I got the following two sites from Barb J.
She sent “The Story of Stuff” last Christmas and the “Garbage Dump Reality Show” one a couple months later. I didn't get the first one posted last Christmas so put it in the “on deck” circle for next Christmas (which is why there's been a “December 2008” line showing up on the calendar on the left side of this blog for the last little while.)
When she sent the other one, she pointed out that Earth Day would also be a good time to post these stories. So that's what I'm doing. Here's her original “Story of Stuff” e-mail…
Apologies if you've already seen this or heard about it – it seems to be spreading across Facebook and the 'web pretty quickly. But it's a concise and humbling (if also somewhat politically charged) description of the consumption cycle. More than your usual “rah-rah go environment” stuff, this really examines the role that WE play in consumption (including the psychological effects of fashion and advertising). It's a pretty good site, although the video is long (over 10 minutes, I think) so watch it when you have the time to sit through it.
http://www.storyofstuff.com/
An especially potent message at this time of year, when it's ALL about consumption (especially as a way to demonstrate your feelings for others).
And here's the other one she sent…
Came across this article in Salon about a new reality show which places contestants in a garbage dump to demonstrate how much good "stuff" gets thrown away. Reminded me of the Story of Stuff clip. I know you said you have it bookmarked or whatever for next Christmas. It could also work for Earth Day (in April). At any rate, this story seemed to go hand in hand with the Story of Stuff:
http://www.salon.com/ent/tv/review/2008/03/08/dumped/
Oh, and everyone who thinks Barb should start a blog, stick out your tongue! (I don't have a "hands raised" emoticon)
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