"Story of Stuff" Inspiring Change

The Story of stuff covers topics like the environment, consumerism, sustainability, capitalism, materialism, and social science in an informative common, sense way. This concept of this 300-page book is the best rebuttal to the theories of Victor Lebow’s 1955 “Journal of Retailing” I have seen to date. The Story of Stuff really breaks down how much control over consumer choices big businesses and political policies have on the day-to-day life of the average consumer. Consumerism is connected to the whole economic system, which is connected to political systems, and of course, this impacts the planet and its inhabitants. Although people can make a difference by taking responsibility for their decisions on what they eat, wear, drive, buy, and, most importantly, what they throw away. The corrupt system of democracy has indeed been failing to close the divide on income inequality and combating the realities of climate change. I find the book to be a great addition to my collection. The videos are an excellent teaching tool for everyone, allowing them to understand the impact of resource management. These videos could help High School and College students understand what is happening to natural resources. Maybe even get the next generation more involved with voting, boycotting poor quality products, recycling, and reusing discarded things to conserve natural resources.