The Story of Stuff

By Annie Leonard

I don't really know how to describe this one. Odds are if you're reading this book you already are concerned with the waste that is produced as a result of all the stuff that is consumed. I found the book extremely interesting and a bit depressing.

Why was it depressing? Most of our waste is produced upstream of the end consumer. So when you recycle your trash you are diverting only a small fraction of the waste produced by the making of the good used. In the USA only 2.5% of waste is from municipal sources! This from 2009. It's the part of the production that's out of the hands of almost everyone that needs to be changed.

I recall reading about how Toyota (and there are other companies mentioned in the book) that are trying for zero waste. That means changing the way the raw materials are mined, processed, packaged, and distributed. Is this a lofty goal? Yes but even having a goal to shoot for is a pretty good start.

Since reading the book I've felt pretty guilty buying single serving food packaging. Especially as it's all packaged in some form of plastic. While there is often a number in a triangle of arrows (the universal recycling symbol) most plastic is unrecycleable. Only 1,2 where I live. Nice huh?

If you're Interested in the stuff we buy from extraction to disposal this is the story for you. It also was a 20 min film to began with. I'll have to try to check it out some day. It looks like you can view it on her website.