In the article, "This Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model Of Cost-Saving Sustainable Design”, Peters (2016), linked us with a project titled “Motown Movement”, whereby three students purchased a house and converted it into a sustainable cost-efficient living model in Detroit. Their aim was to achieve sustainability through cost-efficient approach by transforming run-down houses into affordable and sustainable buildings. In their house, the lower level will be a “training centre” while the upper level houses a family in need. In-house systems includes solar panels, a “greywater system” and a “septic tank” as sources of renewable energy. Lukkes, one of the three students, stated that through collaboration with their university, they can ensure that their project can become universal and reach other countries. In my opinion, the students have a practical idea in implementing these changes to the Detroit community, yet these changes may be too ambitious due to the social impact and capital needed.
The ideas the students came up with for the project are practical since it utilizes various sources of such as sunlight and rain. Both are natural sources which could be further tapped into and used. Sunlight can be converted into solar energy and rainwater could be collected. Thus, it is practical and easy to sustain. The septic tank and connection of the house to waste heat from nearby industry are also practical since it reuses waste into productive materials.
Although the implementation of the solar panels may seem practical, the cost for each panel does not come cheap. The initial capital needed for the solar panels would cost an enormous amount. For example, a 5-kilowatt rooftop solar installation from “Srinergy”, a program formed by the partnership between MI Solar Works and Novi Solar, costs $14,800(CBS Detroit, 2013). The installation cost is definitely not cheap, but in the long run, it reduces the monthly electric bill by $75. It has a life span of 25 to 30 years. However, the beauty of the roofs are affected since the solar panels spoil the outlook of the roofs. An average septic tank installation cost around $5,170(Sortfix,2016). The septic tanks have to be placed at suitable locations. Environmental impacts such as odour and gas emissions as well as groundwater pollution may occur if placed at unsuitable conditions. Therefore, the students will really have to research and place the septic tank at proper locations. If not, they would cause more damage than benefits to the environment (Wikipedia, 2016).
Although this project aims to benefit the community in Detroit, it might pose a few social problems. For example, once the house is already built and given to the needy, those who did not get the house may want to take it away for self-interest purposes. Due to the high crime rate and poverty in Detroit, I would suggest more police presence around the area to make the area safer.
On the other hand, the Detroit residents’ mindsets are positive. They could accomplish a lot of things by having a positive and optimistic mind. With the never give up attitude and being handy in their skills, they can assist in the project by coaching and teaching other people. Ultimately, the most important factor in ensuring this project becomes successful is to help out in terms of financial issues. This project could come a long way in increasing awareness to other countries about sustainability and reducing environmental impacts.
References
CBS Detroit.(2013, 23 September) New Low-Cost Residential Solar Power Available .
Retrieved from http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/09/23/new-low-cost-residential-solar-power-available/
Environmental Concerns of Septic Tanks (2016, 07 September).
Low Cost Septic Tank Installation in Detroit, MI (2016).
Retrieved from http://www.sortfix.com/septic-tank-installation/mi/detroit.php
Retrieved from http://www.sortfix.com/septic-tank-installation/mi/detroit.php
Michael D. Shaw. (2006, 18 September) What A Waste: Septic Tanks And Their Environmental Problems.
Retrieved from https://www.gasdetection.com/interscan-in-the-news/magazine-articles/waste-septic-tanks-environmental-problems/
Retrieved from https://www.gasdetection.com/interscan-in-the-news/magazine-articles/waste-septic-tanks-environmental-problems/
Peters, A. (2016, July 7). This Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model Of Cost-Saving Sustainable Design. World Changing Ideas.
Retrieved from https://www.fastcoexist.com/3061563/world-changing-ideas/this-detroit-house-is-being-turned-into-a-living-model-of-cost-saving-s
Thanks, Akmal, for this good effort. There are many strengths in your summary / reader response. Your summary is fairly clear, articulate and appropriate as for the content covered, and your thesis seems well focused. The 2nd paragraph (the one that follows the thesis) is a very clear transition paragraph, one which shows that you are giving credit to the project before explaining its weak points.
ReplyDeleteYour 3rd paragraph is also clear and your topic sentence well supported with concrete details. My only question there is when you state that "it reduces the monthly electric bill by $75." Doesn't that cost savings depend on the size of a house? Do you mean this will be the savings for this particular house project?
The paragraph that seems the weakest is your 4th one. This statement seems like an assumption based on some stereotyping: ...those who did not get the house may want to take it away for self-interest purposes. You also discuss the crime rate and poverty, but this is simply asserted without supporting citation info. (No doubt crime is an issue, probably even in the neighborhood where the students bought the house. But you must be careful about extrapolating from hearsay that the project will need 24-hour police guard.
There are also some more pointed language problems in this draft:
1) In the article, "This Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model Of Cost-Saving Sustainable Design”, Peters (2016), linked us with a project titled “Motown Movement”, whereby three students purchased a house and converted it into a sustainable cost-efficient living model in Detroit. >>> Peters (2016), linked us with a project titled “Motown Movement”, >>> Did Peters just **link us**? Is that a good reporting verb?
2) implementing these changes to the Detroit community >>> (wrong word) implementing these changes IN/WITHIN the Detroit community
3) it utilizes various sources of such as sunlight and rain >>> (missing word)
4) since it reuses waste into productive materials. >>> it?
5) With the never give up attitude and being handy in their skills... >>> (lack of parallel structure)
6) to help out in terms of financial issues. >>> (vague: Who should help whom?)
7) This project could come a long way in increasing awareness to other countries about sustainability and reducing environmental impacts. >>> other countries >>> (too general: explain who in other countries)
Let's work on this. I appreciate your effort.
One more thing: You have done well with in-text citations, but your reference list is still not adequately adhering to APA.
DeleteI'll take note of the feedback and improvise accordingly. Thanks Brad!
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