This book reviews the role of plastics in society and examines the environmental impact of different types of plastics.

One of the biggest problems facing Earth today is man-made: plastic. Because this material is so versatile, it became the default for making just about everything for years. From drink cups to toys, plastic is all around us. But very little plastic is recycled, and that which is recycled is done so improperly. Readers may be familiar with bans on plastic bags and other solutions to the plastic problem, but this title takes them a step further in understanding how and why we got into trouble in the first place as well as how people might be able to fix it.

A unique and beautiful approach to understanding the plastic problem with practical actions to help protect the planet. Every single minute, a dump-truck’s worth of plastic is emptied into the ocean, trashing beaches, killing wildlife, making food supplies dangerous, and contributing to climate change. Most plastic can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. And almost half of it is single use. Why are we doing this? Why don't we stop? Can we undo the damage we’ve already done? Why Does Plastic Hurt the Planet? unravels these difficult questions. Using the Mind Mappers technique that combines beautiful illustrations, easy-to-follow charts, and compelling text, the youngest readers can learn how plastics they use every day are hurting the earth, and the things they can do today to protect the planet. BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS: Combines the beauty of a picture book with science-based facts and information. TIMELY TOPIC: Inspired by activists such as Greta Thunberg, kids are concerned about the environment and are taking active roles at home, school, and in the community to protect the planet. UNIQUE APPROACH: Why Does Plastic Hurt the Planet? uses "mind mapping," where complex ideas are broken down into a clear flow of visual information. ACCESSIBLE TO EVERY READER: The text is carefully layered and leveled for emerging to proficient readers. COMPLETE THE MIND MAPPERS COLLECTION: How Do We Stop Climate Change? and Are We Running Out of Water? are also available.

While plastics are extremely useful materials for modern society, plastics production and waste generation continue to increase with worsening environmental impacts despite international, national and local policy responses, as well as industry commitments. The first of two reports, this Outlook intends to inform and support policy efforts to combat plastic leakage.

Plastics have transformed every aspect of our lives. Yet the very properties that make them attractive--they are cheap to make, light, and durable--spell disaster when trash makes its way into the environment. Plastic Soup: An Atlas of Ocean Pollution is a beautifully-illustrated survey of the plastics clogging our seas, their impacts on wildlife and people around the world, and inspirational initiatives designed to tackle the problem. With striking photography and graphics, Plastic Soup brings plastic pollution to brilliant life for readers. According to some estimates, if we continue on our current path, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish by the year 2050. Created to inform and inspire readers, Plastic Soup is a critical tool in the fight to reverse this trend.

Plastic is a valuable resource. It's also problematic. Since chemist Leo Baekeland invented the first synthetic plastic in 1907, and through the rapid increase of plastic production during the 1950s, we have created billions of tons of plastic. We have polluted the world's oceans and upset the balance of natural ecosystems. With this fact-packed book, readers will gain a crucial understanding about the global significance of plastic pollution. They'll study how it evolved over time and what steps governments and activists have taken to resolve it.

Everything is made of stuff. Some things are made of paper, like this book. And some things are made of PLASTIC. If you look around you, plastic is everywhere. Even in places where it's not meant to be. If it drops to the ground, it doesn't rot away - it sticks around for ever. Our world is drowning in plastic, and it's a big problem. Award-winning author-illustrator Neal Layton is here to explain where plastic comes from, why it doesn't biodegrade, and why that's dangerous for animals and humans alike. But he's also FULL of ideas for how you can help! From giving up straws in juice cartons to recycling all we can and taking part in a beach clean, A Planet Full of Plastic will get young readers excited about how they can make a difference to keep Planet Earth happy. This brilliant non-fiction picture book, illustrated in Neal's trademark collage style, is perfect for readers aged 5-7 who love nature and want to help the environment.