GEF

Unit 7  |  The Economics of Sustainability 160 GROWYOUR KNOWLEDGE Released in 2007, The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute “fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns.” In this video, creator and narrator Annie Leonard offers her analysis of what she calls the “materials economy.” In this activity, you will watch the video and then offer your own analysis of and suggestions for improving the sustainability of the materials economy. 1. Either digitally or on a piece of paper, set up the following note-taking chart: Examples of how the materials economy is a “system in crisis” Examples of how the materials economy externalizes costs Examples of how the materials economy values the “golden arrow of consumption” Suggestions for rethinking the materials economy 2. With your teacher’s permission, watch The Story of Stuff (https://youtu.be/9GorqroigqM ), and take notes in the appropriate columns of your note-taking chart. 3. With a partner or as a class, brainstorm three ways to measure wellbeing. 4. In small groups, prepare and present a skit demonstrating how different stakeholders such as consumers, producers, workers, corporations, and government can help society move toward a sustainable global economy.