Last night my daughter and I went to the Nantucket Atheneum to hear Annie Leonard, author of The Story of Stuff speak on every one's obsession with stuff and it's effect on us, the planet and what we can do about it.
Annie began by sharing that she took a tour of the Madaket dump that morning and was thrilled at the recycling rates on Nantucket - 92%! Kudos to Nantucket town, it's citizens and visitors for that achievement. Unfortunately, much of the USA is not doing anywhere near that well. Let's face it, most Americans generate a LOT of trash, on average, 4.5 lbs. per citizen in the US.
Annie also shared that we're going through way more resources than the Earth can provide, somewhere between 1.3 and 1.6 TIMES the Earth's resources, each year. Hardly a sustainable pace.
So what can we do about it? First, watch the Story of Stuff video. Second, choose non-toxic products from cleaning to personal care to electronics and appliances. The Good Guide is a great place to start, although not all brands are listed. Third, vow to do without that umpteenth pair of shoes or another new whatever. In other words stop buying what you already have. Next, donate what you don't need to the Hospital Thrift Shop, "Madaket Mall," FreeCycle, or wherever - pass it on to someone who needs what you no longer need.
And last but by no means least, invite a few friends over... for coffee, for appetizers, for dinner, for dessert, just because. Life is about living, and it's about people. What makes us happiest is not all the stuff, it's the connections and friendships we make and have. So call a friend and get together!
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Annie was invited to speak at the Nantucket Atheneum by ReMain Nantucket. Their mission is "dedicated to strengthening the lasting economic, environmental, and social vitality of downtown Nantucket, while preserving its unique character and spirit." Thank You!
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