Missoni Brand Architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Missoni Brand Architecture - Essay Example From this discussion it is clear that  Missoni has diversified as part of its brand extension, and ventured into other industries that are a continuation of the lifestyle that the company seeks to offer. In this case, it has ventured into the hotel industry and already established a number of high-end hotels in other locations being on the company’s overall plan. Currently, the company’s lines of operation include the signature Missoni line, which is the mother company with divestment into other famous Missoni lines. These lines include M Missoni, which is a less expensive line; Missoni Sports, which deals with sports apparel; Missoni perfumes; Missoni Home collection, which deals with furniture; and Hotel Missoni.This paper highlights that Missoni has taken a number of measures to ensure that it remains at a favourable position among its competitors. In the fashion industry, the key determinants of brand positioning are the pricing and the direction of the brand. In line with this, the direction of the brand is the target market that the company ventures in, with some companies focusing on conservative apparel while others focus on directional apparel. On the other hand, the pricing of the products that competitors in the industry offer determines the market offering cheap products for the lower class. For Missoni, the company primarily offers products that were conservative and luxurious in nature with these products being either in the fashion industry or in the hotel industry.  ... These products include the services offered in their hotels and the products popular in the fashion industry. As a luxury brand, Missoni competes with various brands for high-end markets in both the fashion and hotel industries (see Fig. 2). Figure 2: Brand Conceptual Map of Missoni Brand Positioning In order to position itself competitively in the luxurious fashion industry, Missoni has taken a number of measures to ensure that it remains at a favourable position among its competitors. In the fashion industry, the key determinants of brand positioning are the pricing and the direction of the brand (Manlow 156). In line with this, the direction of the brand is the target market that the company ventures in, with some companies focusing on conservative apparel while others focus on directional apparel (see Fig. 1). On the other hand, the pricing of the products that competitors in the industry offer determines the market offering cheap products for the lower class (Carroll). For Misso ni, the company primarily offers products that were conservative and luxurious in nature with these products being either in the fashion industry or in the hotel industry. However, to set itself apart, the company has carried out a number of measures that have ensured that the brand positioning was for unique and luxurious products in the competitive fashion industry. Brand Differentiation Missoni’s success has been a result of the differentiated products that it has continually offered to its clients. In this regard, brand differentiation focuses on creating products that cannot be easily counterfeited due to the unique nature of the products (Manlow 156). By creating a concept that is characteristic of

Affirmative Action in the Hospitality Industry

Affirmative Action in the Hospitality Industry Abstract The paper explores how affirmative action influences employment decisions of managers in the hospitality industry. Affirmative action involves a process of ensuring fairness and justice in order to cultivate the spirit of diversity. The hospitality industry includes numerous types of corporations that provide vital services to the society. Therefore, it is imperative to understand how affirmative action is executed in the industry. Similarly, affirmative action has spread to virtually all industries; therefore, it will be appropriate to evaluate the status in the affirmative action. Human resource is an important section, not only in the hospitality industry but also other industries as well. The paper endeavors to understand how the function of human resource is handled with regard to affirmative action. The government has established a number of laws and policies that govern affirmative action in the hospitality industry as well as other industries. The paper aims at appraising the condition of affirmative action in hospitality industries. Special reference will be given to the process of appointing employees. Whether the industries appoint employees on the foundation of ensuring diversity or not will be the main focus. Introduction Affirmative action is a program that provides for the consideration of the minorities, marginalized and protected sections in the society. Therefore, fulfillment with affirmative action should result in the hiring of men and women at an equal rate. Similarly other factors like race and religion should be evaluated so as to ensure that all sections get an opportunity to obtain employment. The human resource function plays a vital role in affirmative action since hiring is a central theme in ensuring equal opportunities. The hospitality industry covers a wide range of service providers that operate throughout the world. These include hotels, restaurants, food chains and transporting. Therefore, a number of plans have been developed to effect affirmative action in the hospitality