Trashing the Planet: Examining Our Global Garbage Glut

Gr 6–10—Veteran nonfiction author Kallen's latest is a great primer on the world's trash problem. The "global garbage glut," as he calls it, is at almost epic proportions and demands worldwide attention. Garbage and waste have long been problems for humans, but prior to Western industrialization, mostly everything people used or produced was made of organic materials, which would eventually biodegrade. However, the advent of industrialization made products more affordable and thus easier for people to buy in larger quantities. Also, the invention and widespread use of plastics and synthetics that do not biodegrade and often release toxins when they do break down have contributed to the problem. The book is well written, the tone is matter-of-fact and not preachy, and the text is approachable but not simplified. The design is colorful and appealing, with excellent photos, text boxes, and graphics enhancing the presentation. Unfortunately, by the time of publication, some of Kallen's statements regarding the Environmental Protection Agency and its policies will be dated because of changes made by President Trump's administration.