"Pedro finds the idea of so much plastic pollution upsetting, but Nick reassures him that it's not all doom and gloom. There are lots of creative ways to avoid using plastic. Around the world, people are taking action!"
Nick is a leader. He wants his friends to be the same. They are exactly what we need when trying to inform young readers about the impact they can make on the world by taking small steps. Kids, who learn such things, can then help to educate their parents and that will go a long way to improving the amount of waste we produce daily.
It is very easy, and important to start at home. A powerful first step is to begin to reduce the single-use plastics that have become a way of life for many. It's Nick's birthday, and in celebration he wants his friends to help him spend a full day without using any plastics. Before leaving home, they are reminded of the numerous items in the home that are made of plastics. It is not always easy to recognize just how much is there: clock, computer, lamp, flip-flops, pens, gum, phones, fleece jackets, blender ... the list goes on.
Living near the seashore, it is easy to see the impact of the world's dependence on plastics. Before boarding the ferry for their trip to the island for their picnic, Nick's mom takes them to a store that sells products meant to encourage customers to choose better alternatives. There are lots of options if we seek them out. As the ferry travels across the water, the children recognize what happens when recycling is not a choice for disposal of waste.
Mr. Ritchie adds a simple explanation of the five ocean gyres that exist throughout the world. These huge patches of plastic and garbage are proof positive that humans are creating an almost insurmountable problem. Each new spread shows in simple text, and with accessible illustrations, the impact plastic is having and some of the creative ways to combat the abundance of plastic products. The party goers do their best to show readers the many ways we can make small changes that will make a big difference for the future.
The five friends leave readers with a challenge ... 'go one day without using single-use plastics.' Can you do it? Timely and informative, this book will help kids change the world, even at a young age.
As the adults in their lives, can we rise to the challenge as well? Can we change our own habits?
Make one small change, and then another.
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