The story of stuff
A new short film was released last week that takes viewers on a provocative tour of our consumer-driven culture — from resource extraction to computer incineration — exposing the real costs of this use-it and lose-it approach to stuff.
Throughout the 20-minute film, activist Annie Leonard, the film’s narrator and an expert on the materials economy, examines the social, environmental and global costs of extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal.
From the limited life cycle of personal computers to changes in footwear fashion, Leonard demonstrates that products are either designed to be regularly replaced or to convince consumers that their stuff needs to be upgraded. This notion of planned and perceived obsolescence drives the machine of American consumerism year round.
This is a great thing to pass along to all your friends. Its an effective way to get people to see the big picture.
Watch full video here: www.storyofstuff.com
Katie, thanks for posting this link. I've been involved in the environmental movement since Earth Day 1970, and this is the best explanation I've seen of how consumerism is consuming our planet and degrading the quality of life for everyone, while lining the pockets of the wealthy at the expense of everyone. Just think of all of the retired or retiring millionaires seeking meaning in their lives after having spent decades being drones of consumerism. Annie Leonard isn't just an environmentalist. She's a deprogrammer!
And, Steven, good luck finding a nontoxic perfume! Most perfumes contain toxic poisons and many people become ill from them. Some include neurotoxins that potentiate our perception of the scents. Following is a Greenpeace link on perfumes: www.greenpeace.org/international/news/toxic-valentine.
Peace, Earon Davis www.divineprimates.zaadz.com/blog
posted by Earon on 12/30/2007 7:08 pm