“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’sinsightful 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?):
Jamie is an inspiration partner and lantern-holding guide for her fellow transformation leaders, change catalysts, and creative nonconformists who are living, inspiring, and leading the change in these chaotic times.
She offers Sophiastrology and mentor-coaching consultations, more indepth communication, content strategy and 'navigating change' consulting as well.
She is an author, writer, mentor, and muse who weaves both ancient and contemporary Wisdom into practical action for wellbeing.
She's the creatrix and curator of Sophia's Children; founded the long-running Ivy Sea Communication and Change consultancy (and its award-winning Ivy Sea Online, both 'Sunsetted' over 2015/16).
Jamie is a Berrett-Koehler Publisher author, and has shared the written word through a variety of outlets over the years.
Learn More: http://sophias-children.com
November 22, 2017 at 5:47 pm
We certainly do create a lot of useless stuff. Thanks for the post, Jamie, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
November 22, 2017 at 7:51 pm
Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Jeff!
November 23, 2017 at 8:57 pm
That’s a shocking statistic, so much waste.
November 24, 2017 at 1:19 am
I thought the same, Andrea!