As my last post before the holidays, I want to point you to a breezy little interactive video called “The Story of Stuff.” (Thanks to my friend Derrell for sending me the link.) As the producers describe it:

The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world.

As Americans again gorge on the stuff we call holiday gifts, the video is a timely reminder of the costs of our obsessive consumption. Some may see it as a too-simplistic, one-sided view of modern materialism. But I’m certain it will get you thinking. Along with the video, you’ll find myriad resources on the site to learn more about the problems the producers’ illuminate in the video and some ways out of our materialistic trap.

Check it out.