Tapped: Looking at the Bottled Water Industry

Today we are going to be watching a documentary about bottled water and access to clean drinking water.

Before we begin, I want to say that I do drink bottled water.  Not as much as I use to [I generally refill my bottles several times] but I am not an environmental activist at all.  I am also a Libertarian and I don't want the government making new laws or regulations -- if I want to drink bottled water and hurt myself or the environment, that's my prerogative... but this is definitely an important issue for our world and will continue to be more so in the future.

This movie discusses legal rights of water, access to water, and the production process.  It also talks about health risks associated with the production of the bottles and in the water itself.  Finally it discusses recycling, pollution, etc.

You'll note in this graph that bottled water consumption (per person) has risen dramatically over the last 30 years, but look at the dip right around 2007-2009; that is when attention [from films such as this documentary] brought attention to what is going on.  At that time cities [like San Francisco] began investigating banning bottled water.  Also notice, however, that the bottled water industry weathered that storm and is back on the way up.

I would also like you to consider the cost of bottled water.  A typical 16.9 ounce bottle of water bought in a vending machine is around $1.50.  Since there are 128 ounces in a gallon, that means it would take 7.57 bottles of water to equal a gallon -- so we're paying about $11.36 per gallon... for water... which falls out of the sky... and we are complaining about paying $3.99 for a gallon of gasoline.

I'm not mad at the water industry, because I wish I had thought of it.  But they get the water out of the tap, raise the price 1900%, and we buy it from a vending machine next to the water fountain.  LOL

Anyway...

I have a series of questions that I would like you to answer.  A PDF version of the handout can be found here, but the questions are also available here:

1. Is water a “fundamental right”?  Why/why not?
2. What is your opinion of buying bottled water?
3. How is the law of “Supply and Demand” important to drinking water?
4. _____% of the surface of Earth is covered by water – but only _____% is drinkable.
5. Why is ground water different from lakes, rivers, or other surface water?
6. What does “Absolute Dominion” mean?
7. Bottled water costs approximately _______ times as much as tap water.
8. Who said, “There is enough water for human need, but not for human greed”?
9. By saying that bottled water is “pure” or “safe”, do you think that implies that tap water isn’t?
10. Where does Aquafina and Dasani come from?
11. Where are the bottles made that hold the bottled water?
12. What is PET or PETE used for?
13. What does “benzene” have to do with bottled water?
14. How is tap water and bottled water regulated differently?  How are they tested differently?
15. If bottled water is produced and sold in the same state, how is it regulated?
16. What sorts of contaminants did action groups find inside bottled water?
17. Are the large “water cooler” bottles safer than the small, single-serve bottles?
18. What studies does the FDA rely on to make sure we [as the public] are protected?
19. The amount of plastic drinking bottles being recycled in America is about _____%.
20. What is the “bottle deposit” (5 cents in California) used for?
21. Why is recycling important?
22. Why is bottled water considered the “biggest scourge” affecting our environment?
23. What is the Western Garbage Patch and the Eastern Garbage Patch?
24. What can [or should] we do to change the way the industry handles bottled water?
25. Did the movie “Tapped” change any of your perceptions about bottled water?

You can watch this on Netflix Streaming here: http://www.netflix.com/WiPlayer?movieid=70124097

Below is the full documentary if you would like to watch it online, however much of the audio (interviews and such) have been stripped out:

And since this movie was published, other stories have come out demonstrating other issue.  This article explains why the bottled water industry may lead to bad teeth in young people.

Preparing for an Interview

Here's a good quick article on the best 5 things to say during an Interview:

5 Best Things to Say in an Interview

By Catherine Conlan
Monster Contributing Writer

The best things you can say in an interview won’t necessarily get you the job on their own, but they can certainly pave the way. Keep these five things in mind as you go through the interviewing process to give yourself the best chance at landing the job.

Ask Good Questions

According to Howard Pines, founder and CEO of BeamPines, “the best thing a candidate can do at an interview is ask good questions.”

Doing so shows that you are thoughtful and interested in understanding the company. There’s usually a chance to ask questions at the end of your interview, so be ready with questions that show you’re engaged in the process.

Pines suggests several questions, including:

• What are the biggest short- and long-term issues I would need to focus on in this position?
• What would I need to focus on differently than the previous person in this position?
• What organizational issues should I be aware of?

“I’m flexible.”

Whether it’s about possible job duties, a potential start date or simply timing for the second interview, stressing your flexibility makes you easy to get along with.

