With the consumer product industry’s ability to introduce new upgrades to products at a much faster pace, we’ve become more casual about “out with the old and in with the new”. Who doesn’t enjoy getting the latest and greatest in new technology?  If it’s affordable for us, why not? 

 

Because we’re consuming more and more of the world’s resources which in turn is creating more and more of the world’s waste. This is what bothered Annie Leonard and led her to create the film, The Story of Stuff, which has been viewed over 12 million times by people around the world. People had so many questions after viewing it, that last year she published her groundbreaking book of the same name, so people would have a greater understanding of the life cycle of all the stuff we use every day—where our cotton T-shirts, laptop computers, and aluminum cans come from, how they are produced, distributed, and consumed, and where they go when we throw them out.

 

Ms. Leonard’s book is this month’s Reading Green selection for discussion. Its full title is The Story of Stuff: How Our Obsession With Stuff Is Trashing The Planet, Our Communities, And Our Health - And A Vision For Change. Join us on Thursday, July 28 or on Saturday, July 30 when we'll be screening the 20 minute film and discussing it and the book. 

 

The book offers a well-researched and eye-opening account of the life cycle of all the stuff we buy and suggests some solutions for the problems created by all of it.  We’ll talk about those and some of the actions people can take to help lessen the environmental health impacts on our lives and how we can reduce our ecological footprint.

 

You do not have to have read the book to participate.  In fact, you might want to read it after seeing the movie and listening to the discussion.  It’s an easy read, eye-opening and enlightening.  It will make you think twice before you run out to buy the next new thing that the media tells you “you have to have”.

 

Small Electronics Recycling

The Library is continuing to collect small electronics for recycling in the blue bin near the Checkout Desk. We are working with Recycling Avenue, a nonprofit company run by a group of young adults who are physically challenged. All donated items are tax deductible. Forms are available on the bin. Learn more about Recycling Avenue.