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booksy_dot_writer's review
I lost interest, I was trying to read to many books at a time.
shrutialavala's review against another edition
4.0
A mix of info I already knew about climate change as well as a whole lot of new information. Was especially taken and impressed with Leonard articulating how late stage capitalism and corporate greed is the main culprit right from the get go. Wish I had read this in ebook format rather than audiobook so I could've highlighted.
The chapter where she discusses the amount of energy, labor, time, materials, processes, etc to make something as simple as a cotton t-shirt really put things into perspective for me. The actual cost of even that household item should be much higher if things like environmental impact and fair wages were taken into consideration. The deep dive into the aluminum used in things like soda cans also surprised me, had not idea how energy inefficient and toxic the production process was.
Overall, Leonard balances placing the blame on corporations but also providing avenues for individuals to put pressure on these companies. She also encourages us all to opt out of overconsumption and critically think about the "stuff" we use/need in our lives.
P.S. I have to be honest, I haven't read the last 45 min of the book because it automatically returned to the library BUT it was only the epilogue left so I'm counting the book.
The chapter where she discusses the amount of energy, labor, time, materials, processes, etc to make something as simple as a cotton t-shirt really put things into perspective for me. The actual cost of even that household item should be much higher if things like environmental impact and fair wages were taken into consideration. The deep dive into the aluminum used in things like soda cans also surprised me, had not idea how energy inefficient and toxic the production process was.
Overall, Leonard balances placing the blame on corporations but also providing avenues for individuals to put pressure on these companies. She also encourages us all to opt out of overconsumption and critically think about the "stuff" we use/need in our lives.
P.S. I have to be honest, I haven't read the last 45 min of the book because it automatically returned to the library BUT it was only the epilogue left so I'm counting the book.
jg12389's review
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
This book is a bit older at this point, but so much of what she talks about is still extremely relevant today. I think many of the challenges would still be the same now as it was when this book was released, which is depressing. At first, I was overwhelmed with how hopeless and huge this problem of waste was, and halfway through I was starting to feel pretty down about it. I will say that by the end of the book, the author leaves it on a hopeful note, but it's still hard to feel like you can do anything right when it comes to reducing, reusing, and recycling waste in your day to day life. This book really gets into it, both the nitty gritty parts of waste processing and also our systemic, political, and societal failures that have allowed our harmful actions to thrive and continue. It gave me a lot to think about and I really liked this. It's thorough, but it's a great book. But prepare to be enraged.
boostinator's review against another edition
4.0
The Story of Stuff is highly recommended for everyone who’s interested in the environment, sustainability and consumerism. The book and the accompanying film offer a great introduction to these subjects and leave you with a lot to reflect upon. More than once I had to painfully confess that some of my very own habits are far from ecologically responsible. On a more global and societal level Annie Leonard makes you question our dominant economic structure and the everlasting focus on growth. Great as a primer and makes me want to read more on the subject.
taybot's review
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Life altering information. I already knew that we abuse the planet, but this book very clearly explains the industrial scale of the problem
warrensampson's review against another edition
5.0
In short, concerning but a highly valuable read. Not only make abundantly clear the many issues with our modern consumer culture and economic indicators (like GDP) but provides solutions, suggestions and how for the future.
gwalt118's review
3.0
I read this in order to write a book review for an academic journal, which you can view here: http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Book-Reviews/Current-Past-Book-Reviews/The-Story-of-Stuff-The-Impact-of-Overconsumption-on-our-Planet-Our-Communities-and-Our-Health.aspx.