Hiring managers don’t like complications, and having to coordinate complicated schedules or haggle over a job description eventually just makes you look difficult. While you certainly don’t want to be a pushover -- and “flexible” shouldn’t define your salary negotiation -- show your potential employer that you’re interested in results that work for everyone.

The Company’s Own Words

Before your interview, become familiar with the company’s website and literature. Pay attention to the words used -- what’s important to the organization?

“In your interview, hit key words that appeared on the company website or brochure,” says Olivia Ford ofAdeptio. “These key words might include team, leadership, simplistic, culture or growth.”

Mixing these keywords into your answers can provide a subtle hint that you are plugged in to what the organization is looking for.

“That’s a Good Question.”

Use this phrase instead of blurting out “I don’t know” if the interviewer stumps you with a surprise question. It can give you a few moments to come up with an answer and, in the meantime, strokes the interviewer's ego a little bit too.

Avoid the “I don’t know” answer when possible, but of course don’t lie about your experience or training.

Reasons You Want the Job.

Knowing a job prospect’s motivations is important for managers who are hiring.

During your interview, talk about how this position fits into your future plans and the ideas you have about your career, how it fits with your values, and what you would like to learn from it. Talk about how you see yourself in relation to the company and what you believe you can bring to the position.

These kinds of thoughts show who you are as a person, and go a long way toward giving the hiring manager an idea about how you might fit in the company’s culture and values.

Next, what can you do to PREPARE yourself for an interview?

Assess your strengths and weaknesses 

You will need to spend some time assessing your own strengths and weaknesses. For each area of strength you should be able to demonstrate (provide examples) of how it was developed and utilized. As for your areas of weakness, you have to know what you are doing to improve in that area. It is advisable to list on a sheet of paper all your skills, abilities, accomplishments and weaknesses and be able to provide examples from your past experience as to how you developed, utilized or improved these qualities. Relating your areas of strength to the required qualifications is a key factor in gaining the interviewers attention.

Study the position available

Review your understanding about the type of work/position you will be interviewed for. If you are interviewing for a marketing position, be aware of the typical job duties/responsibilities for that position as well as the required qualification to perform the job tasks. If you are not clear about the nature of the position you will be interviewed for, make sure to use your network of contacts to help you develop a better understanding
of the job.

Research the company

Find out as much as possible about the employer. Learn about the company from its website, annual reports, brochures, and other similar sources. You should be able to know the company’s exact name, history, purpose, services/products, major competitors, approximate number of employees, where its branches are located and its future prospects.

Know the dress code

Did you know that approximately 60% of job applicants are screened out because their appearance does not fit the organizational image? You should dress like other employees in the organization. If you are well-groomed and neatly dressed, your appearance will inspire a basic confidence in your work habits.

Bring appropriate materials

Take along additional copies of your resume, a list of questions to ask about the organization and position, a portfolio (if applicable), a pen and a pad of paper on which you can make a few notes to yourself. Make sure to note on a piece of paper the name of the interviewer, company address, and telephone number in case of emergency.

Find interview location ahead of appointment 

Be sure to get specific directions for getting there. Repeat the directions and make sure they are correct. It is even better if you can make a “dry run” to determine the exact location prior to the meeting. You need to find out the approximate travel time to the interview location, check out the best route and parking locations. Make sure that you arrive 5-10 minutes before the interview.

Dress for Success:

Men

• Traditional business attire, i.e. navy blue or gray suit or sports coat and nice slacks, and a long sleeved pressed dress shirt.
• Ties should be silk and coordinate well with the suit. Avoid any flashy or “theme” ties such as ties with cartoon characters or seasonal events.
• Jewelry should be limited to one ring per hand a dress watch. No earrings, and of course, no visible body piercings!
• Cover any obvious tattoos.
• Shoes should be polished and leather dress shoes in black, dark burgundy or brown are best. Socks should match suit color.
• Hair neatly combed and clean. Facial hair well groomed as well.
• Avoid wearing too much cologne or after-shave.
• Well manicured nails.

