22 April 2011 —
As we often say, we consider every day Earth Day. But it’s a powerful thing to have one day of the year when Mother Earth is celebrated more intensely and by so many worldwide simultaneously.
On this Earth Day, we have chosen to highlight an important new book released this week – Plastic: A Toxic Love Story – that focuses on our societal relationship with plastic, and some of the fundamental ways this complex, colorful, and, yes, often toxic substance has impacted the world and each person in it
. Seasoned journalist Susan Freinkel shares reflections on her personal relationship with plastic by guiding the reader through the history and life cycles of a cast of characters we can likely all relate to in some way: a comb, chair, Frisbee, medical IV bag, disposable lighter, grocery bag, soda bottle, and credit card. Engagingly written and scrupulously researched, the book is sure to open many eyes, and elicit many exclamations of, ‘Wow, I had no idea!’
Freinkel interviewed people involved with plastic in numerous contexts and on various sides of the issues. From the plastic chair manufacturer (“Plastic is so much better than anything else!”) to the neonatal specialist (“We all thought plastics were inert, safe. We didn’t have to worry about it. Then as the research came out, it became more and more evident we needed to pay attention”) to the biobased polymer advocate (“all plastics aren’t created equal”) to the anti-plastic activist (“You have to prioritize what’s important in your life.”). Freinkel is hopeful that the current human relationship with plastic will evolve to a better place. Her book is a solid overview of the role plastic plays in our lives. While not especially suggestive of ways to take action to address the plastic in your own life or beyond, it will make you think, and think twice, about all the plastic around you. And we think that is a very good exercise.
When the publishers first contacted us to ask if we would be interested in promoting the book by contributing to their Earth Day Plastic-free Prize Pack, we were immediately interested. And now having reviewed the book, we are happy to recommend it with enthusiasm. We contributed several products to the Prize Pack and are in good company with other organizations committed to decreasing plastic consumption and use. The sweepstakes ended at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 25, 2011. One winner was chosen in a random drawing.
If you are interested in purchasing the book online, we would suggest you do so by accessing the Amazon website through Beth Terry’s luminous blog, My Plastic-free Life, where she offers a thoughtful review of the book. Beth is a constant inspiration to us and an anti-plastic activist extraordinaire. By buying the book through the link on her site – copied here – you help support her important work.