industry. Most of them have centered on the process on recruitment of employees. The essence of all these programs has been the cultivation of diversity in the work force. This has been driven by the growing tr end of affirmative action in all industries, government regulations requiring compliance with its affirmative action policies as well as the industries endeavor to have an inclusive approach to human resource. Aspects of the golden rule have had a far reaching effect on the industrys approach to hiring. In their endeavor to achieve unprecedented success in business, hospitality companies have endeavored to be inclusive in their process of hiring staff. This involves the consideration of women and other sections in the society that are considered marginalized. The development of affirmative action policies has been the trend in most companies. Therefore, the hospitality industry has joined other industries in embracing affirmative action. Affirmative Action in the Hospitality Industry Affirmative action has changed the manner in which human resource sections in companies carry out their operations. This is due to the increasing trend towards the aspect of diversity in the workforce. Therefore, corporations have realized that in order achieve success, an atmosphere of fairness must be created in the process of admitting employees into the companies (Herdman, Grubb Capehart 2009). This is gradually translating into diverse workforces who have been touted as healthy and therefore, a trajectory to success. This trend has also been inspired by the enactment of several laws that regulate the employing processes. These laws contemplate the fair consideration of all sections of society during hiring as well as the humane treatment of workers. This involves remunerations, work state of affairs and dismissal. Affirmative action has also resulted from the pressure of numerous activists and trade unions. Most of them have pushed for the introduction of fairness in the proces ses of employment in the industry. In compliance to these programs, the hospitality industry has gradually clinched affirmative action. This began with the considerations of all sections in the hiring progression (Makulilo 2009). As much as the process is still far from complete, the hospitality industry has established a number of frameworks through which affirmative action can be achieved. First among all is the inclusive recruitment course. Bargaining councils have been instrumental in entrenching affirmative action practices in the hospitality industry. Bargaining councils comprise of trade unions as well as organizations representing organizations. The councils have been instrumental in championing for the rights of workers at the work place. As much as this had little effect of the hiring procedure, it eventually led to the extension of fair treatment in the recruitment. The councils handle a number of tasks that involve compatible agreements (Kennedy 2010). They mitigate disputes and come up with numerous schemes and policies of employees. Such endeavors have contributed to the aspect of equality throughout the hospitality companies. Examples of these councils include The Tearoom, Restaurant Catering Bargaining Council and the Restaurant, Catering Allied Bargaining Council. Sectoral determination plays a significant role in the achievement of equality and better handling of staff. The hospitality industry has therefore, achieved a lot with regard to fairness especially in wages through the pressure of sect oral determination. Sectoral determinations have provided for the wage rate to be based on the number of employees in an organization. Therefore, organizations with small numbers of employees pay more. Several acts that are relevant with the hospitality industry have been instrumental in the practice of fairness and equality in the sector. Most of the acts have programs that ensure the achievement of good care and treatment for the employees (Taylor 2010). The Occupational Health and Safety Act endeavors to ensure that employees are accorded adequate healthcare and safety in the working environment. Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Deceases Act aims at ensuring that employees who incur sicknesses and injuries at the work place are taken care of. The act discourages discrimination of these workers and prescribes the kind of treatment that should be given to them. The Employment Equity Act seeks to uphold evenhandedness in the work environment. The act also promotes equivalent chances to all employees. All corporations that deal in hospitality attempt to realize merit in their operations. However, only companies that ultimately make use of the ability of racial and sexual diversity achieve their objectives. The diversity of the population provides for equal approach to hiring (Lickstein 2010). Therefore, only companies that consider the diversity of talent and society manage to navigate beyond normal performance. Furthermore, in order to compete favorably since the 1990s, companies have been forced to embrace equality in job opportunities at all stages. The job environments must conform to the standards of equality by all means. The demographic inclinations that are responsible for changes in personnel stipulate the skill of managing diversity be cultivated in all levels of administration (Lickstein 2010). The demographic indicators predict an increase in diversity of the society in the