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Plastic Sucks! You Can Make A Difference
This awesome and inspiring guide will show you how YOU can help save our planet! Written by musician and environmental activist Dougie Poynter, this incredible book shows how you can get involved in the mission to cut out single-use plastic.
Plastic is everywhere and it sucks. It fills up our oceans, endangers our wildlife and never goes away. So it's time to take action, find ways to cut down our plastic use and help protect our environment. Together we can make a difference!
As a lifelong supporter of environmental causes and a key player in the campaign to ban microbeads in the UK, Dougie is always on the hunt for ways to reduce and replace plastic. This campaigning book, his first solo authored project, draws on his own experiences in the fight against plastic waste – the problems he's encountered and the solutions he's found. It covers the history of plastic, introduces us to some key campaigners and eco entrepreneurs and is full of top tips and infographics. The clear and easy steps in Plastic Sucks! You can Make a Difference show us how we can all make small changes and become champions for our planet.
Plastic is everywhere and it sucks. It fills up our oceans, endangers our wildlife and never goes away. So it's time to take action, find ways to cut down our plastic use and help protect our environment. Together we can make a difference!
As a lifelong supporter of environmental causes and a key player in the campaign to ban microbeads in the UK, Dougie is always on the hunt for ways to reduce and replace plastic. This campaigning book, his first solo authored project, draws on his own experiences in the fight against plastic waste – the problems he's encountered and the solutions he's found. It covers the history of plastic, introduces us to some key campaigners and eco entrepreneurs and is full of top tips and infographics. The clear and easy steps in Plastic Sucks! You can Make a Difference show us how we can all make small changes and become champions for our planet.
192 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2019
14 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Dougie Poynter
35 books88 followersDougie Poynter has been obsessed with dinosaurs ever since visiting the Natural History Museum when he was about three. He is passionate about the natural world and a keen conservationist, working with charities such as WWF and Greenpeace to get harmful products banned and to clean up the planet.
Dougie wrote songs together with Tom Fletcher for years in bands McFly and McBusted; they now write their bestselling Dinosaur that Pooped books in the same way that they write their song lyrics. The books have sold over a million copies!
Dougie wrote songs together with Tom Fletcher for years in bands McFly and McBusted; they now write their bestselling Dinosaur that Pooped books in the same way that they write their song lyrics. The books have sold over a million copies!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 14, 2019
A fantastic read with lots of practical tips for reducing our plastic use and helping to protect the planet. There's lots of information about plastic, and interviews with activists and scientists working on the problem, all in kid friendly language and with plenty of great illustrations. This is going to be a great one to recommend to schools and the like.
July 31, 2020
O AUDIOBOOK MAIS DIVERTIDINHO QUE JÁ OUVI NA MINHA VIDA
November 24, 2019
Wow. I didn't even know half of the things explained in this book. This is a really important read.
I bought this book because of Dougie and cause it sounded interesting. I started to read it and it became more important the more I read it.
In this book Dougie talks about his own experience with environment and nature, there's a lot of alternatives to plastic, a lot of information I didn't know about and there are many interviews to people making a difference. And it was so interesting reading about all their plans and their business.
After reading this I'm going to try to change some things in my day-to-day life to use less plastic.
I bought this book because of Dougie and cause it sounded interesting. I started to read it and it became more important the more I read it.
In this book Dougie talks about his own experience with environment and nature, there's a lot of alternatives to plastic, a lot of information I didn't know about and there are many interviews to people making a difference. And it was so interesting reading about all their plans and their business.
After reading this I'm going to try to change some things in my day-to-day life to use less plastic.
August 5, 2019
A fantastic read with lots of practical tips for reducing our plastic use and helping to protect the planet. There's lots of information about plastic, and interviews with activists and scientists working on the problem, all in kid friendly language and with plenty of great illustrations. This is going to be a great one to recommend to schools and the like.
July 2, 2019
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Along with everyone else who watched Blue Planet II a few years ago, I have been looking for ways of reducing my plastic usage. This book is a great starter guide for children on why the planet has a problem with plastic and what they can do to make a change.
The design of the book itself is very bright and graphic, making for a more interesting read and the author's insights and facts are displayed in a way that is easy to absorb.
However, although I enjoyed learning about people working in the industry and making an impact on the plastics in our oceans, I felt that the interview style got tired after the first few. I found myself getting bored of reading answers to the same group of questions.
