Lab+8

Natalie Jeremijenko bases her research on experimental designs meant to stimulate social change. Although the designs aren’t always intended as long term solutions, they catch the attention of people, bringing awareness to problems and a start to a true long-term solution.
 * Natalie Jeremijenko **

An example of this intention is the tadpoles, “keeping tabs” project. “Impatients” (patients of Jeremijenko’s environmental health clinic), care for a tadpole and name them after a particular local bureaucrat. Tadpoles are used because they are environmental markers for water quality. Jeremijenko and her team designed a device to bring out the tadpoles for walks (small aquatic environments on wheels). People see these impatients walking tadpoles and stop to ask. The impatient introduces the tadpole and explains their use. This interaction creates awareness and stimulates the curious passerby to also “keep tabs”. The tadpole is than introduced to its human counterpart and the evidence of water quality.

** How Stuff is Made **

Palomer Spring Water begins in the Palomer mountains. Rain, sleet and snow soak into the soil, slowly seeping deeper into an underground reservoir. Plant roots initially filter the water while the deeper solid rock give off virtually no residue. To avoid adding any containments, the water is harvested from the center. The harvesting pumps siphon some water flowing through this natural system to keep a constant flow and maintain the mountain’s environment. Water tanks string around a nearby highway and store water for trucks to transport to the nearest bottling station.

Information on Palomer Spring Water was found at [].

Lambhagi employs nine people but produces 40% of the salads and herbs in the market. Lambhagi imports seeds from Holland, Germany and Australia. A sowing machine fills plastic pots with fertilizer, plants the seeds and sprays them with water. The sowed seedlings are placed in rows on a conveyor belt that gradually move the seedlings throughout the greenhouse for 40 days. Computers monitor and regulate humidity and temperature. Produce are washed, packaged and shipped directly to grocery stores.

Information on Lambhagi was found at []

It is important to understand how stuff is made because we can contribute solutions to problems in processes or mimic advantageous steps. It allows a critical analysis for health and environmental issues and impacts on society like employment and exports. For example, Lambhagi’s products are some of the cheapest on the market. Why? Because they wash, package and deliver directly to clients (grocery stores) while still importing seeds and using natural fertilizers. Similar competition could mimic this process and increase Lambhagi’s competition by matching their prices.