Though plastic has numerous benefits, our reliance on this sturdy, light and flexible material, paired with its longevity and our changing consumer habits means we've created a real plastic problem. More than 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into our oceans every year, and plastic litter can be found on virtually every coastline. Scientists have even found microplastics embedded in Arctic ice.

Your Plastic Footprint educates readers about the origins and scope of the plastic problem, helps them measure the scale of the problem on an individual level and then offers solutions on how to rethink and reduce plastic use. Bursting with informative infographics and photos, this book illuminates each individual's impact on this global issue. Here are just a couple of facts you'll find in this book:

Plastic's effect on the environment begins at its very origins, as fossil fuels in the ground. Over 3 million barrels of oil are used each day in the production of plastic, and plastic will account for over 56 gigatons (billion tons) of emissions between now and 2050. An average American will generate 786 kilograms (1,732.8 pounds) of plastic waste just from clothing in their lifetime. That's equivalent to 5,249 polyester T-shirts or 19,650 2-liter soda bottles. An average American shopper uses at least one plastic shopping bag per day. Over a lifetime, that shopper will generate 128 kilograms (282.2 pounds) of plastic waste from bags alone.

This problem, like plastic, is not going away, and it is up to governments, corporations and individuals to make changes. Your Plastic Footprint is a must-read for every conscious consumer who is worried about the future of our planet and looking to reduce their plastic footprint.

Rachel Salt is an author and science communicator with a master's degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Guelph. Her first book The Plastic Problem was nominated for a Red Cedar Book Award, and her second book Your Plastic Footprint appeared on the 2021 edition of The List, a recommended selection of books for youth from the Toronto Public Library. Rachel lives in Hamilton, Ontario, with her husband and son.

Rachel Salt's profile page

This 160-page book is rich in text, but also includes colorful photographs, clear infographics, and interesting graphs... Unlike some other books on this topic, this one offers the reader some very tangible solutions, which are referred to as "swaps and substitutes." This solution-focused text will empower readers to analyze their personal plastic use and make changes to shrink their plastic footprint.

Green Teacher Magazine

An authoritative book, giving great detail about this issue. It explains how to measure an individual's plastic footprint, what the consequences are of the world's love of plastic, and how each of us might go about cutting back on our personal usage or footprint. The book contains many excellent diagrams, charts, and photographs to explain its points.

The School Librarian Journal

Salt's book leaves an impact by being brutally direct about the impact of our plastic addiction, but also leaves us hopeful that human action can help deflect a future impacted negatively by our use of plastic.

Hook Magazine

(starred review) This book explores the origins and scope of the plastic problem and offers young readers practical solutions to rethink and reduce plastic use.

The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids and Teens 2021

A detailed and informative account of the origins, uses, and problems associated with plastic. Described by the author as a 'call to action,' this work shows how users can reduce their reliance on this ubiquitous substance so that carbon emissions and health effects are minimized... The author advocates that everyone calculate their own footprint, and then track the waste they produce, so that first steps to real reduction can begin... An engaging layout with numerous colour illustrations, additional resource links, and a comprehensive index.

Canadian Teacher Magazine

Explains the origins and scope of the plastic problem. It helps readers measure the scale of the problem on an individual level and then offers solutions on how to rethink and reduce plastic use. Straightforward language, infographics and photos make this book simple enough for younger readers without trivializing the problem.

Earth911.com