A long time ago, Leif asked me to write about the website and the Story of Stuff. But I delayed, dragged my feet and generally avoided the subject. I also said everyone’s seen it. But I have to wonder if sometimes, somethings just hit a little too close. Ouch, that’s my heart!
The Story of Stuff is a sobering presentation. I think the world would be a much nicer place if we simply lived in a linear space where things were created, sold and thrown away—that’s it. But it’s not. It’s cyclical. There are some things I would never suggest to people. I wouldn’t suggest you swim right after eating. I wouldn’t suggest you taunt a grizzly bear. I also wouldn’t suggest watching the Story of Stuff while moving.
There are two things that make me take stock of my life: funerals and moving. When I moved to Calgary two years ago, I tossed everything I owned into the back of my 1990 Honda Civic (wagovan/hatchback). Next week I am moving into my first home and I am renting an 18 foot truck to do it. I would like to think that I am a very aware of what I buy, but between my wife and I how did we get so much stuff? Well, we got married. So that helped. But we are packing box, after box, after box. Not only that, but we are doing a lot of work at the new house and have thrown out so much carpet, base boards, paneling, etc. There is a large pile of stuff in the yard now.
I have been sitting here and wondering what the take-home message is here. Frankly, I am not sure I am so good at finding the take-home. It’s my goal to go further than simply be aware of my purchases but to make decisions that reflect an educated and (com)passionate consumer. I am a consumer, it’s true. But I don’t have to be a bad one. And I can make decisions that will benefit my life as well as others—such as supporting ChristmasFuture. It’s a non-profit that makes sense to me and to the world around me. So, maybe I will cut back on my stuff and shift some of that stuff spending to aid CF and other organizations. On the other hand, a new iPhone would be great. I guess it’s just going to be my decision in the end.
How do you deal with all your stuff?
