Counting Stars

The Mastercard Commercial I'd Like To See
By Jim Moss

Amount spent each year in Europe and the United States on pet food: $17 billion

Cost per year to achieve basic health and nutrition for the entire world: $13 billion

Amount spent on perfumes each year: $12 billion

Clean water for all the world: $9 billion

Amount spent on cosmetics in the US: $8 billion

Basic education for the world’s children: $6 billion

Total amount the US spends on Christmas each year: $450 billion (or 16 years worth of food, water, and education for the world)

Initial cost of the US Government bailout of failing financial institutions: $700 billion (or 25 years worth of food, water, and education for the world)

Coming to grips with the alarming disconnects of our consumerist society: Priceless

Sources: www.globalissues.org, http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU


This holiday season, be mindful of those who are less fortunate than yourself. And be grateful for all that you have. Happy Holidays!