Too Much Stuff

As Christmas nears, I have been spending a lot of time pondering the true meaning of Christmas and particularly gift giving. Let me start by saying that I do give some gifts, but I try to limit the buying of things that will just make it into a junk heap someday, and honestly, I prefer to simply spread good will via an annual Christmas letter with our photo highlights of the year. It is all recyclable and I enjoy doing it.

Recently one of our loyal Cool Works fans sent us a link to The Story of Stuff. If you haven't seen it yet, do take a look here. It's a 20 minute video about where our stuff comes from and what happens to it when we're done with it. I expect that it will not be an easy watch for pack rats or folks who are really attached to their things, but it may just be the eye opener needed to start down a new path. Even those folks who consider themselves to be good stewards of our world will learn something, and while watching it, think about the following questions.

Who am I trying to please? Do I really need so much? Where did this stuff come from? What will happen to it when I'm done with it? Do I really need it? Does the person I want to give it to really need it? What could I give this year instead of stuff?

Another uplifting but truthful speech, I would like to point out to you is the acceptance speech that Al Gore gave for winning the Nobel prize related to his personal aspiration to win the battle against global warming. Regardless of your personal political beliefs, his speech is a call to action and a realistic viewpoint about all of us being in this predicament together and by working together, we CAN make a difference. You can read the speech here or see his acceptance speech here.

So as we approach Christmas and the New Year, take a moment to think about your carbon footprint, your "need" of stuff, and find ways to celebrate with simple pleasures like a walk outside, time with friends and loved ones, lap time with your cat or dog, flossing, drinking a cup of joe, you name it! Do what makes you happy and does not hurt others or the environment in the process.

Happy Holidays!