Do We Have Too Much Stuff? The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard



I came across an interview on ABC News that George Stephanopoulos did with Annie Leonard about her book "The Story of Stuff" and it really got me thinking about all of our consumption.  As I look around our home, I see so much "stuff" and I wonder where it all came from.  When I was a child I don't remember having so much and I think I have done an injustice to my children in giving them so much.  Not only have they grown to feel entitled, but I wonder if I am teaching them that things can fill a void in their little hearts that living more simply cannot.

Recently, our income dropped drastically due to my husband's job loss and my girls have heard the word "no" more than ever before.  The first thing my girls said when Daddy got a new job was, "Now can we get...texting, a pillow pet and new clothes?"

I have been thinking about living more simply, not only for financial reasons but for our planet and souls as well.  I mean how many Barbies can a little girl have that actually adds to their creative play time? 

I urge you to watch the video above even though it is a long one.  Turn it on and browse the web while you listen.  I agree with a lot of what is said, although I take a different view of our government as being one that is there to "take care of us" as Ms. Leonard believes.  The video makes some good points but beware of the   propaganda.  For example, Ms. Leonard states that the US has only 4% of our original forests.  The US has actually been gaining forest area since 1997.  I get the sense that Ms.Leonard dislikes Capitalism when I think the real culprit lies with personal responsibility.

Start thinking about your own consumption and how we can work together to make some necessary changes for our greater good.  I think it is important, though, that these changes be made on an individual basis without total government mandate. Thoughts?

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