The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard.

Have you ever wondered where all the ‘stuff’ you buy comes from? And where it all goes when you throw it out? Well Annie Leonard decided to further investigate this linear system known as the materials economy. This system is simplified into 5 main categories: Extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. Through Leonard’s investigation she points out the specific sections, which are identified to have a negative affect on not only the planet but as well as us humans.

The first category, extraction is the exploitation of the earth’s resources. Leonard explains how we are living on a finite planet, which is not able to keep up with the demand of resources needed in this system.

Another category pushing a limit of our earth is Production. The combination of using energy and toxic chemicals with natural resources to make products that are contaminated is not healthy for humans and does not benefit the planet in any way. Humans are becoming so involved in the production process due to a necessary job for example that it has to come to the point where mothers breast milk has been affected by the poisonous chemicals included in the making of products.

Distribution of these chemical contaminated products is the next step in convincing people to buy not necessarily essential goods. By keeping the prices low the consumers are drawn in to buying these products but really all the companies are doing is externalising the costs of the path to the creation of this product.

Humans are made to believe that consumption buying new things is essential in everyday life through advertising. It is the terms called ‘planned obsolescence’ and ‘perceived obsolescence’ that achieve this goal. Society has come to a point where we demonstrate our personal value by how much we contribute to consumption. We are tricked into buying products that wont necessarily last and if they do the production companies will release a new look of this products persuading us to have this ‘new look’.

The disposal of products is a big issue in today’s society as the options have a very damaging affect on our earth; From burning the waste, which releases toxic chemicals in the air to landfill, which pollutes the land air and water. Recycling is an good alternative although it will never be able to keep up with the rate of disposal and waste within the materials economy.

Looking towards the future there are currently other alternatives trying to make this system user and environmentally friendly through products of sustainability, renewable energy and many others. The system in crisis is linear although there are many points of intervention that will hopefully enable it to become a cycle that does not harm humans or the environment.