PITCH-IN CANADA
 Resource Centre

Re-Think
An educational Unit for children up to Grade 4
 Written by Valerie Thom, B.Ed. and edited by Allard W. van Veen, APR, Fellow, CPRS

REFERENCES

This is a brief listing of only some of the many books and other materials now available on the topic of solid waste and our environment. As knowledge of our environmental problems, and an understanding of their inter-relatedness, has grown rapidly in the last few years, we recommend that you look in your local bookstore and library for many more current, and possibly localized, publications.

We also suggest you contact local resources in your community, region, province or state or country including:

In Canada, we refer you to the Environmental Resource Directory. The directory states that it is Canada's most thorough listing of environmentally relevant books, periodicals, factsheets, films, videos, games, etc...

Finally, we refer you to the INTERNET - go to any search engine and you'll be amazed at what you will find!

1. General

The following books are readily available and provide excellent tips on actions we can all take to help our environment. Though these books were written for adults, their format and general information make them very useful references for class use. (addresses are provided as a guide - please verify with a phone call)

The Canadian Green Consumer Guide by Pollution Probe Foundation,McLelland & Stewart, 481 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G 2E9

The Daily Planet: A Hands-On Guide to A Greener Environment, by Paul Griss, 1990; Key Porter Books, 70 The Esplanade, Toronto, M5E 1R2

50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save The Earth, by Earthworks Group, Earthworks Press, Box 25, 1400 Shuttleworth Avenue, Berkeley, California, 94709

Save Our Planet: 750 Everyday Ways You Can Help Clean Up The Earth, by Diane MacEachern, 1990. Dell Publishing Co.

Two Minutes A Day For a Greener Planet: Quick and Simple Things You Can Do To Save The Earth, By Marjorie Lame, 1990; Harper Collins Publishers, Ltd., Ste. 2900 Hazelton Lanes, 55 Avenue Road, Toronto, M5R 3L2

2. For Elementary Students

More and more books about solid waste disposal and recycling are being written for younger readers. Unfortunately, the complexity of the topic limits the readability level, and most titles are suitable only for intermediate grades or higher. The following are all worthwhile references.

Facts on Domestic Waste and Industrial Pollutants by Hugh Johnstone; Franklin Watts Publishers, 387 Park Avenue South, New York, 10016, USA, 1990

- Intermediate – emphasis on the polluting aspects of waste and disposal methods used to get rid of it. Includes information on sewage, metals, organic, and plastic waste, and methods of separating and recycling. A well illustrated reference book, including Table of Contents, Index, and Glossary

50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save The Earth, by Earthworks Group, Andrews & McMeel, 4900 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 64112

- Intermediate – suggestions on recycling, composting, conserving water, protecting animals, and saving energy accompanied by clear black and white illustrations. Includes six "Eco Experiment".

Good Planets Are Hard To Find by Roma Dehr and Ronald M. Bazar; Invest Plus Properties, Inc., 194 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, V7P 2R5

- Intermediate – using an alphabet book format, this comprehensive book covers a wide range of environmental issues and topics with colourful, simple illustrations, and short, succinct descriptions that often include action projects and suggestions for the young reader. A thorough, valuable resource book for all classrooms. Includes list of some environmentally concerned organizations and government agencies in Canada and other countries.

A Kid’s Guide To How To Save The Planet by Billy Goodman; Avon Books, 105 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10016

- Grade 7+ - this informative book explains ecology, nature’s recycling, population, energy and climate, food production, and garbage. Each chapter includes black and white photographs, illustrations, and diagrams as well as thought provoking questions and suggestions for action projects suitable for kids. An index and glossary are included.

Trash by Charlotte Wilcox, 1988, Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 241 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55401

- Intermediate – excellent photographs of waste disposal processes supplement a thorough, well-written text that explains dumps, sanitary landfills, incineration, refuse-derived fuels, and recycling.

Trash Attack by Candace Savage, 1990; Douglas & McIntyre Ltd., 585 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M6G 1K5

- Grade 5+ - an excellent book for children about our solid waste problem and solutions; lively layout and illustrations enhance a thorough examination of the solid-waste problem. The reader is encouraged to learn about the problem and become part of the solution through participation in "Trash Attack" activities.

Treasure in Your Garbage by Toni Ellis, 1986; Is Five Press, 467 Richmond Street East, Toronto, M5A 1R1

- Primary – the story line of this colouring book is primary level, but the readability is upper-primary to intermediate level, so best as a "read-to-me" book about how recycling programs help to cure a sick earth.

Waste and Recycling: Conserving Our World Series by Barbara James, 1989; Wayland Publishing, 61 Western Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1JD, England

- Intermediate – a well-designed reference book, includes Table of Contents, Index and Glossary. Excellent photographs and illustrations include information on domestic, industrial, agricultural, and radioactive wastes, and the problems and benefits caused by these products.

 

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