Overall this is an important book for children to pick up and I think it's something that a lot of people would learn from. However, as an adult I didn't learn anything new. It would be a good one to read with your child or if you don't know anything about the topic.
Along with everyone else who watched Blue Planet II a few years ago, I have been looking for ways of reducing my plastic usage. This book is a great starter guide for children on why the planet has a problem with plastic and what they can do to make a change.
The design of the book itself is very bright and graphic, making for a more interesting read and the author's insights and facts are displayed in a way that is easy to absorb.
However, although I enjoyed learning about people working in the industry and making an impact on the plastics in our oceans, I felt that the interview style got tired after the first few. I found myself getting bored of reading answers to the same group of questions.
Overall this is an important book for children to pick up and I think it's something that a lot of people would learn from. However, as an adult I didn't learn anything new. It would be a good one to read with your child or if you don't know anything about the topic.
September 14, 2019
An eye-opening look at plastic, how we use it and how we dispose of it.. Dougie Poynter (of Mcfly fame) has long had an interest in the effects of plastic on the planet and has spent time interviewing scientists, campaigners and researchers about their roles, hints and tips. These interviews are accompanied by facts about plastic use and recycling, top tips and swaps that can be made around the home.
I really enjoyed reading this and made lots of mental notes about swaps I can make as products I have at the moment come to an end. I think there is something in here for everyone to learn, from young children to older generations. I’ll be passing some of the ideas on to our eco-council at school!
I really enjoyed reading this and made lots of mental notes about swaps I can make as products I have at the moment come to an end. I think there is something in here for everyone to learn, from young children to older generations. I’ll be passing some of the ideas on to our eco-council at school!
December 29, 2019
Honestly I didn't have high hopes for this book. I was too judgemental that a musician could write a decent book but I was pleasantly suprised. For what it is, it's great. It's not an earth shattering, political durge, it's starting the conversation about saving our planet using the voices of many scientists, entrepreneurs and activists. It's aimed at kids, but it is also a great introductory read for any adult wanting to make a positive life change.
September 2, 2019
Dougie Poynter (a member of McFly band) comes back with his new book. It's still a book for children but this time non fiction about greener way of living and saving our planet. I love Dougie's sense of humour and lightness of writing. This book is perfect and so much needed! It's great to educate children about the importance of being eco. I wholeheartedly recommend!
September 2, 2019
A brilliant insight into plastic usage, plastic waste, and what can be done to save our environment!
August 27, 2019
I found it very enlightening and inspiring. Especially about microbeads and the consumption of single-use plastics. This is a small difference I could make in my own life.
It had a fun format and the message of the book was executed well.
It had a fun format and the message of the book was executed well.
August 23, 2019
This book is so important and written in the most perfect way! I've been such a huge fan of Dougie for so long and I'm so proud of him for changing the world one step at a time!
August 12, 2019
Another book about the damage plastic is doing to our environment and quite frankly there aren’t enough of these. While this does repeat key important messages (like how much single use plastic we use - as this is a very important message that needs repeating), this book is different to a lot of books I’ve read on this subject before. I love how Dougie has made quotes and facts stand out to the audience so they remember key things like you aren’t too small to make a difference. It’s great how he’s interviewed people who are already making a difference giving the reader something to look up to. Also he has provided websites for the reader to do their own research on products he talks about. I will definitely be purchasing this book for my class when it’s released.
August 18, 2019
What a fabulous book. I personally feel we need to find a way to give a copy of this to all KS2 and KS3 students.
Written in a fun and easy way to digest.
Using books like this with help us all to do our bit for the environment. Fabulous book
Written in a fun and easy way to digest.
Using books like this with help us all to do our bit for the environment. Fabulous book
July 28, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley. Thank you!
First and foremost, I am thrilled that more books about caring for our precious environment are being released for children. The children in my class are fascinated by how they can save our planet and reduced use of single use plastics and I know this is a book they'd love to read.
The dedication to Sir David Attenborough at the start of the book couldn't be more fitting. I thought this was a wonderful tribute.
The book is bright, colourful and presented in an appropriate way for children. The language used is appropriate for children in Year 3+ (7 years+) I would suggest. There are lots of fun jokes as well as plenty of factual information to engage young readers.