future. Therefore, corporations must cultivate the aspect of managing diversity among the managers at all levels. This will ensure that the corporations continually carry out their operations in the future. Without an open approach to diversity it will not be possible for hospitality organizations to operate. The indicators show that the majority of jobs in the future will arise from the service industry. Most of them will be about information. This shows that the jobs require intellectual prowess alone. As a result, gender, race and age will not be barriers. Corporations must therefore, embrace affirmative action since future jobs will be suitable for men and women as well as all races and groups. The rate of immigrants is going to increase (Kahlenberg 2010). This means that the number of immigrant workers will increase. Organizations must put in place equality mechanisms so as to take advantage of the increase in potential workers. Only those corporations that will have adopted affirmative action will benefit from the services of migrant workers. The hospitality industry is on the spot since projections indicate that economic development will rely directly on the claim of products are sensitive to incomes. These include restaurant meals, tourism, healthcare, and travel and luxury foods. Therefore, the industry must ensure that its operations are not obstructed by traditional approaches to employment and discriminations. Affirmative action remains the best way forwards in the restructuring of hospitality organization. Most of the fresh workers in the future will be minorities. Therefore, without a prudent approach to employee hiring based on equality, organizations will miss out on the new employees. The fact that, most new employees will be minorities indicates that, hospitality organizations must fully embrace affirmative action so as to be in a position to manage a diverse workforce. Diversity must be cultivated in the management and operation of the corporations. Most importantly, hiring decisions together with the managem ent of employees must be changed to confirm to norms of equality. The number of black women will rise unexpectedly. Black women will account for the largest share in the nonwhite work category. Consequently black women will surpass black men in the labor force. Gender based discrimination will have no place in the work force since most potential workers will be women. Affirmative action is the only way for companies to operate in the future. Accordingly racism must be brought to an end since blacks will form an integral account of the entire labor force. Similarly white males who have been the major component of the work force are slated to reduce drastically. They will only comprise of 15% of the entire workforce. Therefore, black and other minorities must be ready to take the dominant position in the workforce. Affirmative Action Support and Challenges Affirmative action has the backing of many people; it is perceived as the only means towards equality. Affirmative action is essentially founded of a moral and equitable platform with the best objectives. As a result, several organizations and sections of the public and society support the concept (Dodson 2010). This has been the key driving force in the success of affirmative action in the hospitality industry. Numerous corporations have initiated programs that aim at ensuring the full implementation of the affirmative action. This has led to the creation of several affirmative action policies by organizations. The policies have been informed by several consultations between these organizations and the relevant stakeholders. The role played by the government in setting guidelines has also been instrumental. The most viable transformation has been the attitudinal change. The society has fully come to embrace the aspect of equality as envisaged in the affirmative action. Most of these involve racism, sexism and other shapes of inequity. The work place has been the major battleground for all these forms of inequality. However, industry players have come to recognize the importance of initiating equality programs in their operations (Anim 2010). The most visible application of affirmative action has been identical opportunities during the appointing process. However, the implementation of affirmative action in the hospitality industry has been subject to a number of challenges. The greatest challenge has been the aspect of racism. The concept of racial preference has complicated efforts to cultivate equality in employment and workplace relations (Krotoszynski 2010). This has been brought about by the connection of race and preference. It has been burdensome to society since through this link racism is inculcated in society in the name of stigma that ought to be eradicated. Partisan treatment to certain races in the name of ensuring equality has been counterproductive. In fact quotas have been a setback in the affirmative action endeavors. This is because quotas and other forms of partisan treatments institutionalize inequality. In order for affirmative to be successful organizations must move away from any counterproductive practices that undermine equality. Equality in organizations can only be achieved through the adoption of structures that establish equal prospects for all. Any practice that seeks to assist certain sections of the society at the expense of others cannot achieve affirmative action. Therefore, the