Have you every wondered what happens to things like cell phones and paper before and after you use them? That’s the premise of The Secret Life Series which takes ordinary objects and investigates their “life-cycle” in an attempt to raise awareness and educate the public about what they consume.

Where does paper go when you recycle it? Why should you change your paper habits? What alternate types of sources are used for papermaking? What can you do to reduce your paper footprint? How do I recycle paper?

Where do old cell phones and mobile devices go when you recycle them? Why should you take those phones out of your sock drawer and take them back? What toxics are in a typical cell phone? How much gold and silver is in a cell phone? How do I recycle my cell phones and mobile devices?

For more information about the people behind The Secret Life Series, visit INFORM.

In the increasingly complex world of online video (YouTube’s interactive plugins, I’m talking to you!), this simple sand animation is strangle touching. It was made by artist Sigrid Astrup whose post-it series will also brighten up your day.

In case you haven’t heard, The Point is a website that uses the power of collective action to “organize, fundraise, or persuade”. I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Mason, founder of The Point at Netroots Nation in July. You can see my post and video interview with him on the See3 blog.

Recently, Andrew has been pumping out all kinds of funny and informative videos about The Point (check out his latest video told from the future in 2013). Below is my favorite video which shows how the website can be used to help workers gain benefits through collective action:

Check out the The Point’s blog at http://makesomethinghappen.net/