My only critique of the book is that it becomes repetitive, especially the format of the interviews. After a while as an adult I began to switch off and I know that younger readers may do the same. There are quite sizeable chunks of text which I know would deter quite a few potential readers from choosing this book. If the quantity of interviews towards the end of the book was reduced and the paragraphs were separated more, I think this would appeal to far more readers.
Overall, I think it's fantastic that books are being created on this subject especially by famous authors like Dougie Poynter. I hope to see more like this in the future!
First and foremost, I am thrilled that more books about caring for our precious environment are being released for children. The children in my class are fascinated by how they can save our planet and reduced use of single use plastics and I know this is a book they'd love to read.
The dedication to Sir David Attenborough at the start of the book couldn't be more fitting. I thought this was a wonderful tribute.
The book is bright, colourful and presented in an appropriate way for children. The language used is appropriate for children in Year 3+ (7 years+) I would suggest. There are lots of fun jokes as well as plenty of factual information to engage young readers.
My only critique of the book is that it becomes repetitive, especially the format of the interviews. After a while as an adult I began to switch off and I know that younger readers may do the same. There are quite sizeable chunks of text which I know would deter quite a few potential readers from choosing this book. If the quantity of interviews towards the end of the book was reduced and the paragraphs were separated more, I think this would appeal to far more readers.
Overall, I think it's fantastic that books are being created on this subject especially by famous authors like Dougie Poynter. I hope to see more like this in the future!
July 8, 2019
Just wow! What an inspiring book. This book is aimed at young people and it is written perfectly for them. The language is set at just the right level. It tackles difficult aspects at a level kids will understand. It includes information boxes to explain some science, which are simplified yet accurate (I'm a science teacher and vouch for them 😉). The best part of this book, I think, is the part of ways you can swap plastics out in different rooms of your house. I am definitely inspired. I also liked the section that described the different types of plastics and how easy or difficult they are to recycle. However, I do feel that the cluster of interviews towards the end may seem a little tedious for the target audience. When, nearer the beginning of the book, the interviews were scattered I feel that children will be more likely to read them. I know it must be hard to have so many inspirational people that have so many amazing things to say and include them all, and they really did say some amazing things. I'm hoping I can get a copy of this for the school library as soon as!
What will you swap out?
What will you swap out?
July 16, 2019
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
First off , can I say that I love that books on this topic are being published. I've seen a few around recently.
This one is a great introduction for kids. It introduces what plastic is, where we can find it and how and why we should reduce our usage of it. As a non-child myself, I have to say there was no new information in there but if I put my child hat on, it was a pretty good read. The pages were both informative but eye catching. The statistics and main messages stood out.
However, there were pages that held clumps of text that, as a young reader, I don't think I'd find as attractive. This can also be said for the interviews contained in the book. The same format is given for each interview, meaning I got bored of the same questions after a while. in fact, I discovered which two questions I liked reading most and found myself only reading most people's answers to those two questions.
Overall, a solid 3*s from me. I'd definitely start reading books aimed at this topic. Probably one aimed at adults next.
First off , can I say that I love that books on this topic are being published. I've seen a few around recently.
This one is a great introduction for kids. It introduces what plastic is, where we can find it and how and why we should reduce our usage of it. As a non-child myself, I have to say there was no new information in there but if I put my child hat on, it was a pretty good read. The pages were both informative but eye catching. The statistics and main messages stood out.
However, there were pages that held clumps of text that, as a young reader, I don't think I'd find as attractive. This can also be said for the interviews contained in the book. The same format is given for each interview, meaning I got bored of the same questions after a while. in fact, I discovered which two questions I liked reading most and found myself only reading most people's answers to those two questions.
Overall, a solid 3*s from me. I'd definitely start reading books aimed at this topic. Probably one aimed at adults next.
July 2, 2019
Wonderful book , bright and colourful to grab the attention. Full of practical ideas and help, really does show hoe anyone can make a difference both little people and big people. Well presented, interesting, not dumbed down and not patronising, perfectly targeted. A great start for little eco warriors
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
July 4, 2019
With the focus on today’s diminishing world it’s great to see a hilight on the climate and world suitable for kids to understand without preaching. I read this with my ten year old son and he loved it. He said his friends at school would love it.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
December 3, 2019
This is book is important in more than one way:
Most kids nowadays kind of know the state of the planet right now bad roughly know what they have to do, and there are many children's books being written to highlight the current issues especially with plastic however not many for the targeted age range of this book that is actually cool and inspiring based on true life stories. Real people giving hope to young people. The language isn't patronising although may need further research on behalf of the reader. I wish I had this information when I was in school as i would have known roughly what path to take to succeed in animal conservation. Schools and organisations working in conservation through engagement need this book.
