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  • Carmel, California
  • USA

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To Celebrate Earth Day Watch The Story of Stuff

Last year on Earth Day I remember being disappointed that there seemed to be so little celebration of this critical day. This year, in my search for celebrations of Earth Day 2009, I came accross the charming yet poingnant video The Story of Stuff. "From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns...and exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues."

Below is a teaser of the video but be sure to watch the entire video on their website. It is translated into several languages so share internationally!

Earth Day: Growing in Size And Lacking in Leadership?

I haven't heard much discussion from either the media or our politicians on Earth Day. Are we actually back to the place we were in 1969 when the state of our environment was a non-issue? Has Earth Day become a local weekend entertainment event where bands and celebrities play music and preach to the choir?

Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson to put the environment into the political "limelight." It provided a forum for Americans to express their concerns and tapped into the anti-war sentiments of America's youth. Earth Day 1970 drew more than 20 million people to demonstrations and teach-ins at thousands of schools and local communities. Today celebrations are worldwide and draw more than 500 million participants. But where are our leaders? How come when I listened to both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton yesterday I heard nothing about Earth Day?

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Author's Comments

This is not really about The Catholic church or religion. It is about a world that does not respect the life of a woman.

A story of hope for the environment! What a great way to begin the new year.

A wonderful story about a very brave woman. Are you in touch with Tenges? Can anything be done to assist her and her family with her daughters' education?

I am not into racing but after reading this review I really want to see the film. Learning about countries heroes - whether they be in sports, politics, the arts, or human rights - is such a wonderful way to learn about the cultures. And to have such great footage of Senna in action, how lucky.

I wish this article would go viral on the internet. If Germany can do it, so can we all. It just takes the will, and a government responsive to its citizenry.

Sounds like the beginning of a wonderful summer experience. Bubbles are wonderful! I can visualize the childrens' excitement. I am looking forward to reading more of you posts. Stay well and warm.

An excellent essay, with information we all should heed. Good information in the comments as well.

The US Senate unanimously confirmed Panetta as Secretary of Defense. In today's US political world, unanimity is unheard of. Panetta will be the right man for the job!

Though I am not a fan of sarcasm in such a sad story, I do understand how difficult it must be to watch your country and culture destroyed. I have thought often of your article "In Syria, the worst is yet to come.". Have you heard from the family you wrote about? How sad and frightening this must be for you, your friends and family. My thoughts are with you all and appreciation for keeping us informed. Thank you.

I agree that the way forward is with the smaller organizations and volunteers working directly with people committed to the communities they are trying to help. I am curious where the monies raised by "Comic Relief" are going. Perhaps you could forward them this article and urge some monies to expand and support Bishop Stephen's school.