Zero Waste: How One Community Is Leading a World Recycling Revolution

by Allan Drummond

In this fifth installment in Allan Drummond’s picture book series about green living, a town in Japan takes a stand against its throwaway past and shows that it really does take a village to make sustainable change.

Kamikatsu, Japan is known worldwide for its sanitation innovations. This small community of 1700 people is leading the way in recycling and up-cycling, and as of 2022, had nearly achieved its goal of zero waste. Told in Allan's hallmark narrative style, Zero Waste is the story of a group of citizens who dared to break out of their comfort zone and make radical change for the good of their town and the planet. Through the eyes of two children visiting their grandmother, this inspiring addition to the author’s acclaimed Green Power series about everyday communities inventing exciting new approaches to green living shows that working together for a common cause has an impact that is lasting, meaningful―and fun!

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Science, Nature

40 pages, Hardcover

Published March 21, 2023

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book. I had read his Solar Story and learned a lot from that book. It is a story about a village in Japan that tries to get their garbage and recycling to net zero. It's using everything to its fullest and not throwing things away. They managed to recycle 80% of their waste. They have a store that sells anything recycled-much like our thrift stores. Alaska has a way to dispose of things at a recycling center where you can just take things that others have put out

Reduce what you need, Reuse, and recycle is at the heart of this program. Think before you trash, think before you buy. I liked the real photos in the back of the question mark shaped recycle center.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The inspiring story of how the people of Kamikatsu, Japan have created a zero-waste environment. Throught careful, detailed recycling to upcycling, they are frugal in what they purchase and creative in how they get rid of waste.
Could you get Americans to sort 9 bins of paper, 6 bins of plastic and 5 bins of metal waster?? We all know the answer to that. But hurray for this inspiring group of citizens!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting true story, but I found the illustrations busy and cluttered for my tastes, and the initial framing device wasn't particularly effective at making the informational content seem story-driven. Nonetheless, this is a unique, educational choice for classrooms and families learning about the consequences of garbage and models for zero-waste living.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is a zero waste community possible. Find out how one town in Japan set out in 2003 to be a zero waste community by 2020 and now inspires other towns around the world. The community didn't quite make their goal, but are recycling more than 80% of their waste.

[The Loco Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about how a small town can make a big difference. When we see problems, we should find solutions.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important book! I am thrilled to learn about Kamikatsu and their work to become a zero waste town.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might be my favorite of all of Drummond’s books so far!

[Kim Bahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think before you trash! Small acts can make a big difference. Love leaning about Kamikatsu!

[Claire Johnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Kamikatsu, a zero waste city in Japan. Throughout the book, the author includes information about the importance of reusing and recycling.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This is so empowering and beautiful!

[Kristi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starts out good with recycling but quickly changes to fear mongering climate change propaganda aimed a children

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with amazing illustrations to support my recycling focused elementary readers.