Garbage and Recycling

Each person in the United States throws away about three-quarters of a ton (.68 metric tons) of garbage every year. What happens to all that garbage? Much of it is buried in landfills. Some of it is burned. Both of these solutions, however, waste natural resources and cause pollution. How can people get rid of their garbage while still caring for the environment? Look inside to find the answer and discover how recycling can help protect the planet.

Children's Literature

It may not seem possible from the title and subject matter, but this book has incredible visual appeal. Vivid full-page photographs dramatically and effectively reinforce the information presented in spare, to-the-point, large type text. Using simple, direct language, this "Earth in Danger" title describes the enormous amount of garbage people produce, explores several methods of waste disposal, explains the problems each disposal method presents to our communities and environment, and offers several tactics for reducing the volume of solid waste individuals, families, and businesses send to the landfill. A brief factoid marked with the recycling symbol appears in each two-page spread. A "Just the Facts" section at the end of the book is really a series of oversized sidebars with photographs that expand on issues referenced in the main body of the book. Backmatter includes a "How to Help" page, glossary, an index, and sources for more information. Reviewer: Heather N. Kolich