Teaching With The Story of Stuff
In late 2007, Free Range Studios and Annie Leonard made the animated film, The Story of Stuff, to spark conversation about the hidden impacts of the stuff we consume. Since the film was posted, viewers in over 200 countries have visited the site over 7.5 million times. The Story of Stuff is more than a video cleverly explaining the life cycle of stuff. It's a catalyst for awareness that gets people thinking about how all of our stuff is connected to environmental and societal issues.
The Story of Stuff and its complementary resources will spark provocative discussions and help you and your students think critically about the causes and consequences of climate change. And, it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life.
WATCH THE STORY OF STUFF
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION |
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CHAPTER 2: EXTRACTION |
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CHAPTER 3: PRODUCTION |
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CHAPTER 4: DISTRIBUTION |
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CHAPTER 5: CONSUMPTION |
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CHAPTER 6: DISPOSAL |
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CHAPTER 7: ANOTHER WAY |
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10 LITTLE AND BIG THINGS YOU CAN DO
There is no single simple thing to do, because the set of problems we’re addressing just isn’t simple. But everyone can make a difference, and the bigger your action the bigger the difference you’ll make. Here are some ideas, along with YES! Magazine stories of people making these changes in their lives. Read more.
Resources for a deeper understanding about consumption, our materials-based economy, and alternative ways of living.
- : Annie Leonard reveals what gives her strength, even as she and her film are attacked as un-American.
- Review of the Film, by Cecile Andrews
- The Bigger Picture: gain a deeper understanding of consumption with this selection of articles from YES! Magazine
- The Story of Stuff book will be available in March, 2010
- The Story of Stuff curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking lesson plans, will be introduced in Fall 2010. It is being developed in collaboration with .
- website has more resources, including an annotated script of the movie, a detailed glossary, facts, tips for holding a screening in your classroom or community, and more.