The Story of Stuff

Traviers Herndon
The Story of Stuff breaks down the process of production that we as consumers tend to not think about, not know or not care to know as long as the production of the latest goods are out on the market. The “Materials Economy” as the video called it consists of the process of extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. The first three steps in the process are the most detrimental to our planet. It is not shown to consumers when natural resource exploitation occurs but this fact will by no means slow down capitalism. I think the only thing that really gets humans’ attention is disastrous reality that is in the immediate future. The video presented some really disturbing facts that would seem to take precedent over capital but the government would rather accommodate big business. Brominated flame retardants are used in production of computers, appliances, couches, mattresses and pillows. The retardants are harmful to the brain and I would think that the protection of the workers and the potential harm it has on consumers would concern the higher powers. The emitting of four billion toxic chemicals in the atmosphere is a big mess and to continue to burn trash and create Dioxin, the most toxic man-made toxin seems like it doesn’t really matter at this point. Nonetheless, I am unaware of any solutions to these issues but I think capitalism will live on as long as there are no immediate posed threats to the world as we see it today. Producers will produce overabundant products and consumers will continue to buy more than they really need.