodextrin†. Procter;Gamble. 2005. 3. Uncomplexed cyclodextrin solutions for odor control on inanimate surfaces. US Pat. No. 5,714,137. Filed 1994; assigned 1998. 4. . â€Å"Ask the Expert: Poison Control – Febreze†. ASPCA. 2012. Retrieved 2012-0219. How to cite Advertising Speech Outline, Papers

My Broken Heart Essay Example For Students

My Broken Heart Essay Being in love is one of the most wonderful feelings one could experience freely here on earth. Love inspires and motivates people to be the best version of their selves. Many times, when we are in a happy state of being in love, we tend to take for granted unintentionally the other aspects of our lives mainly because we only focus our attention to the significant person we are with. Not all relationships are successful; however, having a failed love makes a person better. When I had my heart broken, I grew closer to God and to my family. While I was still in a relationship, I seldom come to family gatherings due to always giving my time to my ex-boyfriend. I gave him so much time that I forgot to keep some for myself, so when I became single I make-up to my family for all the times that I was not there for them. It really is easing to know that I have understanding parents. They guide me when I was going through my heartbreak. Breaking up with my ex-boyfriend was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Even though I was completely devastated of the break-up, it led me closer to God. A friend of mine connected me again to the Lord, and it gave me so much peace of mind and that really helped me to be more positive in life and love. In addition to being positive, it also helped me to moved on faster and I studied harder. Since I was broken hearted, I focus myself also on studying and spending my time with my new friends. One major improvement after the break-up was my grades in school. I do not study that much, I rather talk to my ex-boyfriend than open up a textbook and read. When we broke up, I had all the time in the world to study and do my homework’s on time. Consequently, I got good grades, and I was included in the list of honor student at the end of the semester. I was proud of myself for achieving something good out of something bad. Being single makes one extra-friendly. I met new people at school whom I seldom notice due to always thinking of my ex-boyfriend. It is nice to know more people because then one would not always be alone and feel lonely, and having friends means having a lot of people to talk to and hang out with. As a result of having good grades at school, I was able to do the things that I want for myself, too. One of the major perks of being single is freedom. Freedom is constrained when a person is in a relationship. One could make decisions without having to think of someone else’s feelings. I use my freedom wisely; I enrolled myself to the gym and got myself a part-time job. This is the perfect time for self-growth because now that the relationship has ended, one could ponder the strengths and weaknesses that he/she possesses to know thy self more and be a better person. Those realizations could also be useful to the next relationship one will be into, so he/she will not repeat the same mistakes that were done in the past. Despite of having a failed love, I gained a lot more from it. It drew me closer to God, to my family, to my friends, and most importantly to myself. I can now say that I am a better person than I was before; I learned to balance things out and know my priorities in life. Having my heart broken was really a positive experience for me. If only people could focus on the positive aspects of life, they will not be in despair and self-loathe when they failed in a relationship.

