Get Stuff

The American Journal of Human Genetics cites a study by the Genographic Project which suggests that humans began to evolve into two separate species before returning to one species. Ever think the same thing when you place your recyclables by the curb, and your neighbor hasn't separated out theirs? (The link goes to the BBC news story.)

There are those who believe humans have negligible impact on the environment, or that it is someone else's problem, that they are freeride passengers instead of working crew on Spaceship Earth.

If you happen to find yourself in a pointless discussion with some Neandrathal with paleolithic proclivities, direct them to the The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard website. It's a great video, at a level even they can understand, told in a very entertaining way.

"From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. 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. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever."

Maybe they'll get the hint, or at least some understanding.