Annie Leonard

Annie Leonard is the Executive Director of Greenpeace USA an independent environmental organization which uses research, creative communication, non violent direct action and people-power to advance environmental solutions. Prior to this role, she was the Founder of the Story of Stuff Project and author of The Story of Stuff (Free Press, March 2010).  In December 2007, Annie released The Story of Stuff, a hit 20-minute webfilm that takes viewers on a provocative and eye-opening tour of the often hidden environmental and social costs of our consumer driven culture. The Story of Stuff has generated over 40 million views in more than 200 countries and territories since its launch, making it one of the most watched online environmental-themed films to date.   

Prior to directing The Story of Stuff Project, Annie spent 2 decades working on international sustainability, environmental and health issues. She traveled to 40 countries, visiting the factories where our stuff is made and the dumps where it is dumped, collecting interviews and facts along the way. During this time, she worked for various environmental organizations, including Greenpeace International and GAIA. She has an undergraduate degree in environmental and political science from Barnard College and a Masters in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University.  She is on the boards of Wallace Global Fund, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Public Citizen and the Democracy Initiative. She resides in the Bay Area with her daughter.