Why Does Plastic Hurt the Planet?: How Our Stuff Is Harming the Earth, and What You Can Do to Reduce Your Use

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.

Clive Gifford is an experienced author, journalist, and photographer specializing in non-fiction books for both children and adults. He has written more than 200 books—which have been translated into more than 25 languages—and published over 800 features and stories, on topics from science and history to language and sport. His books have won numerous awards, including the Royal Society Young People's Book Prize, the School Library Association's Information Book Award, and the Blue Peter Book Awards' Best Book With Facts.

Based in Manchester, UK.

After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts in China and a MFA in illustration at Savannah College of Art and Design, Hannah Li moved to New York City to start her career as a freelance illustrator. Her background in fine arts subtly influences her illustrations. She primarily works digitally but always gets inspiration from traditional techniques to bring unique touches to her work. Hannah’s illustrations are often described as optimistic, soothing, and emotional.