Plastic: A Toxic Love Story (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
I've become a bit wary of books that look like this - after several environmentally focussed books that have left me negative about the future I don't really want any more.Luckily as a first point Freinkel is very balanced and optimistic in her writing. Yes she touches on the environmental horrors of plastic and the pseudo-island(s) corrupting the worlds oceans, but she also presents the topic with hope and while not many explicit solutions, good directions and philosophies to adopt (although she does end the book on a pondering how much plastic will we consume in 2050)In regards to content Freinkel's writing is a little heavy and I felt the prose lacked the verve and spark that many pop-science novelists possess. Nonetheless the content was well managed and did not swing on wild tangents or delve too deeply into personal stories as many non-fiction writers do.I would have liked to hear more early plastic disaster stories and more balance in the examples. I felt like Freinkel cherry picked the organisations and places she would visit rather than trying to describe the world of plastic manufacturing as a whole. Although as mentioned earlier this is a balanced piece, that covers many viewpoints without vilifying anyone (although one of the plastic lovers is portrayed as a bit of a lunatic perhaps accurately.)The strongest message of the book with Freinkel is to be commended for is trying to change the perception from plastic as a readily created, consumed and condemned product and a valuable resource that if used correctly could benefit the environment and us rather than being an uncomfortable product of convenience. This book is highly readable and the author is right: Might as well see everything around you made of plastic. Heck, just staring straight as I started writing this, I see a baseball cap, (at least) part of my blinds, this laptop case and keyboard, and my cell (along with its cable) that are all made out of plastic. (As she quickly realized how impossible it would be to go a day without plastic.)Nice reference too to The Gift of the Magi where perhaps the scarcity is why it means a lot more versus our current (and some would say unhealthy) throwaway culture.Goes without saying that I try to avoid at just about all cost the small plastic disposable (err recyclable) bottles that seem pretty nasty to the taste if they either get warm or are exposed to the sunlight, as I am sure that is toxic and quite bad for you. (Not to mention Dasani has been tested to be no different from tap water all the way down to detection of the Fluoride level.) Perhaps if nothing else this book could be just another example to help us explore and analyze whether what we do makes sense.
What do You think about Plastic: A Toxic Love Story (2011)?
I'm actually not sure I even want to read this but I feel like I should add it.
—baby
Entertaining and informative. Should be required reading for the human race.
—rachel
One of the most fascinating, educational and upsetting books I've ever read.
—krishna
Takeaway: Everyone use reusable grocery bags. so simple.
—moureo
