From extraction to disposal, the amount of 'stuff' we consume affects our planet, environmentally as well as socially. The Story of Stuff, a creatively produced informational video, gives us a behind-the-scenes, underside look at the (damaging) linear system of our consumer habits.
And for the record, I admit to being guilty of consumerism. And even though I think I'm fairly resourceful and I recycle a lot of the stuff I buy (patching ripped bed sheets instead of tossing them, saving and reusing gift wraps and shoe boxes for other uses, etc.,), we live in a society where when something rips/breaks/tatters, we toss it and get new stuff. While I call buying cool stuff 'retail therapy' (why does shopping have to feel so damn good??) there is more to the so-called materials economy than meets the eye.
Even though The Story of Stuff video makes me feel guilty about my spending habits, it also galvanizes me to be more conscientious about every purchase I make from now now. I'm not admitting to going completely green with my consumeristic habits, but I'm definitely shooting for teal right now. Baby steps.
