Green Living, Green Giving for 2009
As Thanksgiving flows into the holidays, it may be wise to examine both how our families spend money and how our government spends money. The Alameda Sun reviews Annie Leonard's "The Story of Stuff" and Van Jones' The Green Collar Economy.
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When you do start pondering holiday shopping, however, I have a few suggestions that will serve as both instructional and inspiring offerings.
First up is a DVD of "The Story of Stuff" created by Berkeley resident Ann Leonard. This is the Web documentary that has more than 4.5 million individual hits, from every country on this planet, and counting. It is the story of our chain of commerce, told in lively graphic illustrations even the youngest members of the family will enjoy. The concepts may seem a little challenging when you think about descriptions of extraction, resource depletion, corporate influence on government policies, and the whole conscious consuming message.
But stick with it, and watch it more than once. It lays out a powerful truth about what we buy, use and throw away. And it leaves no doubt about the affect our consumer habits in the U.S. have on the environment and human populations around the world. It is not heavy handed, but it is serious, and although you can view it for free — and perhaps in a greener way — online, owning the DVD will allow you to host Story of Stuff gatherings and discussions. A timely, and important way to approach the holiday shopping frenzy and belt-tightening days that lie ahead for many of us. Learn more at www.storyofstuff.com.
The next gift suggestion is a copy of the newly released book, The Green Collar Economy, by Oakland resident Van Jones. In many ways, his book answers some of the profound questions raised by "The Story of Stuff." He explains, in a straightforward style, some of the shortcomings in our current economic system, which contribute to pollution, unemployment, global warming and lack of opportunity for many in low-income communities. And then he proceeds to provide strong and convincing arguments about why now — in the midst of economic turmoil — we may be facing one of the most exciting and forward moving moments in our country's history.
Buy a copy for your family and discuss how the concept of a green collar economy could impact our town. Better yet, buy two copies and send one to Van Jones' non-profit organization Green for All at 1611 Telegraph Avenue, Suite 600, Oakland, CA 94612. Jones will autograph the books he receives and and send them to your congressperson, governor and every legislator in the country.
If you run a book group, are a teacher or operate a community organization interested in a more in-depth review of the topics covered in The Green Collar Economy, a video and book curriculum will also be available. See www.greenforall.org. This might just be one of the most important holiday gifts ever, and one that will certainly keep on giving.
And finally, if you are looking for fun, colorful and useful gifts that span the range from decorative to fashionable, look for items from World of Good, an Emeryville-based company that markets products made from recycled waste by women artisans in developing countries. World of Good represents the ultimate green approach to conscious shopping. Trash is re-used to create objects of beauty and practicality, and profits benefit whole villages and towns when empowered women contribute to local educational and health care services.
Their products include brightly hued gym totes constructed from re-cycled plastic bags, for instance — bags that might otherwise join those forming a huge floating island of garbage in the Pacific Ocean. Or plastic that might otherwise be melted down in sweatshop conditions by children, not only creating personal health peril, but also contributing to clouds of toxic smog that circle the earth. World of Good products can be found at Alameda Natural Grocery and Books Inc. on Park Street, online at eBay, as well as other local shops and markets.
There are so many good options for green gift giving this holiday season, with so many positive messages and outcomes. We can make a real difference with every dollar we spend, even if the purse is feeling a little light this year — a difference that can help make our New Year, and the New Year for thousands around the globe, a little healthier, cleaner and more hopeful for the future.