My personal reason for loving this book is that year after year my fandom of Mcfly is validated through their choices and work. I must have just known this was the band for me 16+ years ago. I have loved animals and nature since I can remember and I'm so passionate about people looking after the planet we live on that it can be really hard sometimes. Knowing that someone I have admired for years is making a difference warms my soul and makes me so proud!
Well done Dougie I'm proud of you.
Most kids nowadays kind of know the state of the planet right now bad roughly know what they have to do, and there are many children's books being written to highlight the current issues especially with plastic however not many for the targeted age range of this book that is actually cool and inspiring based on true life stories. Real people giving hope to young people. The language isn't patronising although may need further research on behalf of the reader. I wish I had this information when I was in school as i would have known roughly what path to take to succeed in animal conservation. Schools and organisations working in conservation through engagement need this book.
My personal reason for loving this book is that year after year my fandom of Mcfly is validated through their choices and work. I must have just known this was the band for me 16+ years ago. I have loved animals and nature since I can remember and I'm so passionate about people looking after the planet we live on that it can be really hard sometimes. Knowing that someone I have admired for years is making a difference warms my soul and makes me so proud!
Well done Dougie I'm proud of you.
November 12, 2021
I picked this book up from a charity shop as I'm a huge fan of Dougie and McFly, and am trying to be more environmentally conscious. This book is aimed at children so it didn't give me much information that I didn't already know, but it's perfect for children just starting to learn about their impact on the environment and what they can do to make a difference.
The book was packed full of information, and included things both from Dougies own research and experience, and also from experts. There were interviews from everyone from marine biologists to bloggers. I did however get tired of the interview format, as they were just generic questions and the same questions were asked with practically everyone. I felt having less of these interviews and having questions tailored to each individual would have been better.
I loved the tips of how we can help to reduce our plastic waste, such as reusable bottles, taking bags to the shops with us and trying to avoid fruit wrapped in clingfilm. There wasn't too many things listed that I wasn't already doing, but as the book is aimed at children I thought they were a good place to start.
This is a quick and informative read that I think would be perfect for children who want to learn about the environment
The book was packed full of information, and included things both from Dougies own research and experience, and also from experts. There were interviews from everyone from marine biologists to bloggers. I did however get tired of the interview format, as they were just generic questions and the same questions were asked with practically everyone. I felt having less of these interviews and having questions tailored to each individual would have been better.
I loved the tips of how we can help to reduce our plastic waste, such as reusable bottles, taking bags to the shops with us and trying to avoid fruit wrapped in clingfilm. There wasn't too many things listed that I wasn't already doing, but as the book is aimed at children I thought they were a good place to start.
This is a quick and informative read that I think would be perfect for children who want to learn about the environment
March 19, 2021
Did you know that plastic cup is going to outlive you?
This book really opened my eyes to the amount of unnecessary plastic we use in our everyday life. The book did an incredible job of striking the balance between giving you backstory, listing easy tips for everyday life, and giving detailed accounts of professionals in this field.
I also loved that it was stressed several times that even the smallest change can do a load of good, and what such small changes might look like. I never realised half of the places where plastic was used, often times in completely nonsensical places like tea bags.
There are also quite a few of guides in here, talking for example about the different plastic labels and what they mean, which is quite practical. I can definitely see myself going back to this book to check out the guides when I need them.
Actual rating: 4.4 stars
This book really opened my eyes to the amount of unnecessary plastic we use in our everyday life. The book did an incredible job of striking the balance between giving you backstory, listing easy tips for everyday life, and giving detailed accounts of professionals in this field.
I also loved that it was stressed several times that even the smallest change can do a load of good, and what such small changes might look like. I never realised half of the places where plastic was used, often times in completely nonsensical places like tea bags.
There are also quite a few of guides in here, talking for example about the different plastic labels and what they mean, which is quite practical. I can definitely see myself going back to this book to check out the guides when I need them.
