THE REALITY OF RECYCLING

That’s a complex question, and one that’s a little easier to answer thanks to this in-depth and engaging look at this history, effects, and future of recycling in the United States. The short answer is no; the long answer is that it could be better if more people followed the guidelines. While “91 percent of Americans have access to recycling programs…only one-third of all recyclable garbage is properly recycled,” a number that hasn’t budged much since the widespread arrival of recycling programs in the 1990s. The figures also vary depending on what types of materials are being recycled. Kallen unpacks the details over the course of five succinct, nuanced, and engaging chapters: “The Benefits of Recycling,” “Facilities Facing Problems,” “The Problem with Plastic,” “E-Waste Overload,” and “Innovative Solutions.” Each chapter’s straightforward content is supported by color photographs and supplemental facts in colorful text boxes. The combination of the two enhances the text and helps to break the narrative into more manageable chunks for struggling readers. A list of source notes at the end is broken down by chapter, helping those looking to supplement reports, develop arguments, or simply further their understanding of the issues discussed. An up-to-date bibliography for further research and list of organizations worth exploring further enhances the appeal of this work, especially for savvy caregivers and educators.