A review by readingqueue
The Story of Stuff: How Our Obsession with Stuff is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities, and our Health—and a Vision for Change by Annie Leonard

5.0

Essential reading for anyone in the first world who buys anything besides food. Sure, the beginning is a bit of a downer, but Leonard is very good about interspersing what countries and states are doing to be more conscientious among the woeful details of aborigine displacement, unfair work hours and payment and how ridiculous is it that it's cheaper for people to import goods (and FOOD!) from other countries rather than produce it locally. Lots of great resources to get you involved in helping to create the kind of economy and world you want to live in and learn exactly what your goods are made of and where your electricity comes from. Leonard covers all phases of production, use and disposal of several items like her computer and clothing.

I've read quite a few books on climate change and the resulting human responses and I must say, this is definitely one of my favorites. It has a healthy balance of heartbreaking statistics, references, and hope.