Women

• Conservative business suit, dress or pants suit. Most appropriate colors are blue, gray, black or tan. Blouse color should be white or any complimentary colors.
• Jewelry should be modest with one ring per finger, earrings no longer than ½ inch and necklace, and no visible body piercings!
• Cover any obvious tattoos.
• Avoid excessively long fingernails. Your nail polish should be a subtle color and applied neatly.
• Shoes should have no more than 2-inch heels and should complement your outfit.
• Your hair should be well groomed and clean.
• Avoid wearing too much cologne, perfume, or make-up.It is very common to worry about something unfavorable occurring at the interview, but don’t allow yourself to worry too much. When you find yourself having negative thoughts, visualize yourself having a highly successful interview. This would be an interview where you are in control and performing your best. If you would like to further your relaxation try a deep breathing exercise such as inhaling through your nose for 4 slow seconds, holding your breath for 4 slow seconds and exhaling through the mouth for 8 long seconds. Try doing this three times before the interview. (but not in the interview itself).

The Art of Positive Thinking

It is very common to worry about something unfavorable occurring at the interview, but don’t allow yourself to worry too much. When you find yourself having negative thoughts, visualize yourself having a highly successful interview. This would be an interview where you are in control and performing your best. If you would like to further your relaxation try a deep breathing exercise such as inhaling through your nose for 4 slow seconds, holding your breath for 4 slow seconds and exhaling through the mouth for 8 long seconds. Try doing this three times before the interview. (but not in the interview itself).

Approaching the interview

In approaching the interview, keep in mind that you are really approaching a potential “customer”. Think of yourself as your own sales representative. You will be presenting the benefits of what services you have to offer. The decision to work for a particular company should be based on a mutual benefit to both parties.

Begin Cover Letters

Today we will be discussing some of the "do's and don'ts" of writing Cover Letters as well as why we are writing the letters (see below).  We will also be typing our first "Cover Letter" -- the "Ad Response".

COVER LETTERS

Cover Letter “Do’s”

• Address your letter to a specific individual.
• Send an original letter to each employer.
• Use simple language, action verbs, and keep it brief and to the point. Eliminate all unnecessary words and be sure to check for any repetitive wording.
• Write targeted cover letters that are unique to each situation.
• Refer to the job requirements and relate them to your skill set.
• Keep your letter brief and never go beyond one page! Each paragraph should have three to four sentences at the most.
• Tell the employer how you can meet his or her needs and contribute to the company.
• Refer to specific achievements and accomplishments and set yourself apart from other job seekers.
• Make sure your letter answers the question that the employer will be asking while reading your letter: “Why should I hire this person?”
• Never bring any negative tone into a cover letter.
• Be sure you are providing all contact information, such as home phone, cell phone, and email address.
• Keep any e-mailed cover letter shorter and more concise than a letter being postal mailed.

Cover Letter “Don’ts”

• Don’t send a resume without a cover letter.
• Don’t use a sexist salutation, such as “Gentlemen” when answering a blind ad.
• Don’t waste your first paragraph by writing a boring introduction. Use the first paragraph to grab the employer's attention; give the employer the reason s you are qualified for the position.
• Don’t use such clichés as “Enclosed please find my resume” or “As you can see on my resume enclosed herewith.” Employers can see that your resume is enclosed; they don’t need you to tell them. Such trite phrases just waste precious space. And don't use pleonasms (wordy phrases), which also waste space.
• Don’t depend on the employer to take action. Request action. Request an interview, and tell the employer when you will follow up to arrange it. Then, Do So. It is imperative that you follow up. You will greatly increase your chances of getting interviews if you call the employer after writing instead of sitting back and waiting for a call. Those who wait for the employer to call them will generally have a long wait indeed.
• Don’t send a cover letter that contains any typos, misspellings, incorrect grammar or punctuation, smudges, or grease from yesterday’s lunch.
• Don’t rehash your resume. You can use your cover letter to highlight the aspects of your resume that are relevant to the position, but you’re wasting precious space and the potential employer’s time -- if you simply repeat your resume.
• Don't forget to personally sign the letter, preferably in black ink.
• Simply put, your letters should tell the reader why you are writing, what position you are applying for, what you have to offer, and why this organization is of interest to you. You should close any letter by advising them of your intention to call them in several days, to arrange further discussion of employment opportunities.

Why are you writing - Let the reader know what has prompted you to communicate with them. Was it something you read or heard, if so, paraphrase the content. If your correspondence is in regards to an advertisement, clearly indicate what position you are applying for and where the advertisement was found.

Promise a benefit - Specify special skills, training, or educational experience that may increase the reader’s interest in you. Cite a particular example of a recent accomplishment in a way that will wet the reader’s appetite and help him/her see the benefits that you can bring to the company.

