Annie Leonard, creator of the short film sensation, The Story of Stuff, appeared on Colbert the other night to talk about her new book by the same name.  If you’re not yet one of the 10 million people who has watched Annie’s 20-minute documentary about how stuff is made, where it goes when we throw it “away,” and how quickly we’re using up our planet’s natural resources, it’s truly a must-see.   While you’re at it, you can watch her new short, The Story of Cap & Trade: Why You Can’t Solve a Problem with the Thinking That Created It.

In addition to her book, there’s one other thing we’re pretty sure Annie wants you to buy–solar panels.  Sungevity installed a system for her last year that powers her home and electric car.  After watching or reading The Story of Stuff, it’s hard to buy anything without feeling like a planet-destroying low-life.  But with solar panels, your conscience is clear.

For those of you in the Bay Area, Annie will be at Books, Inc. (1760 Fourth St.) in Berkeley on March 17, at 7:00 pm.