GarbageArchaeology 1 
Material Culture; ​The Story of Stuff 

Bioanthropology 215 
 

Student Requirements:

∙ Watch the video.
∙ Post a paragraph about the video.
∙ Respond to at least two classmates’ posts.

This is the first of two segments to the Garbage Archaeology Research Lab assignment. The idea is to get
you started thinking about human material culture, or *STUFF*. Your stuff, my stuff, our stuff. What is
it, where does it come from, who pays for it, with what currency, and where does it go? Why do we want
it or need it, and is it really worth the cost (repeated below)?

Students will receive an introduction to the global materials economy in the 20 minute video, ​The Story of
Stuff. ​ After watching the video, students will discuss key concepts on the course d-board.

Assignment Guidelines:

Watch the entire video, ​The Story of Stuff. ​Taking notes is recommended, and it may also be helpful to
read through the discussion questions before watching the video.

www.storyofstuff.com

Choose one of the following questions, and post a thoughtful paragraph under the appropriate heading on
the course discussion board. See the rubric for discussion requirements, and thoughtfully engage the
material- ​at this point you should be able to make connections between various aspects of course material.
Cite the video + any other aspect of course material from any week thus far! ​Two sources​. Please be
specific, and use examples whenever possible (real life examples are great).

Additionally, each student is to post two responses to classmates’ posts. As always, responses should be
substantive and engaged with the original post. Responses should be at least 3 sentences (see rubric).

1. Ecology is the way that species interact with their environment. How does our materials
economy relate to human ecology, and what are some of the consequences of these systems?

2. Why can’t a linear system work indefinitely in a finite world? What are the alternatives? ​In what
ways can we increase public awareness of our ecological footprints?​ Use specific examples in
your answer.

3. Which people, or which populations, are most negatively affected by the materials economy
described in the video? What does this tell you about global social hierarchies, or human social

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

stratification? Is there justice in this system? What can be done to change it? What are some
effective ways to reduce material consumption in everyday life while maintaining livability?

4. What does the materials economy have to do with human evolution? ​Did waste exist before
humans appeared?​ In other words, relate the main points of the video to overall themes from this
course.

5. What is the problem with the $4.99 radio? Who pays?
6. Your stuff, my stuff, our stuff. What is it, where does it come from, who pays for it, with what

currency, and where does it go? Why do we want it or need it, and is it really worth the cost?
7. Through advances in technology can we significantly reduce our impact on the environment in

the long run, or are we reallocating our ecological impact? Do you agree that sustainable
interaction with ecosystems is only possible if demands are kept within bounds? Why or why not?

8. Discuss an example of a technology that enhances sustainability. Consider its systemic effects on
the environment.