??? Questions ???

At the end of the Paper Chase project, and as we think towards the future, it is good to look at questions generated by the project, as well as areas for improvement. Some of these concerns and questions are listed below, and we welcome your contributions as posts to allow us to consider more questions in the future.

As a class group we were adamant that everything we produced or collected from our project (mostly paper) be recycled. Unfortunately at the end of Paper Chase 2006, it became clear that we couldn't positively guarantee the blue bags we collected would actually be recycled. We feared, despite assurance from the building staff, that all the paper was simply dumped in the trash.

This is strong support for the argument that our work is not done. We must still think towards "designing the future," as we develop new solutions and ideas through creativity and design methods to improve our quality of life.

Please consider the following questions, and feel free to post answers or additional questions and thoughts of your own under "comments."

1. How large does a project have to be in order to make a difference?

2. What lies ahead for us if we continue to produce and consume at the rate we currently use resources?

3. What are the issues that are causing such difficulties with the Recycling program in Chicago?

4. Can we work to generate a truly paperless society?

5. Is the Internet, Email and web communication marking the beginning of a serious paper waste problem or are these means of virtual communication the tools that will allow us to put an end to all the wasted material?