Plastic is everywhere, but where it eventually ends up is a huge world problem. Unique solutions are being created by individuals. More often than not, it is our youth leading way in solving this crisis.
National Geographic for the past few years has actively promoted the decreasing use of plastics. An eyeopening web site full of videos and articles provide testament to the level of importance of educating and ensuring kids take action. The release of kids vs. PLASTIC provides a great companion to what is found online.
The seven chapters go full circle covering the problem and solutions:
- PLASTIC 101
- AN OCEAN OF PLASTIC
- WASTE WARRIORS
- PARING DOWN ON PLASTIC
- PLASTICS REPACKAGED
- THE END OF THE LINE: RECYCLE
- LOOKING AHEAD
All 128 pages are an explosion of color filled with eye opening facts and articles. Here are a few teasers. Did you know:
*Plastic bottles take 450 years to biodegrade
*8.8 million tons of plastic is dumped in the ocean every year
*Recycled plastic is being used in some road construction
Especially enjoyable are the features on young people already making a difference. Examples include an Australian teen who created a new plastic product from shrimp shells that takes only 33 days to decompose; and an eleven-year-old who owns his own recycling company. Inspiring work that encourage others to get involved.
The book is geared toward middle grade readers but even teens and adults would benefit from reading. A fantastic resource for all.
*************************************
Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration:
The big excitement here is that our local recycling company is now taking cottage cheese and yogurt containers! I love both, but ate very little because I couldn’t recycle the containers. I don’t have a lot of confidence that all the containers get recycled, but I’m going to enjoy this for a little while!
Never too early to start appreciating and working to reduce the effects and damages of plastic.
What a great title and subject for National Geographic Kids. Kids want to help and I love that they include things kids are doing around the world to make a difference.
I’m a big fan of the National Geographic kids’ series. I always had a few students who loved to read these
For an older title with a subplot about plastic, please read The Ear, The Eye and The Arm, Farmer’s fantasy novel with scenes from people living under plastic bags in the landfill! I can’t get those images out of my head even years after reading that great book. Beth Schmelzer