biggest threat to affirmative action in organizations is the focus on short-term goals. Some organizations have evolved a system of creating reservations and quotas for certain sections of the society. This practice might be fruitful in the short run; it has negative effects on affirmative action. Such organizations soon institutionalize inequality through the favoritism. Affirmative action in the organizations requires the culture of diversity coupled with prudent management of the same. Rigidity in organizations is another aspect that limits the implementation of affirmative action. To counter this trend, organizations ought to develop an atmosphere that cultivates diversity in the workplace. Such an arrangement will leave no room for unnecessary hindrances in the implementation of affirmative action. As much as the major attitudinal obstructions are found in societies, business organizations can play an important role by cultivating diversity and equality in their operations (Alam and Roy 2007). The first way is to ensure that hiring remains a transparent and equal forum for all sections of the society. This should be complemented by the provision of equivalent chances for all employees irrespective of their gender and racial background. The establishment of structure that favors affirmative action remains the best way to achieve equality in the organizations. Minorities ought to be accorded equivalent opportunities so as to allow them to grow and compete favorably in the organizations. The equal treatment of minorities will have several benefits in the organizations apart from ensuring equality. First will be the perpetuity of organizations. With respect to future projections, only organizations that provide equal treatment to minorities will survive. This is due to the fact that most potential worker will come from minority category. Organizations with no meaningful structures for diversity and equality often find it difficult to achieve their goals in the midst of the changes. It is virtually impossible to achieve growth in modern times without credible affirmative action policies. Equality can also not be achieved with the necessary structures in place. Companies in the hospitality industry that fully embrace equality mechanism as far as opportunity is concerned succeed because of the inherent mutual culture and structure. Through the commitment of the companies, right from the highest levels of management and accountability of the personnel development and the provision of equal chance, an inclusive diverse atmosphere is founded in which all people irrespective of their gender and race can make their contribution to the organization (Winston 2008). Through the success of their workforce, accommodative organizations often realize the efficiency, innovativeness and synergy to effectively compete and realize financial breakthrough. Therefore, such organization comprehend that unfairness is harmful to the individuals, corporations as well as the society. Organizations that wholly build and manage culturally diverse abilities of its employees normally derive benefit associated with them. Similarly rigid organizations cannot benefit from the services of culturally diverse workforce. Employees in culturally diverse organizations work in broadly environments. Their tasks are defined widely and they have the liberty to perform their jobs as well as come up with groups and methodologies they deem fit. Furthermore, the employees have the freedom to participate in new tasks. Diverse organizations concentrate of the development of their employees (Reistad et al., 2010). Therefore, such organizations often have efficient communication systems across the different departments of the organization. These corporations react constructively to change, have effective workers and encourage the growth of minorities. Great prominence is laid of training of workers. The benefits from these endeavors, pose these organizations for financial success as well as better future prospects (Reistad et al., 2010). Conclusion Affirmative action has taken root in several business organizations. This trend has been necessitated by the need to cultivate equality and diversity in the workplace. Companies in the hospitality industry have not been left behind. A number of measures have been taken by organizations in the hospitality industry, to entrench affirmative action in their operations. This has mostly involved the hiring practice. Organizations have evolved to ensure that all sections of society irrespective of gender and race obtain their equal share of opportunities of jobs. Furthermore, the working situations in several organizations from the hospitality sector have inducted diversity in their systems. The cultivation of a culture of diversity in these organizations has resulted in equal management of staff at the workplace. Most importantly, it has involved the uplifting of minorities through the opportunities for their growth. The entrenchment of structures that guarantee diversity and equality has been of great success in the organizations. The trend of affirmative action has been boosted by a number of factors. These include future projections which indicate an increase in minorities in the potential workforce category. Government policies have also pressed corporations to clinched affirmative action. Affirmative action has fully been embraced by most organizations in the hospitality industry.

