"Did you know that you wear plastic? If you have
a bathing suit, a raincoat, rain boots, a windbreaker,
jogging pants or any other clothing made from
synthetic fibers, you are wearing materials made
from plastic."
Life in homes, and for families, took a turn in the 1950s when plastic hit the spotlight as 'the miracle material' that was sure to make things better and easier. It could hold liquids, it was relatively easy to produce, and it could take many different forms, depending on how it was to be used. Since that time, plastic has become so much a part of our daily lives that it is difficult to fathom. It has many practical uses; it has also caused endless concerns for the planet because much of it is discarded. The Tupperware that people bought in the 50s and 60s will never go away. Plastic does not rot or degrade; it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. What was thrown out 70 years ago still has a place on land or in the oceans. While it is used in many remarkable ways today, it is causing immense problems for marine life, the environment, and for humans as well.
In her book, Megan Durnford offers a personal look at how the evolution of plastics made life better in many ways when it was first introduced. In an information box called Plastic Planet, she talks about the proliferation of plastic products that impact our lives.
"Plastic is all around you. Have you ever tried counting all the different types of plastic things you use every day? Some are obvious, like a plastic cup. But you use hundreds of things made with plastic that are not so obvious. Did you know that the following things are made with plastic? Paper bills, pencils, balloons, glitter, contact lenses, jogging pants, electrical cords, nonstick pans, packing peanuts, pantyhose, ribbon, wallpaper, Scotch tape, stickers, Velcro, yoga mats, umbrellas, and toothbrushes."
In following chapters, she discusses Plastic Forever which is quite astounding given its lasting effects around the world on water, clothing, nature's creatures, air quality, and the human body. In Global Problems Need Global Solutions, readers learn that we all have a part to play in finding ways to stem the impact of plastic waste. In the final chapter, Beyond Plastic, the author offers logical solutions for replacing some of the plastics we use so freely. Interesting initiatives are described and provide opportunity for further thought. On the final page, a What Can You Do? looks at a wide variety of ways readers can begin to make effective changes in their own lives.
A list of resources, a glossary, and an index are appended.
This addition to the Orca Footprints series follows a familiar format for providing middle grade students with accessible writing, relevant facts, and excellent captioned photographs, information boxes, and encouragement to look closely at the world around them.
No comments:
Post a Comment