• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

We have a serious plastic problem.

What was supposed to be a miracle material when it was first invented is now one of the biggest sources of pollution on our planet. But where does plastic come from? Why do we use so much of it? How does it hurt the environment and the animals who live there? Our Plastic Problem looks at plastic's history, uses, and how it affects land, water, air and human health. It also explores innovations in bioplastic and recycling, and practical ways to reduce and replace the plastic in our lives. Working together, we can solve our plastic problem.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

A born storyteller, Megan Durnford is a writer, arts journalist and documentary filmmaker. She is the author of two nonfiction books: René Lévesque: The Fascinating Life of a Separatist Icon and Christmas in Quebec: Heartwarming Legends, Tales and Traditions. Megan’s interest in environmental science stems from her love of the natural world. Her first documentary film Just a Lawn, highlighted Quebec’s pioneering ban on cosmetic pesticides and the dark side of “perfect lawns.” Megan lives in Montreal with her family.

Megan Durnford's profile page

• Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection

“Like other books in the Orca Footprints series, this volume is accessible, broadly informative, and illustrated with many pertinent color photos. A timely introduction to a serious environmental issue.”

Booklist

“Durnford effectively communicates a sense of urgency. Young eco-activists will also find general guidelines for localized projects, as well as specific instructions for laundering clothing to reduce microfibre shedding, among other immediately applicable advice. Accentuates the positive without minimizing the issue’s scope.”

Kirkus Reviews