The Story of Stuff: Catching On With Kids

by Kim, May 11, 2009 at 9:04am

The New York Times reports on "The Story of Stuff" and its critique of consumption--both are getting a (mostly) enthusiastic reception from kids and teachers. While it's not surprising that there isn't much about consumption within the standard curriculum, one of the teachers' statements stood out:

As a non-parent I was kind of surprised that climate change isn't a bigger part of kids' studies. Is it that climate change is still considered a contentious enough issue (even more than sex ed or evolution?) that it's simply not mentioned?

The article still gives a lot of hope for the power of a non-textbook resource like the Story of Stuff Video to change young people's outlooks--and behaviors. The little boy who struggled before buying Legos, consoling himself that they weren't disposable, is a budding conscious consumer.

If you haven't seen the video, watch the teaser below. If you have seen it, host a screening or download educational materials.