Interconnections

In what way are the cellphones in Murray's class connected to the Congo?

• Cellphones are made from plants that only grow in the Congo.

• The materials used in cellphones can cause fighting and habitat destruction, threatening chimpanzees and local communities.

• Cellphones help protect the forests in the Congo from being cut down.

• Cellphones have no connection to the Congo at all.

Answer explanation

Certain materials extracted for cellphone production contribute to conflict and environmental harm in the Congo. This extraction can lead to habitat loss for wildlife, like chimpanzees, and create issues for local people.

How does buying palm oil connect people and places in Indonesia?

• Buying palm oil supports responsible farming practices that protect forests and communities.

• Purchasing palm oil creates no jobs for anyone in Indonesia.

• Buying palm oil has no effect on people or places in Indonesia.

• Palm oil farming in Indonesia burns down forests, taking land from Indigenous people and using child workers.

Answer explanation

The demand for palm oil can lead to significant environmental and social issues in Indonesia, affecting local communities and wildlife. When consumers buy palm oil without considering its source, they may indirectly support practices that harm the environment and exploit vulnerable populations.

How does plastic that we throw away connect us to turtles in Colombia, and how does it affect us?

• Throwing away plastic helps turtles find food easily in Colombia.

• Plastic waste has no impact on turtles or people anywhere.

• Plastic waste can harm sea turtles in Colombia, and this can lead to problems in our food chain.

• Using more plastic helps keep our oceans clean and healthy.

Answer explanation

The connection between our plastic waste and its effects on sea turtles. When plastic enters the ocean, it can be ingested by turtles, leading to health issues. Additionally, the harmful effects on turtles can impact the food chain, which ultimately affects us as well, since it may lead to contaminated seafood and ecological imbalances.

Why are the actions we take and the choices we make important?

Answer explanation

The actions we take and the choices we make are important because they affect people, animals, and the environment globally. For example, reducing plastic use protects sea turtles, and choosing responsibly sourced palm oil helps preserve forests and support Indigenous communities. Our decisions highlight our interconnectedness with the world.