Whole Foods Memo free essay sample

In conclusion, a recommendation for Whole Foods Markets, based on the analysis, will be given. Internal Analysis Fundamentals and Core Values of Whole Foods Markets The cornerstone of Whole Food’s strategy is to carry the highest quality, lowest processed-foods, and the most flavorful and natural preserved foods available. Whole Foods deepest purpose is to help support the health, well being, and healing of people (customers, the Whole Foods team, and businesses) and the planet. John Mackey, cofounder and CEO of Whole Foods, attributes the rapid growth and success of Whole Foods to developing and maintaining a uniquely mission-driven company; a company that is highly selective about what is sold, that remains dedicated to its core values and high quality standards, and is committed to sustainable agriculture. Whole Foods wanted to be the international brand for natural and organic foods and be the best food retailer in every community in which Whole Foods Markets were located. We will write a custom essay sample on Whole Foods Memo or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The chief elements of Whole Foods strategy are as follows: * Selling the highest quality products. Whole Foods Markets featured 30,000 natural, organic, and gourmet food products and non-food items. In 2007, Whole Foods was the world’s biggest seller of organic produce (comprising 67% of Whole Foods total sales, compared to the 40-50% of sales in other supermarket chains). High quality products included fresh perishables, baked goods, meats, and seafood, which differentiated Whole Foods from other supermarkets and attracted a broader customer base. To uphold a 100% guaranteed satisfaction to Whole Foods customers, Whole Foods had stringent product quality standards and customer commitments: Carefully evaluate each and every product sold. * Feature foods that are free of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and hydrogenated fats. * Passionate about great tasting food and the pleasure of sharing it with others. * Commitment to foods that are fresh, wholesome and safe to eat. * Seek out and promote organically grown foods. * Provide food and nutritional produ cts that support health and well being. * Satisfying and delighting customers. Whole Foods Markets places a strong emphasis on satisfying and maintaining a commitment to the customer. As part of its merchandising strategy, Whole Foods wanted to create an inviting and interactive store atmosphere for a fun and pleasurable shopping experience. Whole Foods wanted its customers to view Whole Foods as a â€Å"third place,† third to home and the office. A few Whole Foods stores even offered valet parking, home delivery, and massages! To maintain communication with the customers, Whole Foods stores feature â€Å"take action† centers, where customers could leave feedback and comments. Whole Foods wanted to turn highly satisfied customers into advocates for Whole Foods Markets. Customers could get personal attention in each store department and team members of Whole Foods were knowledgeable and enthusiastic with customers. * Team member happiness and excellence. Whole Foods Markets was founded because its cofounders believed that the natural foods industry was ready for the supermarket format. When the first store opened in 1980, it contained a staff of only 19 people. With this immediate success, the company expanded to 276 stores in 38 states, with teams of 85-600 members per store, and a total of 54,000 by 2008! Whole Foods had a team approach towards its store operations. Having happy employees that helped create happy customers advanced the long-term success of Whole Foods Markets. The team approach promoted strong corporate culture and a work environment where team members could flourish, build a career, and reach their highest potential. Team members are motivated and inspired by Whole Foods’ strategic vision. The process for bringing in a new team member was thorough and the whole team at a store is involved. Team leaders at each store receive a salary and a possible bonus based on EVA (Economic Value Added), a system Whole Foods used to measure performance. In 2004, 86% of employees said they enjoyed their job and 82% felt empowered to do their best work at Whole Foods Markets. Whole Foods Markets offered gain-sharing programs to reward team members according to the store’s contribution to Whole Foods operating profit (additional 5-7% of team members wages). Whole Foods encouraged stock ownership through three programs: A team member stock option plan (based on job performance and length of time employed at Whole Foods), a team member stock purchase plan (based on purchasing stock at 95% of market price), and a team member 401 (k) plan. To maintain high customer service all team members are continuously evaluated and take place in competitions against other Whole Foods Markets in that region. In 2007, around 750 team members were on the EVA-based incentive compensation program. EVA calculations were used to measure profitability and encouraged and motivated team members to succeed. * Creating wealth through profits and growth. As the leader of natural and organic foods in the United States, the management and growth