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- author Jackie French

Monday, June 3, 2024

Review: How to Save the Whole Stinkin' Planet

We can all make a difference to the environment. 

How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet is science communicator Lee Constable’s training manual for waste warriors. A journey through what you need to now, and how you can make a difference to the environment. 

There’s a lot to unpack in this toolkit and garbological adventure. 

If you don’t know what garbology is then you need this book. You also need it even if you do know what garbology is.

There are six sections in the book, which lead waste warriors in training through the garbage journey, from the bin to landfill, to the murf, composting, recycling, and being a true waste warrior.

Do you know what a murf (actually MRF) is? You’ll find out what it means and how a murf works. Explore landfill and what decomposes and what doesn’t? Learn about bacteria and fungi. Discover how methane becomes greenhouse gas. 

How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet is packed with environmentally-friendly practical activities. 

There’s Pong Pie, a hands-on exploration of what’s in a garbage bin and improving your waste to compost or recycling ratio. And Composting 101 will teach you how to make your own compost bin, how food scraps turn into compost, and how to look after compost. 

You can also learn how to make a frame and your own recycled paper. And uncover other tips for being a master garbologist who can repair, reuse, re-purpose items to reduce your impact on the environment. 

Lee Constable hits all the right notes with How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet, and cartoon-style illustrations by James Hart provide important supporting material for the text, with diagrams and step-by-step pictures. The book will appeal to kids and adults alike. 

Whether at home, school or in the wider community, How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet is a brilliant book for young readers, their families, and intergenerational learning. 

A PDF of teachers' resources is available to download.

Reminder: 5 June is World Environment Day.

Title: How to Save the Whole Stinkin' Planet
Author: Lee Constable
Illustrator: James Hart
Publisher:Puffin, $ 19.99
Publication Date: 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760890261
For ages: 9+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction