essay 2

The story of stuff

Introduction:

The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard (Story of Stuff, 2007) is a presentation about the dark story behind everything around us. Based on the movie, Annie explains that stuff has a system and the parts are extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. The movie exposes the exploitation and abuses of the societies, environment, culture, and economy by irresponsible corporations and governments.

Extraction:

The first stage of the system is the extraction. Extraction, likewise she calls it “natural resource exploitation” (Leonard, A, 2007).During this process people take raw materials in the environment irresponsibly. For instance, they cut down trees but not replanting it therefore destructive effect occurs in all branches of the eco-system. But, who suffers in the end? It is us. Eliminating one part of the eco-system results a domino-effect to the environment which then results to death of human beings. For instance, when you cut down trees, natural calamity will occur and food resources will deplete and therefore we human beings will suffer.

Production:

 “All materials plus energy are needed for production but during these stage toxins and wastes are produced”(Quinton, S,2010).And it is not just resources that are being wasted but people too, millions of people working in the production line are exposed with toxic materials. Some workers due to poverty work in a workplace despite the knowledge of hazardous environment they are inland because of poverty some female workers tend to neglect the effect of reproductive toxins that affects their babies for a lifetime. Some producers include toxic chemicals in their products that consumers unknowingly affect their health. For example using brominated flame retardant in the production of pillows and other appliances.           

Distribution:

After production it goes to distribution means selling. This is the part of the system where the consumers are involved. We buy products but we think only of the price tae but not the true cost of the product. Annie Leonard explained buyers don’t pay but the people behind the production. The government who supposedly is the one to watch out for us and to take care for us does not see this. They are blind for this issue what matters to them is the growth of the economy. Governments should impose actions to those poor people who are living and working alone the process, but the government rends to be less powerful because of corporation.

Consumption:

It is always true that people cannot be satisfied. It is enough to have a gadget that works as it is used to be, but functions more and reliably. For example, a mobile phone – before in the early development the technology we are amazed that we can communicate someone wirelessly but now we can’t just communicate but do a lot of things on the phone. We can now capture images, video call, and do internet as well. This kind of behavior affects the environment, the workers within the system, and our health. Consumption rates are increasing; it also means that the environment is degrading. People tend to use more resources and energy and this produces more waste and damage to the environment. With the increase of demand, the worker are now are at stake. They will be forced to work long hours but not compensated satisfactorily, family relationships will be affected, and lifespan of an individual will decrease. Our behavior affects our health both physical and mental. When you wanted something you will work hard to pay for it sometimes you work more than the limit - this results in relationship problems and illness because you don’t have enough rest.

Disposal:

Every part of the system has waste. Dumping and burning waste pollutes air, land, and water. Eliminating waste is difficult, but it's the only way to have a cleaner environment and preserve natural resources. Pollution affects not only the planet but all of us. When there is less clean water and air we are endangering our health, maybe soon all species and including us will be extinct. Workers in the system are the first people who will be greatly affected. They are exposed to all dangerous toxic waste and pollution and the sad thing is that some companies are less concern to them.

 

Consumerism of UAE:

According to an article of Dubai chronicle in UAE, young people are the easy targets of consumerism. Consumerism affects person’s value and health both physical and mental. Children, especially young adults are becoming materialistic. They tend to value products or services rather than spending quality time with family and friends. Consumerism can cause depression. Not many parents are financially stable. They cannot provide expensive things to their children because what they earn is just enough to fill the needs of the family. As a result, children will be UN happy and sometimes be furious to their parents. Consumerism causes health problems especially obesity. Fast food chains promote their goods by targeting children with stuff like toys.

 

Conclusion:

The movie shows how our obsession with stuff is trashing our planet, our societies, and our health. It helps us understand how small stuff could cause many and damage enormously. The movie can help us change our vision and behavior by being contented of what you have and live a simpler life. It can help prolong the life of the planet by changing the way we live. And lastly and most importantly, the movie can help us comprehend the value of life rather than money. Each of us must contribute to help other people especially the workers, we should learn to be contented and sensitive to what is happening around the world.

 

 

References

Emaar, Dubai Holding launch exclusive ˜Dubai Hills community Dubai Chronicle. (2012, September 12). Main Page Dubai Chronicle. Retrieved December 10, 2012, from http://www.dubaichronicle.com/2012/12/09/emaar-dubai-holding-dubai-hills-community/

Leonard, A. (2007, January 1). Story of Stuff «  The Story of Stuff Project.  The Story of Stuff Project. Retrieved December 11, 2012, from http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-stuff/

Leonard, A. (2010, March 22). Annie Leonard: The Story of Bottled Water: Fear, Manufactured Demand and a $10,000 Sandwich. Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. Retrieved December 11, 2012, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-leonard/the-story-of-bottled-wate_b_507942.html

Lustgarten, A. (2012, July 21). Injection Wells: The Poison Beneath Us - ProPublica. ProPublica. Retrieved December 10, 2012, from http://www.propublica.org/article/injection-wells-the-poison-beneath-us

Quinton, S. (2010, October 28). The Phase-Out of Incandescent Light Bulbs: What You Need To Know - Earth911.com. Earth911.com - Find Where and How to Recycle. Retrieved December 10, 2012, from http://earth911.com/news/2010/10/28/the-phase-out-of-incandescent-light-bulbs-what-you-need-to-know/

 

 

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