Ovids Metamorphoses: An Example of Chaos Versus Order :: Ovid Metamorphoses Essays

Ovid's Metamorphoses: An Example of Chaos Versus Order Ovid's Metamorphoses is an example of chaos versus order. I think that is what makes it hard to follow. There is just so much chaos moving from one book to another with barely a transition. I think what the anti-epic is trying to show is that everyone has flaws. In the beginning of time a flood changed the earth. The earth was made pure and two by two it began to prosper and grow again. This was chaos followed by order. The poem continues with Cupid being angry with Apollo and shooting him with his arrow. Apollo sees the beautiful Daphne and begins to chase her. This was the human instinct of desire and the power of love. She pleads with her father to change her form and help her to escape. She is changed into a laurel tree, but that does not stop Apollo from claiming her as his property. Apollo's son Phaethon drives the chariot of the sun and spins out of control, another example of chaos. "Book One of Ovid's Metamorphoses establishes the book's theme of metamorphoses with a tale of creation that progresses into human stories leading to the current breed of man. The creation piece is followed by a flood story and a discussion of the ages of mankind. The ages of mankind - gold, silver, bronze, and iron - describe man's slow progression from a good, wholesome society into a miserable, self-destructive one. The next stories concern tales of gods and goddesses and their manipulations of the human population and each other. Book one ends (appropriately) with Phaethon's journey to meet his father, the sun, thus establishing Ovid's theme of quests for change."(auburn. edu) The book continues with man's desire. Desire can rule the head and cripple the heart. These actions can lead to punishment. We are guided by our feelings. Juno is the jealous wife of Jove. Jove attempted to hide his rape of Io from Juno by transforming her into a white heifer. I don't know if it was love or shame that helped Jove give up Lo. Jove gave her up to Argus. Io could not ask for help because she could not speak. This is symbolic of rape because if she says something it might happen again. Rape changes you physically and mentally. Io's own father Inachus could not help her. Ovid's Metamorphoses: An Example of Chaos Versus Order :: Ovid Metamorphoses Essays Ovid's Metamorphoses: An Example of Chaos Versus Order Ovid's Metamorphoses is an example of chaos versus order. I think that is what makes it hard to follow. There is just so much chaos moving from one book to another with barely a transition. I think what the anti-epic is trying to show is that everyone has flaws. In the beginning of time a flood changed the earth. The earth was made pure and two by two it began to prosper and grow again. This was chaos followed by order. The poem continues with Cupid being angry with Apollo and shooting him with his arrow. Apollo sees the beautiful Daphne and begins to chase her. This was the human instinct of desire and the power of love. She pleads with her father to change her form and help her to escape. She is changed into a laurel tree, but that does not stop Apollo from claiming her as his property. Apollo's son Phaethon drives the chariot of the sun and spins out of control, another example of chaos. "Book One of Ovid's Metamorphoses establishes the book's theme of metamorphoses with a tale of creation that progresses into human stories leading to the current breed of man. The creation piece is followed by a flood story and a discussion of the ages of mankind. The ages of mankind - gold, silver, bronze, and iron - describe man's slow progression from a good, wholesome society into a miserable, self-destructive one. The next stories concern tales of gods and goddesses and their manipulations of the human population and each other. Book one ends (appropriately) with Phaethon's journey to meet his father, the sun, thus establishing Ovid's theme of quests for change."(auburn. edu) The book continues with man's desire. Desire can rule the head and cripple the heart. These actions can lead to punishment. We are guided by our feelings. Juno is the jealous wife of Jove. Jove attempted to hide his rape of Io from Juno by transforming her into a white heifer. I don't know if it was love or shame that helped Jove give up Lo. Jove gave her up to Argus. Io could not ask for help because she could not speak. This is symbolic of rape because if she says something it might happen again. Rape changes you physically and mentally. Io's own father Inachus could not help her.

Acid and Shoe

CHAPTER 1 Introduction Background of the Study Like many other hygiene convenience, shoe polish or can also be called boot polish is usually a wax , cream or paste used by people to shine, water proof and restore the appearance of leather shoes. This extends the footwear’s life. This is made up of many kinds of chemicals and because of this; it can cause irritations, allergies to us. In our generation, shoe polish is used every day and companies produce a lot of it to meet the demands of consumers. This leads to chemical wastes.We the researchers would like to find or discover materials like banana peelings, leaves, or trash and use them as alternatives for these chemicals but without sacrificing the effectiveness of the shoe polish. Recently the Philippines has experienced flash floods and according to the disaster agency of the Philippines more than 338,000 people in 13 provinces were affected by the disaster, with nearly 43,000 still in schools, churches and gymnasiums. Thi s was mainly caused by illegal logging and improper disposal of garbage.If we are successful in using trash as