objectives for Whole Foods Markets was to have 400 stores and sales of $12 billion annually by 2010. By 2008 Whole Foods Markets consisted of 276 stores in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. In 2003 Whole Foods Markets became the first national â€Å"certified organic† grocer in the United States and its organic sales were $17 billion in 2006, up 22% from 2005. In 2000 more organic foods were sold in US supermarkets than in natural food stores. Whole Foods struggled to find suppliers to supply all their stores. Whole Foods Markets looked to exceed because consumer demand was growing 20% annually and consumer enthusiasm allowed retailers to have high profit margins. Once Whole Foods became public in 1992 its growth strategy was to expand by opening new stores and acquiring smaller, owner-managed chains. Between 2002-2006, Whole Foods opened 10-15 bigger stores in metropolitan areas. Acquiring Wild Oats natural supermarkets was a big step for Whole Foods and allowed Whole Foods to enter 15 new metro areas and 5 new states. John Mackey believed that the addition would give additional bargaining power, boost utilization of the company’s facilities, and allow expenses to be reduced. (The Wild Oats acquisition will be discussed in further detail later as part of Whole Foods strategy analysis. With the increased costs of growing and marketing natural and organic products (25-75% more than normal foods), prices for natural and organic foods were higher. Whole Foods emphasized this increased price through its strategy of selling premium products at premium prices. Whole Foods was profitable every year except for 2000, in which it had a net loss o f $8. 5 million. It’s net income increased at a compound average rate of 17. 6% yearly between 2003-2007, and reached $182. 7 million in 2007. (A deeper analysis of Whole Foods financial strategy will be discussed later. ) Caring about communities and the environment. As part of Whole Foods motto, Whole Foods emphasized sustainable agriculture and helping the planet. Whole Foods strived to demonstrate social conscience and community citizenship by donating 5% of its after tax profits to non-profit or educational organizations. Whole Foods Green Mission Task Force promoted environmentally safe practices, including Whole Foods switch to biodiesel fuel for its fleet of vehicles. Whole Foods used renewable energy credits to offset its electricity use and in 2005 created a non-profit Animal foundation and a non-profit Whole Planet foundation. Whole Foods participated in the Whole Trade program and the Local Producer Loan Program. As part of being involved with the community and current issues, Whole Foods publicized its position statements on current issues to the public. Strategies of Whole Foods Markets As discussed, the foundations of Whole Foods Markets are built on high quality, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and community as well as environmental consciousness. Their strategies to maintain these underlying foundations will be discussed and analyzed in the following. * Differentiation strategy. Whole Foods Markets thrive on selling only the highest quality, freshest, and healthiest foods available so that the health and well being of people can be increased and maintained. Whole Foods strategy for doing so is to acquire high quality products from local, national, and international suppliers and to provide the appropriate merchandising mixes and concepts. Although these products must be sold at higher prices because their costs are higher, the value of purchasing these products has a deeper importance and Whole Foods actively emphasizes these reasons. Whole Foods offers healthy recipes and guides to healthy lives in all their stores. Only 0. 5% of revenues are used on advertising (much lower than normal supermarkets), but it is done efficiently and towards the directed audiences. Once â€Å"organic† gained a consistent meaning and was a selling point, the differences in Whole Foods products were clear. The higher nutritional value and gain from natural and organic foods was becoming an increasing trend and Whole Foods had the right mixture and selection to offer. Factors that affected this upward growing trend of natural and organic products included healthier eating patterns, higher concerns about food purity and safety, increasing health trends among many groups, and the positive environmental factors that organics had. In a 2005 Whole Foods survey, 65% of consumers had tried organic foods (an 11% increase from 2004), 27% had consumed more organics than the previous year, and 10% consumed organics several times a week (compared to 7% in 2004). The products Whole Foods offered that contributed towards its high differentiation success from normal supermarkets consisted of the following: (% refer to the categories of organic foods and beverages purchased most frequently by those participating in the survey: * Fresh fruits and vegetables (73%) * Nondairy drinks (32%) * Breads and baked goods (32%) * Dairy products (24. 6%) * Soups and Pastas (22. 2%) * Meats (22. 2%) * Snacks (22. 1%) * Frozen foods (16. 6%) * Ready to eat meals (12. 2%) The higher prices of organic and natural products were the primary barrier for most consumers.

