The Story of Stuff

"...Shortly after the World War 2, these guys were figuring out how to ramp up the [U.S.] economy. Retailing analyst Victor Lebow articulated the solution that has become the norm for the whole system. He said: “Our enormously productive economy . . . demands that we make consumption our way of life, that we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfaction, our
ego satisfaction, in consumption . . . we need things consumed, burned up, replaced and discarded at an ever-accelerating rate.” *Victor Lebow, Journal of Retailing, quoted in Durning, How Muchis Enough? (1992) As heard on "The Story of Stuff"

Thanks to Pam for directing me to the link to this video. This 20 minute online video examines how thing are made, used, and disposed of by looking at extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and disposal. It discusses things like planned obsolescence, perceived obsolescence, advertising, dioxins and toxins in general... so much info presented in an easy to understand way, I think kids could learn a lot from this as well as adults. The website lists many resources and I look forward to checking it all out.