Introduction
The Story of Stuff (2007) is a documentary video, which explains
from where the stuff comes from and where, does it go. In books it is mentioned
that stuff have to simply pass through these stages: first is extraction than
second one is production followed by distribution after that consumption and
final is disposal. Every stage is interacting with the real world. It’s
relating with societies, nations, economies and the atmosphere. People are the
one who runs the system and for whom the whole system works.
Extraction
The process of
extraction undermines the ecological impact of overuse of resources. Leonard
goes on explain that production primarily deals with the production of toxic
contaminated products which are not only harmful for the planet, but also for
the living beings inhabiting it. Also the major multinational corporations use
the term ‘Distribution’ for ‘selling of toxic chemicals’ or externalizing the
cost. Cheap products are produced at the expense of environmental safety. ‘The
heart of the system’, i.e., consumption inherently implies the notion of
‘keeping the materials flowing’. People are perceived as consumers and their
essential identities have taken a backseat. In fact only 1% of the total
materials produced are consumed (Leonard, 2007).
Production:
The usage of
vigor to mix poisonous with the natural resources makes a production of
poisonous contaminated goods. There are several synthetic chemicals in our current
world was tested a few of the effects that affecting the people health. It has
even been tested for world health influences and none of them have been tested
for synergistic health effects.
We are exposed to these
chemicals on everyday basis when they get interacted with other chemicals (US
Journal, 2008).
In present world, consumers have reached a point where the smallest
members or new coming members of our societies, including our babies and even
many women’s who are at the age of reproductive.
Distribution
This means selling of all the toxic contaminated junk is done on a
very rapid speed. The goal is to keep the value down, and let the persons
buying and keeps the inventory moving.
How the prices are kept down? Well, the store workers are not paid
so much and they can withhold on health insurance every time they can. The distribution of all these things results in negative effects to the
environment. Energy used to transfer all stuff
around the world it also for lighting and dominated of all shopping centers and
department stores. “This has given rise to increase of asthma and cancer among
workers” (McKibben, 2007).
Consumption
Consumption means “Current consumption patterns are unsustainable
and inequitable and must be changed” (The Story of Stuff Project, 2007).
Nowadays, there are kind of consumption patterns are unsustainable and unfair
and should be changed. But, change the behavior of consumer is not enough. We
must buy the less damage product available and at reasonable prices. For
example people in high income countries waste a lot of water when taking a
shower or washing a car, people should be more efficient in spending water and
because of that we get water shortages. Also, people buy a newer version of the
same product and they throw away their old product although the difference
between the two products isn’t big.
Disposal
“At the finale what occurs to the things we buy, all goes out in
the garage and this brings the imports to disposal. In US citizens makes at
least 4 ½ pounds of garbage a day” (American Rivers, 2008). This is almost
twice what each of the citizens uses to make 30 years ago.
First of all the garbage either goes to landfill or buried
otherwise first it is burned and then buried. Are all the ways to land, water
and air, which in turn change the climate? One should focus on recycling rather
than dumping and burring the waste.
Consumerisms in
UAE
According to research it is found that residents of the UAE feel
that the burgeoning expatriate population in addition to consumerism is the
greatest intimidation to the citizens. UAE citizens feel that in their culture
religious practices are diluting because of large number of expatriates
visiting UAE. The highest threat is of "highly materialistic and consumerist society". Expatriates
from worldwide are living in UAE, which have in turn increased the consumerism
and purchasing power of UAE citizens.
1. UAE is becoming a shopping hub in
the world, they are mostly attracted by number of retailers and even they
launch “ Shopping Festival “ which attracts number of consumer’s worldwide to
visit UAE for shopping.
2. Increasing Expatriates is giving
rise to pollution and population in the country, which is in turn affecting the
health of citizens of the country.
Conclusion
People or consumers should start believing and supporting renewable
resources and even companies should start to support recycling of the goods.
Government should make certain rules and regulation for customers that they
should not indulge in buying of repetitive products in one home. Initiatives
should be taken care of correct usage of natural resources.
References
American Rivers
| Rivers Connect Us. (2012, January 1). American Rivers | Rivers Connect Us.
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Consumption The
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http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-stuff/learn/consumption/
Cook, A., &
Shade, R. (2009, April 7). Story of Stuff «
The Story of Stuff Project. The Story of Stuff Project. Retrieved May
22, 2013, from http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-stuff/
McKibben, B. Deep Economy (2007), and Vicky Robin,
Towards a Solution to Overconsumption undated.. (2010, June 8). Bill
McKibben, Deep Economy (2007), and Vicky Robin, Towards a Solution to
Overconsumption undated.. Retrieved January 1, 2012, from Bill McKibben,
Deep Economy (2007), and Vicky Robin, Towards a Solution to Overconsumption
undated.
Russell, W. G.
(2008, January 1). Table of Contents. The Sustainable Enterprise Fieldbook.
Retrieved May 22, 2013, from
http://www.thesustainableenterprisefieldbook.net/page10.html
Story of Stuff
(2007, OFFICIAL Version) - YouTube. (2007, January 1). YouTube.
Retrieved May 27, 2013, from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9GorqroigqM
Story of Stuff
(2007, OFFICIAL Version) - YouTube. (n.d.). YouTube. Retrieved May 22,
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Sustainable
Energy | UNDP . (2013, January 5). United Nations Development Programme.
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