Where do Recyclable Materials Go?
by Sabbithry Persad
ISBN: 978-0-9812439-0-0
Publisher: EcoAdventures (2011)
Reviewed by: Julie Garland McLellan*
I wish I had read this book before accepting a board seat at Kimbriki Environmental Enterprises; it would have saved many explanations of terminology and acronyms!
The book is a great read for parents wishing to help children gain more understanding of the impact they have on the environment. It uses narrative, illustrations and humour to make the hard facts easy to learn and fun to read.
The book is part of a series (Garbology Kids) but stands alone quite comfortably. It is engaging and there are plenty of threads in the background to keep more precocious readers occupied whilst younger children follow the narrative. It is a good book to have in the handbag for a wait at the doctor's surgery or some similar location but possibly too stimulating for a bedtime story (although it does end happily).
The main benefit of this book is the effortless assimilation of information about what is recyclable, how recycling works, and how it benefits the community. The book is sensitive to the different collection systems and challenges readers to think of ways that they can assist and enhance recycling in their household and/or school. The storyline will engage younger children who enjoy being read to; the ideal target age for the book is between 7 and ten years, by which stage children should be able to read it unassisted.
The book ends with simple projects that can be attempted by readers to give a sense of purpose and achievement that will outlive their interest in the story.
The book is well written and tightly edited. There are no obvious errors of grammar or spelling and the prose is simple yet graphic. It can be used equally well for home reading or as part of a school project. There are no themes that could offend readers and it does not give rise to questions that will be difficult for an adult to answer.
Adults should be aware that this book may drive some behaviour changes and that these may lead to new household practices.
Recycling an aluminium can saves enough energy to run a television for up to four hours and up to 80% of waste could potentially be recycled. This book is a good step towards creating an engaged society that will meet and conquer the challenges posed as we move into a resource constrained economy. (Interested adults may wish to see my review of 'The Sixth Wave' by James Bradfield Moody for more information on resource scarcity)
Great fun for adult and child alike; highly recommended.
Available on amazon.com
* Julie Garland McLellan is a professional
non-executive director, board and governance consultant
and mentor. She is the author of
"Presenting
to Boards"
Julie Garland McLellan to judge 2011 Global eBook Awards