Americans have way too much Stuff, and way too much of it is toxic. That’s the message Annie Leonard has been spreading ever since her college days, and most recently in her short Internet film The Story of Stuff, which has been viewed by over 12 million people. But the film is only the tip of the iceberg.
This astonishing, inspiring book takes her message to an even higher level. In it she outlines the perils of overconsumption as she traces products back to their sources, through their life spans, and forward into their disposal. The Story of Stuff works on all levels as it brings together information on the environment, the economy, and cultures around the world.
With her trademark compassion, curiosity, and playfulness, Leonard gives firsthand accounts of sneaking into dumps and factories around the world; chronicles the lives of Haitian textile workers and Congolese kids working in deadly mines; shows how our health and well-being are compromised by neurotoxins in our pillows and lead in our children’s lunch boxes; and most important, tells us that this is not the way things have to be. She presents concrete steps for taking action that point the way toward saving our health, our communities, and the planet.
From high school kids to their parents in the suburbs, from government officials to people working in corporations, schools, and churches, The Story of Stuff is a life-changing book. Like Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, it will transform the way you think and act.
My thoughts
Annie Leonard’s book The Story of Stuff is filled with facts and practical advice on how we can make this a better planet by recycling and managing our consumption of both natural and artificial goods. I believe in what she writes about and am a big fan of freecycling. But to get the rest of the planet to believe is going to b a difficult task. Many people find it easier to consume and throw away than recycle and reuse. One day it will be late. Such is the world of consumerism. Maybe the corporations should learn a thing or two.
Disclosure: I received this book for review from the publisher. I received no compensation for my thoughts.
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