Watch this 20-minute film about how consumerism affects our world, and then let's discuss as a group: Where can we best spend our time and energy changing this ineffective, linear path of production and waste?

http://www.storyofstu...

Hi Sara,

Thanks for posting this thought provoking link about our environmental concerns and overt material consumption. Apparently, they are expanding this series of videos because I did previously post the video on "The Story of Bottled Water" which is a basic illustration of this insidious problem.

The easy solution is based on the simple mantra of: Recycle, Reduce & Reuse. Of course, it's a much more complicated systemic issue which is deeply embedded within our ecosystem, economy, government, politics and corporations along with our endless consumerism. I believe all these factors need to be addressed independently as they were in the video. By breaking down each unit, we can find better alternative, more sustainable solutions to implement thus rendering this repetitive cycle obsolete and improving our overall quality of life on this planet. An evolutionary paradigm shift needs to occur by raising our own consciousness level to better protect all natural resources including human beings and prevent further destruction of our earth which has been taken for granted over the past several decades for more.

That is a really good video. I think the issue of obsolescence is very interesting. The thing with the shoes was cute. Thanks for the link. I will have to send it to all my friends.

Thanks, Siri--please do share the link.

Consciousness-raising is a huge part of change. So many people have never, ever thought about how silly and wasteful simple things are, like following fashion instead of just wearing clothing until it's unwearable, or shopping to make yourself "feel better." When everyday people start to realize that buying cheap goods made in China, for example, supports the very practices that makes the earth a messed-up (socially, financially, and environmentally) place to live, then we have a chance to start changing something. It's so exciting!!

Sara

In this vein, I just watched the short video "The Story of Cosmetics" ( from the Story of Stuff people). In my many years of researching ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products, I am always surprised to find people who are really into eating a healthy diet by label reading all their foods and staying away from the "bad" ingredients in those products but than their bathrooms are filled with Pantene and other horribly toxic personal care products. I guess it is probably because the ingredients on products like shampoo are alot harder to decipher than the ones on food.

I think if people would just freak if they knew what they were really putting on their skin and scalps. The base of most of the commercial products today are petrol- based. So yes, you are smearing plastic and gas on yourself. Ew!

The video is a cute watch but short:
http://organicconsume...

For me, it wasn't anything I hadn't heard before. I have already been researching this stuff for years and I can read the label of a shampoo bottle and give my judgement about its safety in seconds - but I was dismayed to see this new "faux organic" issue. Some of the product lines I currently use that have safer, natural ingredients but aren't certified organic like they claim to be. (see on the left list on the side). As always now more research to do now! We should be concerned especially about using products that have soy in them but it not organic because chances are it is GMO soy.

When people get diagnosed with serious health problems- there is lots of pointing fingers to bad genes and diet and lifestyle but rarely does anyone consider these toxic chemicals in our personal care products that we use everyday as a potential part of the problem - and they are! I especially believe this for women regarding antiperspirants and breast cancer. So many things on our shopping shelves are deemed "safe" to use because they have to immediate harmfull effects but no one takes into consideration the harmful long term effects when these chemical build up in our body (and your skin aborbs it all) and when parents pass it on to their children.

I hope that the issue of all of the chemicals in our products comes more to the mainstream just like organics has in the past several years.

Sara, Cara, Siri, and Kimberly - Thank you for doing your part of raising public awareness and the global consciousness in general by simply sharing your thoughts on the topic. You may also consider to take advantage of our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.c...) to involve in the discussion even more people.

Alright, I am taking this to our facebook page. Look for my continuing comment about this on facebook.