1. Eco-Maniacs “We put good in and we get good out”

2. Our company decided to “go green” for one week by not using a essential piece of technology. We chose our cell phones so that we could try to save energy/battery life ~Christine Simon, Chief Going Green!

3. Initially, our company noticed a lack of communication with friends led to more time either on the computer or doing work. Of course, landlines could be used to make important phone calls, but unnecessary calls were usually put off until the next day. We had fewer conversations with friends. As the week progressed, the lack of a cell phone began to impact our daily schedules more significantly. For example, we found that we needed to plan ahead more for activities. Without a cell phone to call home, we had to plan our schedules with our parents. This also reduced our overall freedom because everything we did had to be planned out completely ahead of time. When we had free time, we generally found ourselves doing something more productive with our time than just texting. By the end of the week, we accepted some problems of not having cell phones such as less unnecessary conversations. However, we did not adapt as well to not being able to go out without having planned or to being out of touch with friends, family, and co-workers when we really needed to contact them. ~Lucia Darrow, Overseer Records!

4. We chose 3 company members to share their ideas on how they did without the use of their cell phone for one week: Chris Choung, Green Thumb #1 Rachel Amoroso, Green Thumb #2 Andy Hersh, Green Thumb #3

5. From my experiencing living without my cell phone for the week, I can honestly say I would not be able to survive. I decided to set aside my Iphone for a few days. At first this task was easy and I had no ambition to look at my phone until I began receiving calls and texts from friends. It was difficult to see my phone’s screen turning on and hearing the sounds of my phone ring, but I remained true to my task. As I studied and finished my homework, I realized I had much more time left than I usually would have if I had my phone in my pocket. It seems as though I finished my work faster without any means of distractions: no sounds, no lights blinking, and no desire to respond to friends’ messages. Although I was able to live without my cell phone for a while, I began to have the temptation to view my messages and missed calls. This habit started to agitate me and make me focus less on my work as I sat there timidly. I am not sure if this piece of technology simplifies my living as a student or family member, but cell phones do help occupy users with its vast possibilities. Chris Choung, Green Thumb #1

6. I went this weekend without using my phone and it wasn't all that bad. It was relaxing to get away from any gossip or drama my friends sometimes text me about and I doubt I missed any extremely important texts. It was hard to communicate with my co-workers but we pulled through. Also it was hard to coordinate things with my parents but eventually we worked it out. I could live without my cell phone if I had to, but I'm glad I do not have to because it is very useful. Rachel Amoroso, Green Thumb #2

7. By cutting using my cell phone from my life, I was able to free a lot of time in my day. This is because without it, I was not able to text others or play games on my phone, and it forced me to find other ways to entertain myself or talk to people. I learned to make plans with people days ahead of time and also to discuss plans with co-workers ahead of time. Although it does provide a lot of fun, I believe I could easily live without my cell phone as it is only another gadget that uses up energy that needs to be saved. Andy Hersh, Green Thumb #3

8. We concluded that it is possible for humans to live without technological devices such as cell phones, but it is not as easy as it seems. Most green thumbs were able to give up their cell phones with no problem but some struggled in doing so. For the most part, the majority of us were able to complete this task of “Going Green!” I am very proud of my corporation. ~Christine Simon, Chief Conclusion