Actual rating: 4.4 stars
November 17, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of this as I realised Dougie narrates it, which was great - he put on lots of weird voices, which is typical Doug 😂
This book is aimed at school kids and that makes it very accessible for anyone who doesn't know anything about plastic pollution or know where to start. Whilst I did know a lot of it already, it's always good to have this information reiterated and hearing from people in organisations who are making a difference was good too. There is even a section that breaks down all the symbols on plastic to help you understand a bit more about all the different types of plastic. It is a short book so a good place to start for those looking to learn more about how plastic sucks 😉
This book is aimed at school kids and that makes it very accessible for anyone who doesn't know anything about plastic pollution or know where to start. Whilst I did know a lot of it already, it's always good to have this information reiterated and hearing from people in organisations who are making a difference was good too. There is even a section that breaks down all the symbols on plastic to help you understand a bit more about all the different types of plastic. It is a short book so a good place to start for those looking to learn more about how plastic sucks 😉
March 11, 2020
This book is very useful to help the problems that we are facing in modern day with plastic. It provides anything and mostly everything that you should know about plastic. This is very inspiring to show you how you can make a difference about plastic. And you’ll learn more about plastic, the pros and cons. This shows how you can make a difference in a variety of ways. This’ll show you of people that helped with the cause, and they aren’t even famous/important people. This book shows how everyone can make a difference, famous/important or not. Every person matters.
March 5, 2023
Yes it does suck..so I've stopped using it as much as humanly possible..
Plastic water bottles gone. plastic containers to reheat my food in and possibly get plastic leached into my food to possibly cause hormonal issues. Yup, stopped that too. God knows I dont need any possible issues with my hormones. For the love of God I'm a woman. Leave my hormones alone. Plastic bags from the grocery store, no more I got me cloth bags.
I could go on and on but well you get the point. This book was good if not to informative.
Highly recommend
Plastic water bottles gone. plastic containers to reheat my food in and possibly get plastic leached into my food to possibly cause hormonal issues. Yup, stopped that too. God knows I dont need any possible issues with my hormones. For the love of God I'm a woman. Leave my hormones alone. Plastic bags from the grocery store, no more I got me cloth bags.
I could go on and on but well you get the point. This book was good if not to informative.
Highly recommend
January 5, 2020
Though a lot of it was what you normally hear about reducing plastic waste, some of the sections to do with the damage plastic actually causes were really informative and I learnt a lot. It was all presented in an easy to digest and informal way, with interviews regularly throughout, and I read the whole thing in one sitting. I would recommend this for all ages, even though it is mainly targeted at younger people.
Read
October 8, 2019This is a good 101 book. I learned a few new things, but knew a lot that was talked about in this book. The target audience is clearly those who don't know much about the issue.
I don't feel it's fair for me to give this a star rating, as I feel it'd skew the data unfairly, just because I wasn't the target audience.
I don't feel it's fair for me to give this a star rating, as I feel it'd skew the data unfairly, just because I wasn't the target audience.
May 3, 2020
This is a little gem of a book, that’s perfect for educating children (and adults) in an informal, non-preachy way, backed up by facts and many interviews with inspiring people.
An issue that has been at the forefront of news and all over social media in the past few years, the war on plastic is still important - and this book shows the ways that we can turn the tide.
🌊♻️🐟🥽
An issue that has been at the forefront of news and all over social media in the past few years, the war on plastic is still important - and this book shows the ways that we can turn the tide.
🌊♻️🐟🥽
January 3, 2022
This book is aimed at children, but adults can also pick up some ideas for reducing plastic. The book also has some information about how much or little damage plastic and other things do to the planet. Overall I found it interesting and funny. I mainly opened the electronic version because it was on mysd card.
June 25, 2022
Hardly finished this one. The message is clear: be wise on using plastic. Avoid single use plastic at all cost. Plastic is NOT a devil. Everything depends on our hands.
There are also steps how to be a part of solutions not pollutions. BUT what's wrong with the color inside? It kind of hurts my eye during reading session. Greens and blacks are definitely not friends.
There are also steps how to be a part of solutions not pollutions. BUT what's wrong with the color inside? It kind of hurts my eye during reading session. Greens and blacks are definitely not friends.
September 19, 2019
Fantastic book, especially for introducing children to the concept of climate change, recycling and helping the environment. Definitely going to use this in my school eco-council meetings in the future!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews