Annie Leonard's “The History of Stuff” is a mega hit on three levels. First having studied economics right through graduate school, I can tell you that this 20 minute film will make you laugh AND teach you everything you need to know about the global economy. I should have saved my tuition checks. Second, Annie's use of a short, simple film that breaks a complicated story down to something that we can all understand sets a new bar for activism, bypassing even Gore's “An Inconvenient Truth.” Annie did this without a multi-million dollar movie budget and award winning directors. Lastly, Annie's distribution model, giving it away over the web, is going to make this the viral activist hit of the year.
—John Passacantando, Executive Director, Greenpeace USA

 

Annie Leonard has created a masterwork. Her short film “Story of Stuff” is hilarious, uplifting, and most importantly the clearest explanation of the full cycle of environmental and social impacts intrinsic to our overconsumtive, wasteful, corporate-driven global economy. Every school from middle-schools to colleges should have this film, and discussions of it, firmly in their curriculums. It is amazing how much she has included in a mere 20 minutes, while also making it so very entertaining. This film deserves an Oscar.
—Jerry Mander, author and founder of the International Forum on Globalization

 

Annie Leonard’s fast paced video is a must-see for everyone interested in the connection between shopping, the environment, and global economic justice. This fact-filled expose reveals the not-so-hidden costs of economic growth, warning us that Western norms of consumption are neither environmentally sustainable, nor socially desirable.
—Susan Feiner, author, Professor of Economics, and Director of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Southern Maine in Portland ME.

 

Ann Leonard's film the ”Story of Stuff” is a model of clarity and motivation.
—Ralph Nader

 

The Story of Stuff is brilliant! Annie Leonard is on point from start to finish and makes us laugh and moves us to take action, all at the same time. I especially liked the way she centers people and power in the film. This is a one of a kind, powerful work that I will show to my family, friends, and students again and again.
—David N. Pellow, Professor of Ethnic Studies, University of California, San Diego, and author of “Garbage Wars”

 

The “Story of Stuff” blows through the arid landscape of the “consumption discussion” like the roadrunner, bringing humor, charm, and an acute political vision to this driest of subjects. It sets a new standard for how to frame and deliver a complex message to a mass audience.
—Andre Carothers, Executive Director Rockwood Leadership Program