Story Lover

by Annie Leonard

I liked the book in the sense that it explained a lot of back story about what happens with all the stuff we have today and how it’s all made. It’s pretty fascinating when you think of how outside your control most everything is. You can control whether or not you buy something, but in the end, you may or may not even know the truth about what’s in the product, who made it or how it was made. I think the level of toxins in our products is scary, but more so is the fact that most everything we have in our lives sooner or later will be trashed and that not too many people see anything wrong with it.

I just recently called to have our satellite TV service canceled and I was asking the guy on the other end of the phone when someone would be coming by to take down the satellite. His reply? Oh, that’s yours, we don’t want it back. What? They don’t want it back, it’s trash to them. It does me absolutely no good and I can’t even give it back. What a waste. Our society and culture sucks. First off, what am I to do with it and secondly, why can’t they just use it on the next guy who signs up with Bell?

So, in this whole Bell satellite TV thing, I really get what Leonard is talking about. What I couldn’t really stand or enjoy was her tone. I’m not sure why most environmentalists and activists have to take on this condescending tone, but I find it really quite a turn off. She was telling stories of her daughter (never mentioned the father) and how even she could recognize PVC. She told stories of her little community and her bike riding and her solar panels. Sure, I totally believe in leading by example, but bragging by example is annoying. I’m glad she’s out there in the world, but I have no interests in ever befriending or meeting the lady.