The cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, tape, gasoline to drive the semi truck 3,000 miles across the country....not to mention the natural resources depleted and pollution generated to produce all these items that we have collected and purchased over the years. We are responsible for all this stuff and must cart it with us wherever we go, like a cancerous tumor. Is this all really necessary? (well, Ada and Ike did have fun running around the boxes in the garage!)
But seriously, why does a family of 3 need enough dinnerware to serve 36 people? Or enough clothing to dress a marching band? Or kink-knacks, figurines, trinkets, and other useless items that require dusting? Why are we always shopping, buying, and collecting more stuff everyday? Are we addicted? Does all this stuff really make us happy? I must admit that today I am emberassed to be an American. As much as I love this country and our freedom it's obvious that we are all in a vicious cycle of consumerism that cannot sustain itself. When I leave this world I do not want my legacy to be the stuff I acquired or for our daughter to inherit all our "treasured" junk to sort through as a final parting gift. I want out! I'm tired of owning, managing, cleaning, guarding, replacing and moving STUFF! I want more time to simply enjoy life and take time to smell the flowers as Ada demonstrates below. If you have read my rantings this far then you must view this spectacular video about Americans and stuff at http://www.storyofstuff.com/. The video is 20 mins long but offers a brilliant perspective on this subject. Please watch and stop the cycle!
But seriously, why does a family of 3 need enough dinnerware to serve 36 people? Or enough clothing to dress a marching band? Or kink-knacks, figurines, trinkets, and other useless items that require dusting? Why are we always shopping, buying, and collecting more stuff everyday? Are we addicted? Does all this stuff really make us happy? I must admit that today I am emberassed to be an American. As much as I love this country and our freedom it's obvious that we are all in a vicious cycle of consumerism that cannot sustain itself. When I leave this world I do not want my legacy to be the stuff I acquired or for our daughter to inherit all our "treasured" junk to sort through as a final parting gift. I want out! I'm tired of owning, managing, cleaning, guarding, replacing and moving STUFF! I want more time to simply enjoy life and take time to smell the flowers as Ada demonstrates below. If you have read my rantings this far then you must view this spectacular video about Americans and stuff at http://www.storyofstuff.com/. The video is 20 mins long but offers a brilliant perspective on this subject. Please watch and stop the cycle!
