SPECIAL REPORT:

We are what we buy ? a glib adage to be sure, but it prompts an interesting question: Is our consumer society sustainable? Marketplace and American Public Media take on that question in this special series. We follow consumerism from its origins to its dominance in the world's economy and, arguably, its culture. And we examine how, and if, it might be adapted to reduce its destructive consequences while keeping store shelves stocked.

Tess' trash tour
We take our trash to the curb, but where does it go after that? Tess Vigeland rides along with her neighborhood garbage man to find out.

The fix is in decline
How did everything suddenly switch from repairable to disposable and what does that mean for your local handyman? Sean Cole visits fix-it shops to get some answers.

Meet the freegans
More than 10 percent of trash is food, but would you be willing to take a bite? Tess Vigeland trolls for the edible gems in the garbage of Manhattan with the freegans.

The invisible man
Is there any way to keep marketers from tracking you down? Steve Henn sees what it takes to make his family invisible to Madison Avenue.

Why buy new when used will do?
Meet the Mullens, a family of four who've sworn off buying new consumer goods for a year. Tess follows the family through their experiment in scrounging.

More tales from the trash challenge
In September, Tess carried all the trash she generated around for two weeks and challenged you to do the same. We bring you the stories of three listeners who heard the call.

Turning trash into cash
Landfills may be eyesores for residents, but they have money and jobs to offer communities. Amy Scott visits a Pennsylvania town stuck in the middle of the trash trade.

Garbage across the Pacific
One country's garbage is another country's gold. Scott Tong takes us across the Pacific to see how America's trash has spawned a whole industry in China.

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