Cyanide Poisoning From Apples, Peaches, Cherries

Cyanide Poisoning From Apples, Peaches, Cherries The weather is nice, so I was out looking at trees and shrubs to add to my garden. I noticed the tags on trees from the Prunus genus (cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, almonds) carried the warning that the leaves and other parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested. Thats true of other members of the rose family as well (large family which includes roses, but also apples and pears). The plants produce cyanogenic glycosides which can lead to cyanide poisoning in people and animals if enough of the compound is ingested. Some leaves and wood contain relatively high levels of the cyanogenic compounds. Seeds and pits from these plants also contain the compounds, though you need to chew several of the seeds to get a dangerous exposure. (This Letter to the Editor of American Family Physician cites references for fatalities from apple seeds and apricot kernels, in addition to other plants.) If you swallow the odd seed or two, dont be concerned. Your body is well-equipped to detoxify low d oses of cyanide. However, consult poison control if you suspect your child or pet (or farm animal) has eaten several seeds. If youre out camping and want sticks for roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, avoid using twigs from these plants.Apple Seeds Cherry Pits Are Poisonous | Drugs from PlantsPhoto: Darren Hester

Leadership in Film Honor and Glory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Leadership in Film Honor and Glory - Essay Example It speaks about the horrors, rigors and racism of men crossing the North Pole. The basically unknown story of Matthew Henson who has almost been forgotten from history as the co-discoverer of the North Pole simply because of his race. Delroy Lindo gives an excellent portrayal of Matthew Henson who's ability to co-habitat and communicate with the natives allows he and Perry to reach what was once unreachable. Our nation has great discovers and inventors who should not simply be forgotten because they were of a different race. The struggle and anonymity Matthew Henson endured after his trek should never have happened. This movie does a very good job in reminding us that we are a nation of adventurers.. Black and White. History, the saying goes, is written by the winners. As the melancholy English poet Thomas Gray eulogised in his mid-17th century poem "Elegy in a County Churchyard," there is a vast wealth of unrealised human potential resting six feet beneath our feet. How many Miltons and Shakespeares, he asked, have passed us by because of a rigid and unforgiving social system that refused to allow those of humble birth to rise above their station Textbooks happily proclaim that American Admiral Robert Peary discovered the North Pole, but how many of these same books tell the story of the other American who a

The Negative Effects of Consumerism on Environment Essay

The Negative Effects of Consumerism on Environment - Essay Example The paper tells that the people in the past were lived in a society of producers; however current people are living in a society of consumers. There are plenty of reasons for this change. Heavy industrialization, development of science and technology and the subsequent changes happened in the life styles and life philosophies of people are some of the major reasons for increased consumerism. There is nothing wrong in transforming our society from the production dimension to consumer dimension if such changes may not cause any harm to our environment. Unfortunately, environmental problems or destruction is directly proportional to the rate of increase of consumerism. In other words, along with the increase in consumerism, increase in environment destruction is also taking place. It is impossible for humankind to survive long if consumerism increases at its present rate. The effects of consumerism on the Earth’s environment are: loss of resources, increased pollution, and loss o f energy. This paper analyses the causes of increased consumerism and its effects on environment. Loss of resources is the major effect of increased consumerism. It should be noted that population is growing at alarming rates whereas the available resources in this world are being reduced because of increased consumption. Scarcity of drinking water is a problem everywhere in this world. It should be noted that drinking water resources are exhausting day by day even though the water levels in the sea are gradually rising because of global warming. There are plenty of people in this world who purchase goods just for increasing their social status. Current consumers compare the goods in the hands of their friends, relatives and neighbours with the goods in their own hands and then take purchasing decisions. Such habits results in wastage of resources and over exploitation of resources. Deforestation is taking place rapidly to find enough space for establishing industries. Nobody take c are about the fact that trees or forests play an important role in maintaining the global climate suitable to living things. Deforestation results in big climate changes and subsequently the life is this earth may become extremely difficult. Carbon dioxide is harmful to the environment whereas oxygen is good for the environment. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and liberate oxygen to this world. Thus, trees help the environment in maintaining a balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere. Destruction of trees results in increased content of carbon dioxide in atmosphere which is not good for living things. All the living things in this world are interconnected each other in some ways. In other words, the existence or survival of all the living things in this world is necessary for the sustainment of human life. The destructions of animals and birds may affect human life in many ways. For example, snakes are the enemies of rats. Killing or destruction of snakes may result i n increased number of rats. Increased number rats means farmers may not get proper yield from their agriculture. In short, snakes are necessary to maintain the number of rats in this world to a particular level. However, climate changes and environmental problems are causing big destruction of animal life. â€Å"There was a story in the newspaper saying that 37 percent of species could become extinct due to climate change† (Mayell). Increased pollution is another effect of increased consumerism. Air, water and land pollution are caused by increased consumerism. It is already proved that atmospheric temperature is increasing day by day because of environmental pollutions and increased consumption of resources. Atmospheric temperature rise results in global warming. It would be difficult for mankind to live in this world, if the atmospheric temperature rises at its present rate. Automobile use is increased a lot in recent times. Automobiles