Annie Leonard

What would the world look like if we couldn’t express outrage against the things we disagree with or support the changes we seek?Rivers that don’t catch fire. The choice to marry who we love. Clean air and water. Even weekends off. Peaceful protest—which, in the U.S. as in many other countries around the world, is protected as a crucial part of an inclusive, thriving participatory democracy – helped bring about each of these victories. Free speech, dissent, and public mobilization are essential tools for advancing so many causes, including environmental protection, workers’ rights, human rights, self-determination, and climate, social, and racial justice.Though protest has brought so much progress — or maybe because of it — the right to speak freely, dissent, and even do basic public outreach and organizing, is increasingly under attack. We have come to expect crackdowns in authoritarian countries, but anti-protest sentiment is spreading in established democracies as well. Activists are being vilified, retaliated against, and even criminalized. In the U.S., anti-protest laws have been enacted in 49 states. SLAPP suits – meritless legal action taken to silence dissent -- are on the rise. New legal concepts, such as “negligent protest,” are being used to hold organizers liable for damages. At the same time, violent actions taken by anti-democratic forces have been reframed and pardoned.Our right to peaceful protest is under attack, and we must act now!Protest! A Tribute and a Call to Action presents a clear understanding and appreciation of the critical role peaceful activism has always played in advancing public good, and to spotlight the need to safeguard this democratic right. The book describes more than 40 iconic, inspiring campaigns from around the world. Photos, artifacts, inspiring quotes, and more make this a compelling testament to the power of public dissent. Guest essays from leaders such as Jane Fonda, Tennessee Representative Justin Pearson, Dolores Huerta, Nemonte Nenquino, and others reveal the role that protest has played in their commitment to fight for change. This book, through storytelling and first-hand reflection, encourages readers to themselves engage in peaceful activism — right here, right now.

A classic expose in company with An Inconvenient Truth and Silent Spring, The Story of Stuff expands on the celebrated documentary exploring the threat of overconsumption on the environment, economy, and our health. Leonard examines the "stuff" we use everyday, offering a galvanizing critique and steps for a changed planet.The Story of Stuff was received with widespread enthusiasm in hardcover, by everyone from Stephen Colbert to Tavis Smiley to George Stephanopolous on Good Morning America, as well as far-reaching print and blog coverage. Uncovering and communicating a critically important idea--that there is an intentional system behind our patterns of consumption and disposal--Annie Leonard transforms how we think about our lives and our relationship to the planet. From sneaking into factories and dumps around the world to visiting textile workers in Haiti and children mining coltan for cell phones in the Congo, Leonard, named one of Time magazine's 100 environmental heroes of 2009, highlights each step of the materials economy and its actual effect on the earth and the people who live near sites like these. With curiosity, compassion, and humor, Leonard shares concrete steps for taking action at the individual and political level that will bring about sustainability, community health, and economic justice. Embraced by teachers, parents, churches, community centers, activists, and everyday readers, The Story of Stuff will be a long-lived classic.

Here, for the first time, is a simple, single explanation for the major problems facing the world today. Environmental superstar Annie Leonard has already reached millions worldwide with her message about the way stuff is ruining our lives. It's time she reached you, too.