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Monday, August 16, 2010

The Story of Stuff

Last night was trash night at our house. It is the night one of us drags the trash can down to the end of the driveway for the disposal company to come and pick it up at 5:30 in the morning. It is the night that we scan through the house, the cars and the old barn (that was once filled with someone else's unwanted "treasures") for items that we need to part ways with. Items that can't be reused for something else or recycled next Monday at 7:20 am. We are always trying to part ways with any extra clutter in our house (including dirty diapers!). After watching the short video, The Story of Stuff, this morning, I started thinking more deeply about even bringing the stuff into our house.



Did you know within 6 months of bringing home a non grocery product, most of us throw it away? A better way to say that is within 6 months of purchase Americans only use 1% of said product and the rest is in the trash. This is achieved through planned obsolescence. Most of us throw out an average of four and half pounds of trash per day! There is a lot more surprising information in the video, and watching it may change your life. It only takes 20 minutes (and 40 seconds) to watch and be amazed by the well put together thoughts in the video.
After watching, sign up for Freecycle.
Its a great website that helps you get rid of unwanted crap to members of your local community (and you can pick up some pretty neat stuff too!). By supporting the Earth, you support your health, if not mentally and emotionally, then definitely physically.

Come back here and leave a comment after watching. Let us know what you think!

3 comments:

Kayla said...

I have started watching The Story of Stuff so many times and have yet to finish it. I find it very interesting so I don't know why I haven't finished it besides silly excuses. I need to just set aside some time and watch it. My husband & I have become huge fans of freecycle lately. In fact I've got a pile of things at our back door just waiting to be posted. I am so thankful they have such an active group in our area!

Anonymous said...

That was an Excellent article. It was right on in every aspect, and really makes you think!! It really is a throw away world after all, but purposely made that way. Thats irresponsible, and should not be tolorated by all of us.

Steve

Unknown said...

Freecycle is a great resource, I use it all the time here in Sacramento.