For almost 20 years, I have been using non-toxic cleaning products. Several years ago, I changed "out" my light bulbs. I use
environmentally friendly antifreeze for my car and all-natural fertilizer for my lawn. I thought I was being environmentally conscientious. Then a friend of mine asked me "what's in your garbage?"
She wanted to know if I had ever given any thought to how things were made, like electronics or appliances. Furthermore, she wanted to know if I ever wondered what happens when I throw away those items
that don't work anymore or can't be repaired. But the real kicker was when she asked me "did I know that Americans were known as the world's biggest consumers? Had I ever heard that we were a "throw-away society?" I certainly didn't like that description; that I, as an American, was only known for "buying stuff."
She then told me about a website that I might find very interesting if I wanted to get the full scoop regarding the production, consumption and disposal of "stuff" I used every day. She sent me to: the Story of Stuff.com
The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard is a 20 minute online presentation that tells all:
"From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in
our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is
hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff
exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and
social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and
just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it
just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever."
"What's in YOUR garbage?"
Tags: Garbage Stuff Story Of Stuff Manufacture Disposal
