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=The Story of Stuff=
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 * Write three paragraphs on how Annie Leonard defines the system of the 'materials economy' and describe its interactions.**

The materials economy, according to Annie Leonard is a linear system that transforms natural resources into man-made objects. The system described is harmful to the environment and to those involved in its production. Part of the transformation involves adding toxic chemicals to the natural resources to create new products. These chemicals harm our environment and the people who work with them. In addition, this process is difficult to reverse, which means eventually, we will run out of resources.

The linear system acts according to five steps. The first step is extraction, which involves removing resources from the planet to be later used. The next step is production, which transforms the resources into products. After production comes distribution, which entails placing the product in a selling location. The golden arrow is the process that encourages people to buy products moving from the distribution step to the consumption step. It is advertisements and social factors that encourage us to go out and buy things to make us happy. After the consumption we have the final step, disposal. Disposal is a troublesome step, because it is the step where we can see the damage we are causing. Annie Leonard believes we need to transform this system to create a sustainable equitable lifestyle. The system is troublesome in that it will eventually collapse. It also exploits many people along the way. Our happiness is at an all time low despite the fact that we have 'better stuff' that we ever had. I would agree that a paradigm shift should occur and soon.