alternative for making shoe polish we could lessen the trash in the streets because companies would be collecting these trashes to produce their product. As of now, Ateneo de Iloilo students and teachers are using leather shoes when going to school and when it rains it could damage the physical appearance of the shoes which would lead them to buy new ones. Many of them uses shoe polish to protect and clean their shoes and some are not safe when it comes in contact with skin, eyes or other sensitive parts of the body.Our investigation could benefit them because they would be able to homemade shoe polish that would not cause harm or irritations to them. The investigators chose this study because of curiosity and that the investigators are looking for other alternatives in making a shoe polish which is convenient and safe to use. It is through this experiment that most of us c ould greatly benefit in ways that are useful in our everyday lives. Statement of the Problem This study seeks to answer the following questions: What other components can be added in making the shoe polish that would make it a better alternative than those bought in stores?How effective is the presence of the glycerin, charcoal, citric acid in the making of the shoe polish? Will these alternative components be sufficient in making a great shoe polish? What factors affect the efficiency span of the shoe polish? Hypotheses In view of the preceding questions, the following hypotheses are advanced: 1. The harder the charcoal, the smoother and finer shoe polish can be made. 2. The given alternatives are sufficient in the making of shoe polish. 3. Considering that you undergo the process of heating, the more you stir the finer the shoe polish. . The more number of kerosene drops, the slimier the polish. 5. The greater the volume of the water added, the less effective the polish. Significa nce of the Study The investigators believed that the result of the study will be beneficial to the following: Students. This study could help the students by adding some information on their knowledge about shoe polishes. This could also enhance their creativity and resourcefulness while doing the study. Shoe shiners. This study can help shoe shiners by giving them alternative ways on how to create their own shoe polish.Instead of buying the industrial shoe polish, they can use their own creation. It’s more cheaper, less expensive and more convenient. Environment. This study can help the recycling department in our environment. Instead of using the normal ingredients, we can use trash as the main ingredient. In this study, we are not only learning on the alternative ways on how to make shoe polish but also helping the environment at the same time by recycling and reducing of things. Future investigators. This study could serve as a basis for them to do more esearch and add mo re information to the things that we have done. This could also be a form of help to them as a source of information on how to start the research. Scope and Limitations This study revolves or focuses only on the topics about shoe polish and it’s processes. The experiment is only limited to 2 sub trials per trial. The study is limited to safe components that can be used for comparative testing. Thus, flammable or corrosive materials will not be appropriate to use in the investigation. Definition of terms 1.Glycerin – is a thick liquid that is colorless and sweet tasting. It has a high boiling point and freezes to a paste. Glycerin's most common use is in soap and other beauty products like lotions, though it is also used, in the form of nitroglycerin, to create dynamite. (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary) In this study Glycerin is used as a component in making a shoe polish. 2. Charcoal – a dark or black porous carbon prepared from vegetable or animal substances (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary) In this study charcoal is used as a component in making a shoe polish. 1.Citric acid – is a natural,  weak organic acid  that is found in many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus. Because citric acid is also a byproduct of the  citric acid cycle, it is also produced by many living organisms, including mold. (Foodreference. about. com) In this study citric acid is used as a component in making a shoe polish. 2. Soap – A substance used with water for washing and cleaning, made of a compound of natural oils or fats with sodium hydroxide or another strong alkali, and typically having perfume and coloring added (Google. com) In this study soap is used as a component in making a shoe polish.

The Ripple Effect of Smoking

The Ripple Effect of Smoking It has become common knowledge that smoking is bad for people’s health, nonetheless people continue to smoke. To be honest, that is fine. If people want to endanger themselves by smoking then I wish them a swift and peaceful end (though most smokers die a slow and agonizing death). What is not acceptable is the effect that smoke has on non-smokers who have almost no way of getting away from smoke unless they want to stay in their house. Smokers affect everyone around them for the worse. Smoking should be restricted or banned from all public places because the health of non-smokers should not be jeopardized by secondhand smoke. As stated before, almost everyone knows and accepts the fact that smoking is unhealthy. For those who don’t know, Phillip Morris, one of the leading tobacco manufacturers, must tell them that very fact. As part of a settlement agreement with the government, Philip Morris must publish that they â€Å"agrees with the overwhelming medical and scientific consensus that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema (where the lungs basically break down), and other serious diseases inn smokers† (Philip Morris U. S. A. 1). Yet some don’t know how bad smoking actually is for people, both for the smokers and non-smokers alike. According to Michele Late, author for The Nation’s Health, published by the American Public Health Association, â€Å"A new report by the U. S. urgeon general found that smoking causes disease in almost every organ of the human body. † So aside from common knowledge that smoking causes lung cancer as well as other respiratory problems and diseases, people need to know that it also causes cancer in almost every other part of the body. Among those diseases are, â€Å"leukemia, cataracts, and pneumonia as well as cancers of th e pancreas, cervix, and kidneys† (Late). According to the surgeon general’s report, â€Å"Other complications linked to smoking included diabetes complications, hip fractures and reproductive complications† (Late). Why anyone would want to smoke with the knowledge that smoking causes these problems is beyond reason. Ultimately though, it is a person’s choice as to whether they want to cause harm to themselves by smoking or not. Although people may choose to smoke, it is unfair of them to inflict the consequences of their choice upon others. The smoke that smokers put out into the air is nearly as harmful as what they take in to their own systems. When non- smokers happen to be in the vicinity of a smoker they inhale what the smoker puts out. This is called secondhand smoke. A definition from Philip Morris U. S. A. ’s website states that, â€Å"Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke or ETS, is a combination of the smoke coming from the lit end of a cigarette plus the smoke exhaled by a person smoking† (Philip Morris U. S. A2). Secondhand smoke is almost as harmful to the non-smoker as the firsthand smoke is to the smoker. According to William V. Corr, the executive director of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, â€Å"Secondhand smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals and 69 known carcinogens, including formaldehyde, cyanide, arsenic, carbon monoxide, methane, benzene, and radioactive polonium 210. With all these known cancer causing products in secondhand smoke, it is not surprising that, â€Å"secondhand smoke is proven to cause lung cancer and serious respiratory illnesses† (Corr). Secondhand smoke also causes, â€Å"asthma, respiratory infections, cough, wheeze, otitis media (middle ear infection) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,† (Philip Mor ris U. S. A. 2) in children. According to Donna Halvorsen, writer for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, â€Å"The CDC (The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that 3,000 nonsmokers die of lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke each year. An additional 35,000 die of heart disease also from secondhand smoke†¦Ã¢â‚¬  It is unfair to make those who choose not to smoke be damaged by the secondhand smoke of a smoker. What is the solution to this problem? The most effective solution is to ban smoking in all public places. If people who want to smoke then they can do so in the privacy of their own homes, where they can only hurt themselves and their loved ones. California has taken the first step by banning smoking in most indoor establishments. Yet more has to be done. It needs to be banned outdoors in public as well. Though the theory that outdoors smoke dissipates has some validity, if you are within 20 feet of a smoker, you are still affected. Other atmospheric conditions can cause you to be affected from farther away. There will be arguments against this solution, the main one being personal freedom. Opponents will say that their personal freedom to smoke is being violated. Though right now, smokers are violating millions of people’s rights. A non-smoker’s right to live in an uncontaminated and healthy environment is being violated by the smoker who chooses to engage in this repulsive habit. A non-smoker’s right to a longer, pain free life is being taken away by the diseases they get from inhaling secondhand smoke. This solution, though the most effective, is also the most extreme. Until we reach an ideal society where smoking is nonexistent, there are ways to help alleviate the problems posed by secondhand smoke. One is to have separate rooms in public places with high quality air filters. They have started doing this in airports. A new renovation is smokeless cigarettes. A U. S. company that makes this product is Longherb Health Products, Inc. According to them, â€Å"This smokeless product, which consists of a menthol or cinnamon-flavored filter material – like that used in a cigarette filter – looks and feels like a cigarette, but contains no tobacco or nicotine, and does not burn. The smokers simply draw or inhale on Smoker's Option Cigarettes whenever they have the desire to smoke cigarettes. † Unfortunately there is the problem that cigarettes are addictive. Some who are addicted to cigarettes need one every hour. An addiction causes physical pain when you don’t have your addictive substance. To help people quit there are many different solutions. They range from patches, to gum, to medication. Philip Morris U. S. A. has links on their website that can help you quit smoking, one being QuitAssistâ„ ¢. The information for quit assist was written by and is maintained by Cheryl K. Olson, Sc. D. of Harvard Medical School, as well as a review board. Secondhand smoke is a problem that must be dealt with. There are alternatives to smoking and ways to deal with secondhand smoke. Smoking must be banned or severely restricted in public for the well being of the multitudes of innocent non-smokers.