An enlightening video from the Story of Stuff team

I love the dedication of Annie Leonard and her team at The Story of Stuff. Here's another enlightening video!



So you're probably wondering how does this video relate to a Green blog? Easy, when corporations can funnel unlimited dollars to the candidates they want to get elected, Americans have less choice as "Joe Limited Funds" can't effectively compete with corporate backed "Joe UNlimited Funds".

The recent Supreme Court decision to grant corporations the same free speech abilities as individual Americans has in my opinion tipped the scales, giving corporations a louder voice than individual Americans. And since I don't usually feel corporations share the same values and interests I have, this scares me... and it should scare you too.

After you watch the video please let me know what you think.

Best of Health,
Susan

People Matter, Things Don't - The Story of Stuff at the Nantucket Atheneum

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!

The Story of Stuff

Great video (which won't post) on the real story of all the stuff we buy, use and discard. I encourage you, check it out on their website TheStoryOfStuff.com