It is nearly impossible to visit your favourite beach or river without spotting floating plastic debris. Plastic was invented 111 years ago and plastic bags were first created 53 years ago. Now, 330 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year. A full rubbish truck of plastic enters the ocean every minute and there is an estimated 150 million tonnes of plastic in the ocean. Meanwhile, it takes 450 years for a single plastic bottle to break down in the ocean. It's not surprising then, that over 90 percent of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs.
Will's book inspires readers to make small, easy changes and switch to reusable products at work, home and in the community. The book begins with a short history of fighting plastic and the problems it creates. It includes a pledge to give up plastic and shows how everyone can help make a difference.
At home, Will recommends switching to refillable bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, solid soap, beeswax food wrap, reusable bags and using a menstrual cup. He suggests avoiding synthetic fibres and opting for clothes in natural fibres like wool and cotton. Will explains why its important to shop local and how to reduce your plastic footprint. He also shares great ideas for giving up plastic on the go, including eco-friendly straws, takeaway coffee cups, cutlery and food containers.
Will includes space to record your own plastic free plan and what to do when throwaway plastic seems to be the only option. He also includes fun ideas for making your own plastic free party decorations, how to hold a plastic amnesty and a workplace plastic waste challenge.
Will McCallum is the Head of Oceans at Greenpeace and the spokesperson for their campaign against the use of plastics. All proceeds from this book will be donated to Greenpeace. Follow Will on Twitter and share on social media with #BreakFreeFromPlastic.
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy
Penguin, RRP $32.00
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