The Story of Stuff - great resources for looking at environmental impact and waste

[Boyd Roberts]

The Story of Stuff Project

“The Story of Stuff” is a 20 minute film following “stuff” – raw materials and things we use in the home - from extraction, processing, manufacture through use to waste. Launched in 2007, it has now had 12 million views on the internet. It is a compelling film about the consumer society. I found it really highlighted  the waste associated with all stages of the pathway. The waste we throw away as consumers is just a small fraction of the waste associated with our use of resources.

See videos on this site to view the film.

The Story of Stuff project has developed from this initial film.

The film is available in quite a number of languages - including Spanish, Mandarin, Thai and Spanish -  on the http://www.storyofstuff.org/international/

There is an accompanying book to go with the film, and other films on bottled water, cap and trade (relating to carbon emissions), and due to be released soon, The Story of Cosmetics.

The films make compelling viewing for students (although perhaps 13 and above?) and would be an excellent start to a group discussion for Award participants.

The US NGO Facing the Future (which produces excellent teaching materials) has just released its teaching resource  Buy, Use Toss? A closer look at the things we buy –downloadable free – to accompany The Story of Stuff film. Very good for use with Award participants, or in classes.