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21st Century Kids: Limit Plastic Use

Mona Gilbert, Children's Librarian, Northridge Branch Library,
Family members making crafts with plastic and paper products
“There is no such thing as “away.” When we throw anything away it must go somewhere.”—Annie Leonard

What was once seen as a remarkable new material, is now viewed, by many, as a menace to the environment. Although it’s evident that plastic, in modern times, is the go-to choice for many businesses and homes, it is single-use plastic consumption that is causing great harm to our oceans and marine life.

“Industrial pollution and the discarding of plastic waste must be tackled for the sake of all life in the ocean”—David Attenborough

In order to change the tide of the plastic problem everyone needs to be aware: plastic material lasts forever and disposal does not impact its existence. It is a material that continues to be passed on “somewhere.” Looking for ways to reuse plastic containers, when possible, will minimize the impact. Moreover, increasing awareness of the damage caused by single-use plastic consumption has the power to alter minds and change behavior. Rethinking plastic use is not an easy task, as throwing away a plastic straw in a nearby trash can is common practice. Here are some resources on what kids can do to combat the plastic problem.


Limit Plastic Use


Book cover for Plastic, Ahoy!: Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Plastic, Ahoy!: Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Newman, Patricia

Book cover for One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
Paul, Miranda

Book cover for The Plastic Problem: 60 Small Ways to Reduce Waste and Help Save the Earth
The Plastic Problem: 60 Small Ways to Reduce Waste and Help Save the Earth
Andrus, Aubre

Book cover for Plastic Sucks!: How You Can Reduce Single-Use Plastic and Save Our Planet
Plastic Sucks!: How You Can Reduce Single-Use Plastic and Save Our Planet
Poynter, Dougie

Book cover for What a Waste
What a Waste
French, Jess

Book cover for Me and Marvin Gardens
Me and Marvin Gardens
King, A. S. (Amy Sarig)

Book cover for Paige vs. Plastic
Paige vs. Plastic
Davies, Monika

Book cover for Plastic Panic!
Plastic Panic!
Twiddy, Robin

Book cover for Taming Plastic
Taming Plastic
Bates, Albert

Book cover for Cool Crafts With Plastic
Cool Crafts With Plastic
Yates, Jane


 

 

 

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