Refer to your particular interest in an organization - Here is an opportunity for you to tell them where your special skills can best be put to use. Through the use of words, create a picture that will actually assist the reader in imagining you as a member of their team.

The closing - This area provides the writer with an opportunity to control further communication and follow through between the writer and the recipient. Always make certain to request an interview. Give an approximate time in which you will contact the company. Never ask them to contact you at their convenience (with exception to executive recruiters and blind ads). Although a cover letter is not intended to land you the job, it most definitely can either increase or hurt your chances of your resume being read.

TYPES OF COVER AND FOLLOW-UP LETTERS

Targeted / Ad Response Cover Letter:  The most common way to hunt for jobs is to check newspaper and online listings. Many people turn to the Sunday paper to see who is hiring, how much they are paying, and how much experience these positions demand.  The effectiveness of responding to these ads is debatable. Often, companies list openings only because of "open door" regulations, and have already chosen an internal candidate.  Many openings are filled through connections before the first letters come in. Other ads are placed by companies or recruitment agencies that simply wish to test the waters. Even if the ad is legitimate, it is sure to attract dozens, even hundreds of other applicants – which is why having a standout cover letter is vital.

When responding to an advertised position, spell out in the first sentence where you learned about the job opportunity. List the exact name of the advertised job title, the name of the newspaper the ad was in (or which web site it appeared on) and the day and date the ad ran. Because companies often run several different ads at once or ads for more than one position within a department, writing "I'm responding to the advertised marketing position" may not be enough.

Referral / Networking Cover Letter:  Friends, acquaintances and family may sometimes tip you off to openings or currently hiring employers. This necessitates a different approach to the cover letter - the Referral cover letter. Connections are great things that need to be cultivated, so make sure you follow proper networking etiquette.  Do not use networking cover letters to ask for a job. People with the power to hire new employees take their responsibilities as gatekeepers seriously, and some stranger asking for a job only turns a gatekeeper off. But networking cover letters asking for career advice, information on the industry or just more contacts can often convince a powerful person like a hiring manager to become a more welcoming mentor. By using all of your connections and sending your cover letter and resume to all contacts will inform them of everything they need to know about you. By the time you do your follow-up phone call, they are prepared to tell you if you can fit into their hiring plan. Depending on how strong the contacts are, they might also be able to give you insider information on how you can make your cover letter and resume even more effective for the company in question.

Cold Contact Cover Letter:  Companies do not have to have a “hiring” sign hanging on their door in order for you to apply. If you are interested in a particular company, by all means send your cover letter and resume. These types of letters have a great advantage as they show your initiative and genuine interest in a company. The effectiveness of cold mailings ultimately depends upon the establishment you contact. Some well-organized companies actually keep resumes on file and pull them when they begin hiring. But before you rush to mail letters to every Fortune 500 company, understand that most companies lack the organization to take such care with your resume.

Be sure to demonstrate your interest in a company by presenting your knowledge about that company's history, current projects, and business plan. Once you know its plan for the future, you can tell the company how you will contribute to that strategy.

Make sure you're addressing an individual. Call reception and ask for the head of the department in which you're interested. Hiring decisions are made by the people within the department, not Human Resources, so if you have a choice, avoid HR. Contacting an individual can also create a feeling of personal responsibility in the reader that might save your documents from the shredder. Seeing one's own name creates a sense of accountability that an anonymous posting doesn't inspire.

Follow-Up Letter:  When a company opens a position for hiring, they can receive hundreds of applications for a single job.  It is very easy for your application packet to get lost in the pile.  When a company received additional information (like a professional Follow-Up Letter), they pull the application to attach the new document – which often brings your application back to the top of the pile.  This not only adds name recognition [helps them remember you] but allows you another chance to tell them why they should hire you.

Thank You Letter:  If you managed to make it through the first stage [your application packet was accepted and screened] and then you made it through the second stage [you received an interview] you are probably in the top few candidates for the job.  Another way to stand out above your competition is to send a Thank You Letter.  The Thank You Letter is a way to thank the person/people that interviewed you, to remind them what position you interviewed for, to let them know that you are still interested in the position, and to give them a specific benefit you would offer their company.  Because you want to be specific, make sure you note some things you learned about the company during the interview.  This will let the employer know that you have taken the time and interest [and felt they were important enough] to learn about them.

Not only will a Thank You Letter bring your name back to the top of the pile, but it will make you more memorable – and often will be the deciding factor if the employer is trying to decide between two or three candidates.