Globalization is not a recent phenomenon; it began in the 1870s when international trade and investment expanded to sell mass-produced products worldwide, driven by technologies such as steam engines and electricity. The peak of globalization occurred in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The economy advances primarily through improvements in productivity. The technological advancements mentioned have significantly influenced this productivity growth. For example, a smartphone, which combines the functionality of a computer with that of a mobile device, exemplifies technological progress that has brought convenience to mankind. However, smartphone technology and network effects haven’t contributed to the expected boost in human productivity. Technology can be categorized into those that enhance productivity and those that do not. Although today’s technology development exceeds that of the past, it doesn’t automatically lead to greater productivity. To build wealth, incre...
Eco bags are not eco-friendly. In 2007, the eco-bags, which British designer Anya Hindmarch printed, “I’m Not a Plastic Bag” on canvas, sold out 20,000 copies in 30 minutes at a limited edition price of 5 pounds. The project reduced the use of plastic bags by 58% over the next two years in Britain. However, a survey by the British Environment Agency found that consumers used paper bags at least 3 times more to have less environmental impact than plastic bags and used eco bags 131 times more to help protect the environment. In 2018, Denmark also announced a study that indicated people used plastic bags at least 37 times, paper bags 43 times, and eco bags 7,100 times before being discarded to recover from pollution. Yes, the facts that people believe have cheated us all. Materials and consumption are necessary, but people belatedly realized that environmental protection should also consider product use cycles and production. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”