Story of Stuff

In preparing for the Peacemaking Conference, (which was amazing!) I stumbled across a really delightful website called The Story of Stuff. Annie Leonard, the site's creator, has developed this helpful resource to detail the process of where the stuff in our life comes from. On the site you can find a 20 minute presentation she has put together as a brief summation of her research into consumerism. She weaves environmental, social, political, and economic concerns into a fast paced presentation. The video provides a great entry point for analyzing our own consumption. All of the resources and the video are available for free and definetly worth checking out. 

Perhaps what I appreciated most about Annie's work is that she reaches out to people on many levels. Annie uses humor and a stylized presentation to convey the content of the message she is sharing. She calls us to modify our consumption as Americans by highlighting the consequences of our actions. If, after seeing the video, you are interested in further study, an extensive resource section is available.

While there is nothing explicitly theological in her work, The Story of Stuff, is an excellent presentation on the problems of modern day consumerism. This story calls us to change our habits and would readily compliment any Bible study on living simply. If you are preparing a Bible study or discussion on globalization, consumption, or stewardship, The Story of Stuff may be a nice compliment. In my workshop at the Peacemaking conference, A Day in the Life of a Global Consumer, we watched this video and had a great follow up discussion. I found this to be a great resource that worked well for people concerned about globalization and consumption and thought it would be helpful to share.

Comments

[Marci Phares]

You might want to check further into exactly who has funded this project - The Tides Foundation which is a George Soros socialist organization. Also, in fairness to America, you might want to also look at the other side of this issue: Story of Stuff Critique:

Part 1 of 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5uJgG05xUY

Part 2 of 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZzHU3ZfTtY&feature=channel

Part 3 of 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgLrZc7cws8&feature=channel

Part 4 of 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XeW5ilk-9Y&feature=channel

I'm not happy to see Socialism preached to me by my church.

[Heather]

Marci...I am glad to see a voice of reason on this website. Have any of the people that are teaching and preaching this garbage even looked into the sources from which it comes? I am seriously questioning my participitation in the Presbyterian Church. One pastor in our church seems to be marching in lock step with the progressive agenda. I go to church to learn God's word and how it can help me be a better person. I am tired of listening to my pastor interject her political beliefs and progressive rants. It is very sad, because my family and I are very attached to the people of the church. I just don't know how much longer I can support a church (PCUSA as a whole) that so openly supports Socialism and bashes the American way of life. I think PCUSA will soon either see their numbers drop or have a lot of angry parishoners on their hands. God bless you in your journey. And God bless America.

[Cathy]

Just on a whim, I typed in Tides Foundation on the PCUSA website. I was shocked when it actually appeared, and when I read that someone in our church is promoting the socialist "The Story of Stuff." After seeing where our church supports abortion, gun control and boycotting Arizona, I had my name removed as a member of the Presbyterian Church. I no longer want any of my money going to support political endeavors that I don't believe in.

[Ralph Morrison]

Let's see, the Tides Foundation (George Soros' way to launder his ill gotten gains and support far left causes)
paid for this video. Add this to the Huffington Post, Media Matters, the Center for American Progress---and now NPR. You may want to join the ultra progressive United Church of Christ in having your tax free status questioned through political activity, but I want nothing to do with such a church. I have contacted my local pastor to start a discussion within our congregation. Maybe some of those EVIL CAPITALISTS
who donate would like to know what the church stands for.

[Marci]

Glad to see I'm not the only one looking at what our church now stands for. We are considering whether to work within our local church to enlighten others, or to move on to another church. I am seriously concerned that most folks won't believe or be moved to care.

I don't go to church to hear political propaganda. I look forward to hearing God's word, to bring the right prospective into my life, so that I can make the choices God would have me make. With God's help, I will make those choices - not the govt. or even my church.

God bless all.