The Story of Stuff: The Impact of Overconsumption on the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health--And How We Can Make It Better
The Story of Stuff: The Impact of Overconsumption on the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health--And How We Can Make It Better
Brief Description:
Offers insight into consumption in America and the pitfalls of a system that promotes obsolescence and replacing versus repairing consumer goods, revealing contributing economic theories while calling for environmentally responsible changes.
Marc Notes:
Originally published: London: Constable, 2010.;Includes bibliographical references and index.;This volume tells the story of all the 'stuff' we use every day. It documents where our bottled water, mobile phones and jeans come from, how they are made and distributed, and where they really go when we throw them away.
Review Quotes:
“The intrepid Ann Leonard has written an eye-opening, humorous, and highly readable account of how our seemingly innocuous lifestyles are part of a larger system of destruction and dysfunction. Leonard gets my vote for hero of the year. A must-read.”
—Juliet B. Schor, author of "Plenitude: The New Economics of True Wealth" and professor of sociology at Boston College
Review Quotes:
“Where others have documented countless challenges to the Earth and its inhabitants, Annie Leonard has accomplished the rare feat of defining the systemic nature of the problems we face and offering solutions that get to the heart of the matter. Whether you are redesigning industry and commerce or simply imagining a better world for your grandchildren’s grandchildren, Annie’s work will engage you. Read it and be inspired into action.”
—Ray C. Anderson, founder and chairman, Interface, Inc.
Review Quotes:
“At once engaging, accessible, and authoritative, "The Story of Stuff" is a brilliant masterwork. Leonard weaves together engaging personal stories and encyclopedic knowledge of her subject to communicate a powerful systemic frame and define a spot-on agenda for practical action. I gained new facts, ideas, and inspiration. It gets my highest and most enthusiastic recommendation for anyone interested in why we humans are on a path to self-destruction and what we can do about it.”
—David C. Korten, author of "Agenda for a New Economy and The Great Turning" and board chair of "YES!" magazine
Review Quotes:
“When Annie Leonard came to work at the Center for Study of Responsive Law, she brought a special character—a dynamic curiosity; a willingness to scour the countries of the Earth to understand and document solid and chemical wastes’ production, consumption, and disposal; the intellectual and emotional intelligence to mobilize everyone she could reach to respect the ecosphere; and health and safety concerns. Those dynamic energies permeate her galvanizing, exciting, and fascinating book. You will be bouncing up and down as you are drawn through its pages, graphics, and engrossing stories. Annie Leonard not only knows ‘the story of stuff’—she has the right stuff!”
—Ralph Nader
Review Quotes:
"When Annie Leonard came to work at the Center for Study of Responsive Law, she brought a special character--a dynamic curiosity; a willingness to scour the countries of the Earth to understand and document solid and chemical wastes' production, consumption, and disposal; the intellectual and emotional intelligence to mobilize everyone she could reach to respect the ecosphere; and health and safety concerns. Those dynamic energies permeate her galvanizing, exciting, and fascinating book. You will be bouncing up and down as you are drawn through its pages, graphics, and engrossing stories. Annie Leonard not only knows 'the story of stuff'--she has the right stuff!"
--Ralph Nader
Review Quotes:
"The intrepid Ann Leonard has written an eye-opening, humorous, and highly readable account of how our seemingly innocuous lifestyles are part of a larger system of destruction and dysfunction. Leonard gets my vote for hero of the year. A must-read."
--Juliet B. Schor, author of "Plenitude: The New Economics of True Wealth" and professor of sociology at Boston College
Review Quotes:
"At once engaging, accessible, and authoritative, "The Story of Stuff" is a brilliant masterwork. Leonard weaves together engaging personal stories and encyclopedic knowledge of her subject to communicate a powerful systemic frame and define a spot-on agenda for practical action. I gained new facts, ideas, and inspiration. It gets my highest and most enthusiastic recommendation for anyone interested in why we humans are on a path to self-destruction and what we can do about it."
--David C. Korten, author of "Agenda for a New Economy and The Great Turning" and board chair of "YES!" magazine
Review Quotes:
"Where others have documented countless challenges to the Earth and its inhabitants, Annie Leonard has accomplished the rare feat of defining the systemic nature of the problems we face and offering solutions that get to the heart of the matter. Whether you are redesigning industry and commerce or simply imagining a better world for your grandchildren's grandchildren, Annie's work will engage you. Read it and be inspired into action."
--Ray C. Anderson, founder and chairman, Interface, Inc.
Table of Contents:
Introduction -- A Word About Words -- Key to Recurring Graphics -- Chapter 1. Extraction -- Chapter 2. Production -- Chapter 3. Distribution -- Chapter 4. Consumption -- Chapter 5. Disposal -- Epilogue: Writing the New Story -- Appendix 1. Examples of Promising Policies, Reforms, and Laws -- Appendix 2. Recommended Individual Actions -- Appendix 3. Sample Letter to PVC Retailers, Manufacturers, and Lobbyists -- Endnotes -- Acknowledgments -- How We Made This Book -- Index -- About the Authors.
Publisher Marketing:
A classic exposé in company with An Inconvenient Truth and Silent Spring, The Story of Stuff expands on the celebrated documentary exploring the threat of overconsumption on the environment, economy, and our health. Leonard examines the "stuff" we use everyday, offering a galvanizing critique and steps for a changed planet.
Contributor Bio:Leonard, Annie
Annie Leonard is an expert in international sustainability and environmental health issues and has written for a range of publications. She has worked for the Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production & Consumption, Health Care Without Harm, and Essential Action and Greenpeace International. In 2008, Annie was named one of Time magazine's Heroes of the Environment. Annie currently resides in California with her daughter.
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