The Story of Stuff

With the Christmas Shopping season in full-swing a new film from Freerange, The Story of Stuff, asks consumers to consider what happens to the unwanted gifts of previous years.

In the 20 minute long documentary, activist and narrator, Annie Leonard, examines the roots of consumerism, in post-World War II economic policy and its continuation today. She shows how the notion of planned and perceived obsolescence drives the machine of consumerism year round, with consumers convinced that their stuff needs to be upgraded.

From here Annie goes on to look at the whole consumer cycle from resource extraction to ipod incineration, and highlights the devastating consequences for our environment, third-world nations, personal health and general state of happiness that our addiction to shopping has created.

The film is free to download from the website, www.storyofstuff.com, alongside much more information. The site features hundreds of organizations working to change the cycle of the materials economy. The site also includes resources and information, a footnoted script, a suggested reading list and ideas for educational activities and discussion topics for local screenings.