If indeed the video sold itself as describing the worst of all possibilities, as you say it does, I could take some of the ugly generalizations. But it sells the worst as the norm and says nothing of any players trying to do it better.

You agree that some business and corporations are as described. The point of the video isn’t to describe every behavior in the system, it’s to point out the worst behavior in the system. i.e., many of the cheap foreign goods you find at a Walmart (insert your chain store of choice).

I watched it all, and feel insulted by the statements that she has made.

I suggest everyone to watch the : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5uJgG05xUY

To understand how ridiculous her videos are.

Did you know that in the US, there are farmers who grow trees for pulp to make paper with… I think they harvest the trees every 6-7 years. IN simple terms they have seven fields, I believe they grow cottonwood trees, which grow like weeds. Each year they would harvest a field and plant a new one.

In my book this makes TREES FOR PAPER a renewable resource. When you buy paper that is RECYCLED you think you’re doing a good thing, however I’ve heard that it takes a bunch more energy and water to recycle paper than it does to make new paper from renewable resources (trees). If we buy recycled paper in the US, we think we’re being “green” but aren’t we really taking away jobs and money from the US? If these farmer’s can’t sell their trees, they will not plant more and there will be less trees which convert CO2 into oxygen thereby cleaning our air.

So, facts can be presented selectively which happens in politics, and in environmental concerns. It’s always good to be a detective and look for opposing opinions on anything in forming your own opinion. (in my opinion.. lol)

Adam N / Phoenix AZ

@Adam Lehman
I don’t think The Story of Stuff is untruthful; I think it’s tone is inappropriate to the goal that I perceive it as having. I may not have expressed it as clearly as I could have, but it’s not factual errors that are turning me off. It’s the “the world is in peril and you’re a helpless automaton” way it which it is conveyed.

That said, I just did a quick search and found at least one person who decided to give the video a fact-checking.

If it is false, then don’t worry about it.
If it is true, then the responsibility to respond lies on your shoulders.

I do agree that the environmental movement ought to refrain from “guilt-tripping” instead, it ought to accept reality and work from there. Show people the benefits of considering the environmental impact of the things humanity chooses to do.

Some good points are learning to be content with what you have, and being a wise shopper. The more you are aware of marketing the easier it is to identify being sucked in. (like skinny shoes vs wide shoes)

Annie talks about computers just needing a new chip to be better, if you’re a geek you CAN upgrade your PC (oops, are you guys all mac…lol) however when chipsets and memory change, it’s usually becuase there is a function on the new chip or something where the bus can talk to something else faster. (although they probably do change some things to make you upgrade)

She talks about her co-worker getting a new LCD, and then she feels silly for having a not as new tube monitor… WELL, if you want to get “earth friendly” then it would make sense to GET an LCD, as it uses much less energy, lasts longer, and heats up your house / office less.

Anyway, good review, are there other links talking about the other side?

Adam Nollmeyer / AcmePhoto