How to Give Up Plastic | Will McCallum | Book Review

SUBJECT: 4.5/5
RELEVANCE: 4.5/5
EASE OF READABILITY: 5/5
RESEARCH: 3/5
INTERESTING: 4.5/5

My musings

I am often burdened by a sense of responsibility towards my readers and viewers. You see, I have a voice, and however small that might be, even if I manage to influence a single reader to read this book and practice what it preaches – I will be a happy individual. For those of us who like to stay abreast of happenings around us, I need not stress the importance of reading such books and talking about them. So, let’s directly move onto the review. Read on to know more about my thoughts on Will McCallum’s “How to Give Up Plastic” and why I think you should read it.

What to expect?

Expect a book that talks about plastic and its impact on our environment especially our oceans. Expect a book that is short and easy to read. Expect a book that gives us an overall picture of the environmental hazard caused by plastics. Finally, expect a book that focuses on giving practical tips and suggestions on reducing our plastic consumption and subsequent wastage.

Who can read?

Since the book is written in an easy to understand language and a simple writing style, it can be picked by any beginner level reader.

What is the book all about?

“How to Give Up Plastic” tells us just how dangerous plastic has become for the environment that we live in. It educates us about our role (small on an individual level but massive when compounded together) in furthering the crisis and educates us about small yet effective steps in reducing our plastic consumption and wastage.

A message that made an everlasting impact on me conveys this – a simple plastic bag that has an average usage life of just fifteen minutes will continue to haunt our future generations for half a millennium. Take a moment and let that sink in.

The book teaches us to be responsible for our wastage and to not leave this ugly legacy for our children and grandchildren.

Something about the author

Will McCallum is an environmentalist and works as the Head of Oceans at Greenpeace UK. He has spent several years researching the impact of plastics on our oceans and constantly engages governments and corporates in dialogues regarding their role and importance in solving the plastic crisis.

How good is the writing style?

Will keeps the book crisp and short. His message is clear and urgent and all the tips that he gives are practical. He drives home the urgency of his appeal by stating some shocking statistics and citing relevant examples wherever necessary.

It is clear from his tone and words just how close to his heart this subject is.

Let’s talk about the research gone into the book

Though the book makes use of a lot of statistics, in the end, it is not a research-oriented book. It is a book meant for beginners. The author also lists some other websites, blogs, and books that the reader can consult for much detailed information.

Is the book interesting to read?

Through the book, the author makes sure that the reader is engaged and involved. The content is adequately divided into chapters which in turn are very easy to navigate through. Complementing his thoughts and narratives are interviews from many other activists from across the globe who are fighting a similar war in their part of the world. This makes the book much more interesting because we get to know multiple points of view and experiences.

In the end

In the end, “How to Give Up Plastic” is a great book for somebody who wants to learn about the plastic crisis and the urgency to tackle it before it’s too late. Written in an easy-breezy style complete with helpful statistics, relevant examples, and practical tips and to-dos, the book is a much-needed step towards commencing a global war on plastic.

The final verdict

Must read!

Pick it up 

• If you are looking for nonfiction.
• If you are concerned about our environment and want to do something about it.
• If you are looking for practical tips on how to live plastic-free.
• If you are looking for an easy and short read on the subject.

Skip it 

• If you don’t read nonfiction.
• If you are looking for a much more detailed book on the said subject.
• If you have previously read many such books or articles on the given subject.

Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of “How to Give Up Plastic” using the link below.