Our Plastic Problem - (Orca Footprints) by Megan Durnford (Hardcover)

About the Book

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle-grade readers and illustrated with color photographs throughout, this book explores the history and uses of plastic and the resulting environmental problems.

Book Synopsis

We have a serious plastic problem.

What was supposed to be a miracle material when it was first invented is now one of the biggest sources of pollution on our planet. But where does plastic come from? Why do we use so much of it? How does it hurt the environment and the animals who live there? Our Plastic Problem looks at plastic's history, uses, and how it affects land, water, air and human health. It also explores innovations in bioplastic and recycling, and practical ways to reduce and replace the plastic in our lives. Working together, we can solve our plastic problem.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

From the Back Cover

Can we live without plastic?

We have a serious plastic problem. It's one of the biggest pollutants on our planet. But where does plastic come from, and why do we use so much of it?

Learn about the history of plastic and its uses and effects on land, water, air and human health. Explore innovations in bioplastic and recycling, and discover practical ways you can reduce and replace the plastic in your life. By working together, we can find global solutions to our plastic problem.

Review Quotes

"Especially useful for individual research or class units on environmental impact."

-- "School Library Journal (SLJ)"

"Four chapters condense a large body of knowledge into digestible bites that young readers can understand, including clear explanations of the proliferation of microplastics in the Earth's water systems (and in our own bodies) and the uncoordinated global efforts to reduce and recycle different types of plastics. Refreshingly...the text highlights some Canadian-led research efforts...Will hopefully help a new generation prepare to combat the environmental catastrophe of unchecked plastic production and pollution."

-- "Montreal Review of Books"

"Emphasize[s] the world-wide scope of the plastic problem without overwhelming young readers...Choose this book if you need an age-appropriate book specifically about plastic pollution with both global and Canadian content. Highly recommended. "

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

"This is a great introduction to the history of plastics. Very informative and written at a level that is digestible for young readers. Would work well with a study unit. Hand this book to budding environmentalists or anyone interested in learning more about the plastic problem. A recommended purchase for updating nonfiction collections."

-- "School Library Journal (SLJ)"

"Durnford effectively communicates a sense of urgency. Young eco-activists will also find general guidelines for localized projects, as well as specific instructions for laundering clothing to reduce microfibre shedding, among other immediately applicable advice. Accentuates the positive without minimizing the issue's scope."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Like other books in the Orca Footprints series, this volume is accessible, broadly informative, and illustrated with many pertinent color photos. A timely introduction to a serious environmental issue."

-- "Booklist"

About the Author

A born storyteller, Megan Durnford is a writer, arts journalist and documentary filmmaker. She is the author of two nonfiction books: René Lévesque: The Fascinating Life of a Separatist Icon and Christmas in Quebec: Heartwarming Legends, Tales and Traditions. Megan's interest in environmental science stems from her love of the natural world. Her first documentary film, Just a Lawn, highlighted Quebec's pioneering ban on cosmetic pesticides and the dark side of "perfect lawns." Megan lives in Montreal with her family.