TOO MUCH TRASH

Waste out of place is both ugly and hazardous, but kids can combat it.

How does litter hurt animals? How is this problem being tackled? How can I help? Galat sets out to answer these questions clearly and convincingly. She explains how manufactured or natural discards can produce pollution and contribute to climate change. Encountering our refuse—whether organic, processed, or inedible (metal, plastic, latex, medical masks, and other litter)—can be toxic, injurious, habituating, and disease-promoting for wildlife. Pets’ uncollected waste poisons waterways, as does roadside debris. And cleaning up can be expensive. But Galat focuses throughout on solutions, often spotlighting young activists. Captions and sidebars offer information and practical steps. “True or false?” challenges will engage readers. Much of the text advocates prevention, like avoiding plastics and not burying or burning trash. One chapter is devoted to local and global anti-trash efforts by kids, by governments, and by organizations as well as via several mechanical inventions. While asking consumers to research products’ specific type of biodegradability is probably not as constructive as demanding better regulation and labeling, this suggestion is the rare exception in a book that champions effective action. Vibrant color photos (of both animals and diverse people) and lively design layouts with discrete, digestible bits of text make the book accessible and inspiring.

Showing how refuse harms humans and other animals, this work should move readers to act.