Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair With Trash (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
"Garbology" by Ed Humes is a well-written exploration of the waste that each of us creates. Focused on the 102 ton legacy that each American leaves behind as part of his/her consumption-driven lifestyle, the book explores where our waste currently goes and the history of waste "management" in America. Through parallels with other nations and individuals in our own communities, Humes offers a glimpse of what a reduced waste future might look like.The first two parts of the book, which offer a history of waste production and current waste challenges and treatments are very well-researched and fascinating. I especially appreciated the framing of the first portion around the Puente Hills landfill, one of LA's hidden dirty secrets. The second section took on plastic as it's major focus, in part because of the visibility of plastic and in part because of it's role as, in Humes' words, a "gateway" to other waste creation. What I felt was missed in this section, however, was a fuller treatment of other sources of waste. The book is aimed at grassroots reduction of waste (this is made clear through the initiatives and call to action in the third section), and does little to focus on how the supply chain and corporate America can also reduce waste. Many well-documented cases exist where large companies drive reduction in waste, and these are not treated. Instead, the only sections about corporate behavior related to waste are those focused on individuals and small enterprises fighting against large plastic corporations.I mention the shortcomings only to highlight that the book is not a full treatment of waste or the possibilities to change the waste legacy each of us leaves. For a full treatment, readers will have to supplement this with other sources. So taking the scope as an examination of personal contributions to waste, the book does a marvelous job of showing the entire waste value chain and offering some calls to action for reducing your own footprint. At the very least, it is an entertaining, non-accusatory trip through trash that inspires rather than vilifies the reader. Humes' writing style makes it clear that for environmental reason, our legacy is problematic. But he does not damn the user for this. Instead, his friendly storytelling enables change and opens the reader to a shifted mindset. It's a refreshing perspective on what can be a divisive cultural issue. If you want an in-depth view of the history of waste (in America) and you want to do something about it, this is an excellent book! I gave it only 4 stars because I am not in America, so the stats really didn't mean anything to me (and this book is full of stats), but I found some of the stories quite fascinating. It certainly made more conscious of the waste I bring into my life, and how to avoid it. I loved it. I totally recommend it.
What do You think about Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair With Trash (2012)?
Great history of garbage. Not so much information on reducing it or changing consumerism.
—DanHead
