What a waste! Where does garbage go?

Few readers ever give a thought to the nature of garbage, and even fewer to exactly where it goes once it is discarded. As a result, the problem of refuse is an ever-growing environmental concern for scientists. Eamer challenges readers to think a bit more academically about things they toss out each day. Trash can leave cool clues about people, and the book shows this from the perspective of archaeologists. It also discusses ways that garbage has been dealt with throughout history and in other parts of world. The author's main thesis, though, is that there are plenty of easy and common-sense solutions to the trash problem the modern world faces, and she offers plenty of innovative ideas to get young readers thinking about these potential fixes. Creative ways of reducing trash, challenges for inspired repurposing of refuse, and unconventional recycling programs are presented as inspiration. This empowering read will motivate kids to think about a problem very close at hand and to dream up possible solutions for the future. Copyright 2017 Booklist Reviews.

Gr 4–7—Many have an "out of sight, out of mind" attitude when it comes to garbage. But this title aims to explore all aspects of rubbish, from the history of waste removal to current disposal practices, with tips on how to cut down trash production. Laid out in easy-to-read sections with plenty of colorful illustrations, this slim volume is readable yet comprehensive. The overwhelming amount of refuse produced by humans is emphasized, but all is not doom and gloom. There are plenty of recycling ideas and new conservation efforts detailed by the author. This selection will be useful for environmentally minded upper elementary and middle school readers as well as those needing a resource for science and classroom projects. VERDICT Recommended for well-rounded environmental collections in public and school libraries.—Morgan Brickey, Arlington Public Library, TX Copyright 2017 School Library Journal.

Explores the methods of managing garbage and possible ways of managing it in the future, including shredded water bottle filters and Repair Cafes.

A history of garbage from the earliest times to today covers subjects ranging from dumps and human waste to water pollution and the modern "throwaway" culture, sharing key insights into why waste is a growing problem for the planet. Simultaneous.

What a Waste! answers the question: when we throw something away, where is “away'? Ever since cave people cracked open seafood shells for dinner, humans have produced garbage, and we've had to figure out what to do with it. What a Waste! explores the history of garbage from earliest times to today, covering subjects including dumps, human waste, water pollution, “problem' garbage, and modern “throwaway' culture. From islands made out of 5,000-year-old garbage in the Florida Everglades and sophisticated waste-disposal systems in ancient Pakistan to “fatbergs' the size of a city bus in sewers today, What a Waste! delves into the fascinating, weird, and often disgusting world of garbage, and shows why it's a growing problem. Creative solutions are showcased, like Repair Cafés to fix broken items, grocery stores that specialize in “imperfect' fruits and vegetables, and filtration systems in Kenya made from discarded water bottles. With an inviting presentation including hand-lettering and humorous illustrations, this book will both educate and entertain young readers.