4.1: Systems Theory

1.) The film The Story of Stuff is an eye-opening, 30 minute film on the basic structure and culture of consumerism that the U.S. perpetuates. In terms of Systems Theory, the culture of consumerism is a linear, self-destructive force that has exploited natural resources all over the world, as well as the health of the people who are paid poorly by large U.S. based corporations. We are exploiting natural resources quickly, using dangerous chemicals to create products, distributing them at low costs to keep the destructive system going, being pressured to consume products to make ourselves "feel better" just to get rid of them quickly. We need to use LinkThinking techniques to "see the larger picture" of our destructive behaviors. People should be told the truth and feel that our government is in control "by the people, for the people" so we can feel that making changes in our culture can occur.

2.) Three systems that Cornell connects with sustainability to are: Energy (efficiency and conservation), Environment (protecting biodiversity and resource management), and Economic Development (sustainable development, food and H20 systems).

3.) As a culture that does not value our environment, the short film sharing facts with us about our consumerist culture was honest and alarming. I certainly feel that by being exposed to what we are doing to our environment in terms of "the big picture" or "large scale" makes me feel I need to be more aware of my consumptive tendencies. I liked the end of the film when we are reminded that each of us has the power within ourselves to make a difference on our environment, and that eventually with a collective attitude for protecting our environment, we can save our resources and become more health conscious.