“The Story of Stuff” Speaks to Sustainability – Won’t You Please Check It Out?

Have you ever had difficulty getting the people in your life to share your passion on a subject?  This happens to me all the time.  I’ll try to get a friend, or my wife and kids to watch a certain really cool video, and I just can’t seem to muster the enthusiasm. 

I can’t count how many times I’ve recommended The Story of Stuff to people, only to realize that most folks simply won’t take the 20 minutes required to have what I know will be quite an enlightening experience, and leave them a better person for having made the investment. 

A few days ago, my wife asked me if we good get a new flat-screen television.  “This thing is ancient,” she said.  “It must weigh 300 pounds.” 

“Ah,” I thought to myself.  “Opportunity knocks.”

“Tell you what, Hon.  If you watch that video I’ve been suggesting, The Story of Stuff, and if you still want a new flat-screen, we’ll get one.”

Well, I’m happy to say it worked — all the way around.  My wife watched the video, and we’re sticking with the old model.  Yes, it’s taking up space in the house.  But that’s better than taking up space in a landfill.