“Researching her film The Story of Stuff, Annie Leonard discovered that of the materials flowing through the consumer economy, only 1% remain in use six months after sale. Even the goods we might have expected to hold onto are soon condemned to destruction through either planned obsolescence (breaking quickly) or perceived obsolescence (becoming unfashionable).” ~ George Manbiot

Then again, as Chris Offutt wrote (featured in this Sophia’s Children post), “But human beings are not trash. We are the civilizing force on the planet.”

Or that’s the possibility, anyway, if and when we choose it and rise to it. So much more enjoyable.

Check out the rest of George Manbiot’s insightful post (and his inspired suggestions for more meaningful gift-giving) – click-click here.

Related Sophia’s Children musings on gratitude, mindful consumption, and making a good life from what you have — click-click here.

Spirit of the Night, 1879 by John Atkinson Grimshaw. PD via Wikimedia.

Plus … inspiration-season preview as a healing-counterpart to hyper-consumption and the resulting agida, stress, and burnout (why start a new year that way?):

‘Tis the Season for Delicious Renewal (from the Deep-Yin Wellspring)

Big Love & Be Well,

Jamie