The Story of Stuff

Poonam Sharma — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:52:12 +0000

I have always felt that being environmentally responsible should be part of my life, but often found that environmental responsibility conflicted with some of my other values. For example, I have heard about Buy Nothing Day, but was always conflicted about this day of protest against consumerism. On the one hand, I could see how buying less means less garbage that needs to be disposed of. However, on the other hand, our economy depends on consumerism and many businesses, employees and stockholders would be adversely affected by a decline in consumption. So in this case, its hard to know what to do.

However, The Story of Stuff, an animation that depicts the lifecycle of “stuff”, cleared up a lot of questions I had about what environmental responsibility and sustainability really means. Sustainability, not only means taking care of our planet, but taking care of the people on our planet too! (This includes fair trade, living wages, sound business practices and no war for control of oil.) And although it is true that consumerism drives our economy, perhaps our materials economy is not our best idea yet. Maybe we can think of something better.

This simple and concise animation explains how stuff travels through a linear system from EXTRACTION to PRODUCTION to DISTRIBUTION to CONSUMPTION to DISPOSAL and the problems inherent in this system at every step of the way. It makes suggestions on how to protest this materials economy and calls for the adoption of a new, sustainable and just way of living. I highly recommend watching this engaging, enlightening and easy to understand 20 minute animation. The Story of Stuff is great for kids too! You can view it at

Film: “HOMEGROWN”

Poonam Sharma — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 22:34:38 +0000

I recently saw a film called “Homegrown”, part of the Green Screen series at Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater. Directed by Robert McFalls, the film is a humbling documentary about the Dervaes family farm. But here’s the clincher- the family farm, which harvests over 6000 lbs of produce annually, is actually located in the city, on their modest urban homestead no larger than a quarter of an acre, in Pasadena, California. They plant crops on every square inch of their backyard and front yard. The family of four-father and three adult children-lives entirely off their urban organic farm. They sell produce to local restaurants, make their own bio-diesel, and use energy generated from solar panels. A true inspiration for this city dweller, who never thought an urban homestead was possible, I highly recommend you check out this movie if you get the chance. For now, you can view the trailer and find out more info here http://www.homegrown-film.com/index.html .

However, the film is more than just about a unique family farm. “Home Grown” reveals how a sustainable lifestyle is not only feasible, but absolutely expedient for a better quality of life, for the future of our planet and as a quiet protest of “the corporate powers that be”.

A better quality of life…In the film, a local chef praises the superior taste and texture of the organic produce he purchases from the Dervaes family farm for his gourmet restaurant. Meanwhile, one of the Dervaes daughters strolls into the backyard garden and snips a few fresh greens for a salad. They may not have cable television, but I haven’t had a decent tasting tomato in years, so it makes you think who is really living a better quality life.

The future of our planet…The Dervaes’ are devoted environmentalists who consciously minimize their impact on the earth with everything they do. They maintain an informative website that promotes sustainable living called http://www.pathtofreedom.com. The future of our planet is in peril, the Dervaes family are an inspiring example of the responsible stewards of the earth we all could be.

A quiet protest…I think we all agree that our leaders haven’t done such a great job of the whole “stewards of the earth” thing. It’s tough to really distinguish between our leaders and our corporations these days. Maybe there is no difference? “Home Grown” reveals how one family fought back by taking matters into their own hands.

“In our society, growing food yourself has become the most radical of acts. It is truly the only effective protest, one that can–and will–overturn the corporate powers that be. By the process of directly working in harmony with nature, we do the one thing most essential to change the world–we change ourselves.”
-Jules Dervaes

“Homegrown” and the Dervaes family are an inspiration on many levels, allowing you to take away from their story whatever you are ready and willing to, but unwilling to let you walk away from the film without seeing the world and your place in it a little differently.

One Silly Green Goose » Film

The Story of Stuff

Film: “HOMEGROWN”