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Plastic is everywhere we look. Our computers and children's toys are made out of it, and our water and slices of American cheese are packaged in it. But why is there so much and what is it doing to our bodies? Is it possible to use less plastic and be happier and healthier?
In Plastic Purge, ecologist SanClements has put together the most up-to-date and scientifically-backed information available to explain how plastics release toxins into your body and the effect they have on your and your children’s health. Both approachable and engaging, Plastic Purge provides easy-to-follow advice for how to use less plastic, thereby reaping the benefits such as eating a healthier diet and living with less clutter. Dividing plastics into three separate categories: the good, the bad, and the ugly, SanClements shows you how to embrace the good (items like your phone or medical equipment), avoid the bad (food storage containers and toys that contain toxic chemicals), and use less of the ugly (single-use plastic that's just plain wasteful).
Mike Sanclements is a scientist at the National Ecological Observatory Network and affiliate of the University of Colorado Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research. As an ecologist, his research has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed journals and he has presented at more than a dozen international conferences on ecology and the environmental sciences. His journalism and photography have appeared in The New York Times, Backpacker Magazine, and Grist.org.
"Even as a conscientious consumer, obsessive recycler, and environmental advocate, it wasn't until I read Plastic Purge that I realized how little I knew about the ubiquity and consequences of plastics in my life. Thanks to SanClements' effortlessly casual style, not only did I enjoy reading about the 'good, bad, and ugly' ways that plastics have infiltrated my home, diet, and even my wallet, but I learned how to reduce my plastic footprint. This is the much-needed guide to living with the plastics you need and eliminating the ones that you don't."
– Aron Ralston, author of the New York Times Bestseller 127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
"A breezy yet highly informative trek through our plasticized world coupled with tips for reducing plastic from your life [...] This worthwhile little tome packs a wallop consisting of equal portions of healthy education and pertinent entertainment."
– Kirkus Reviews
"Examining the history, understanding the science, recognizing harmful as well as helpful plastic products, and incorporating ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics, SanClements sets out on an educational quest to help readers truly see the commodity that is virtually everywhere they look. In hip, conversational tones and with an 'oh wow!' sense of incredulity about plastic's stealthy omnipresence, SanClements pens an eye-opening exposé of this product's damaging properties."
– Booklist
"We've never liked plastic, and Plastic Purge is a fantastic compilation of all of the reasons why we ought to seriously rethink our collective passion for it. SanClements provides clear, practical direction for anyone who wants to live a healthier, plastic-free life. We'll be following his advice closely."
– Bruce Lourie and Rick Smith, authors of Slow Death by Rubber Duck
"A fantastic guide to understanding plastics' role in an increasingly toxic world, including how to comfortably avoid prolific but unnecessary plastic products."
– Crissy Trask, author of Go Green, Spend Less, Live Better
"Plastic Purge is a witty, thoughtful, and very useful guide for people looking for a way out of our collective addiction to dangerous, polluting and (in many cases) completely unnecessary consumer products. Michael SanClements offers a breezy, fascinating, and insightful look at our buying habits, and how we might change them in ways that will help ourselves and our planet."
– McKay Jenkins, author of What's Gotten Into Us: Staying Healthy in a Toxic World
"Plastic Purge will make you smarter about the role of plastic in society and show you how to cut back on the presence of plastic in your own life. Read this book: You'll be healthier, and so will the planet. Though author Michael SanClements is an environmental scientist, he doesn't write like one. Which is to say Plastic Purge is lively, informative and – dare I say about such a serious and important topic – a lot of fun."
– Nena Baker, author of The Body Toxic: How the Hazardous Chemistry of Everyday Things Threatens Our Health and Well-being
