Too Much Stuff

Apple, Inc. introduced the iPad today to add to its list of must-have gadgets. The raves and commotion over a piece of metal is disconcerting and reminds me of Annie Leonard's Story of Stuff. Our one-way form of consumerism...

limited inputs+synthetic chemicals+abused, cheap labor+ecological damage/emissions--> lots of useless stuff-->lots of useless trash--> more environmental damage

...cannot be sustained. Humans often inadvertently repeat the mistakes of history, and the greatest civilizations throughout history (think Romans, Mayans) have been wiped out from a depletion of resources (or the resulting warfare).

People do not realize the cyclical nature of consumerism, fueled by a deeper void--a dissatisfaction, a meaningless connection with our lives. We try to derive happiness from superficial means that do not last. We desire the iPod, which eventually becomes obsolete. We then desire the iPhone, which eventually becomes obsolete. We then desire the iPad, which eventually..you get the point. Instead, try to find a connection with something/one lasting. Try nature, love, God (if you must). But first acknowledge your cyclical habits and understand its negative implications on the outside world and your own personal happiness.