Consumerism: Another Look

Annie Leonard has created a video which is a holistic view of Consumerism (from resource extraction, production, sales, use, through disposal of waste). I suppose one could call this the untold story. The height of the Holiday Season is an appropriate time for many to thoughtfully consider our full effects in extending "Good Will" to All Beings and leaving the Planet to those who follow in at least as good a shape as we found it.

Just what are we Humans doing in our unfettered desire to consume? Some may need a seatbelt to think about this. Courage would be an important companion for the ride too. And perhaps, we should take along someone who will follow us, those unborn whose wellbeing depend on our actions now.

While the concepts presented Leonard's video are not new to the 3 of us, the video may be insightful for others. It surely will stimulate thought and discomfort too. We Consumers should be uncomfortable with what is going on. Denial of that discomfort keeps us locked in old patterns and on a path of destruction. Embracing that discomfort opens a Door toward making a different set of choices and living as if the future mattered. We should take heart that many People are walking through that Door with Courage, Peace and Promise for our times.

The depth of the problem of overconsumption in our world today led us to move to this little Farm. For a long time, we had waited until someone else ("up there" in "powerful" positions in government, business, and agriculture) would take care of the problem. Yes, we took on some important steps. But over time we couldn't wait for someone else to fix the problem, we needed to take action in daily practice ourselves. The Real Power was in the choices that we made.

So what are we doing? If you have been following this Blog, you know what we have been up to: Disconnecting from mainstream media and influences which force a consumerist agenda, producing as much of our own Food as we can, eating locally, living simply, acquiring only what we need, reducing possessions, protecting natural resources, restoring land, reducing toxic load on our bodies and the planet, gardening without chemicals, restoring soil, reducing energy use, reducing waste, reducing consumption, buying used, trading and bartering, using our own creativity and ingenuity to solve problems, fixing things, embracing community, enjoying nature, supporting each other, enjoying relationships, playing, growing, always growing.

We 3 C's surely are not perfect. But we can do more that we ever imagined we could. I think the Grandmas of yore who got along quite nicely with less would be proud. They knew we could do it. It just would take a little time.
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http://www.storyofstuff.org/--- Just click on "watch video".