Our visit with Bob Lilienfeld, publisher of the "Use Less Stuff"newsletter, and sustainability consultant to WalMart, was one of our best events from an interaction perspective. Though our turn out was a little light due to snow, we were able to assemble a very vocal, well-informed crowd.

Bob talked to us about the tendency of so many of us to "use a lot of stuff."  Ranging from multiple automotibiles in a household, to multiple products that do the same thing, to an overadundance of packaging,  Bob presented us with the idea that tangible goods, or "Stuff" can't substitute for the experiences and memories we have as people and families.  Bob talked in detail about the growing trend to acquire and use multiple types of personal technology and the impact that has on personal and family relationships. In many situations, Lilienfeld asserted, we are increasingly drawn to forms of media that we consume alone and in virtual situations, avoiding the need to communicate directly with other actual human beings.  If we "Use Less Stuff", we might have to learn how to actually interact and cooperate mure successfully

Lilienfeld also spoke to us about his work with WalMart, assessing sustainability claims for products that WalMart may market in their stores.  Many kinds of claims are critically evaluated, ranging from packaging content, to types of testing, to product lifecycle impact.  Much of what passes for "sustainable" products truly stretches the truth, and WalMart has laid down the challenge to its suppliers and to itself to reduce the total impact of its operations and the products it sells.

Check out Bob's blog at www.use-less-stuff.com.