A+ for effort in terms of diversity and inclusion. The illustrations throughout the book are awesome. It features kids of a variety of races/ethnicities. It also features kids of all abilities. For example, the cover shows someone using a manual wheelchair. Section 1 of the book features someone with what appears to be a cochlear implant.

The book covers numerous ways that people of all ages can work to reduce their waste. It is divided up into 6 sections (described below). Then, at the end of the book there are “50 kid-friendly changes to launch your zero-waste life” which seem practical and manageable. I will say though that the title of the book is a little misleading because many of the activities require either adult help/supervision or at the very least adult approval. But I think this book would help prompt tons of good conversations among families. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to encourage a kid in their life to be more environmentally conscious.

I was excited to see this section because crafts are my thing. But to be honest, out of the nine craft activities included, I feel like only two of them are really that practical / doable for kids. Maybe I am underestimating what kids are interested in and able to do on their own. Making confetti out of fallen leaves is a neat and unique idea. Making a bag out of an old T-shirt also seems like a good option for kids. The rest of the crafts require more extensive equipment and tools.

The main thing I got out this section was the idea of using reusable bags when packing a school lunch or going to the grocery store.

I like the activities described in this section because they can be completed by kids/families living in a variety of settings: from creating a windowsill garden in a high rise city apartment, a raised garden in your suburban backyard, or inspiring a family to creating a mini farm if they have lots of land. The idea of creating a bee hotel or a bird house is super cool. These activities will almost certainly require help from an adult though since they involve power tools.

Section 4 contains activities that can be done both individually or as a group. These include simply being in and appreciating nature, picking up litter or creating a community garden.  

Section 5 of the book talks about other ways kids (and adults) can reduce waste. I especially like the reusable zero waste travel kit idea. There are also some cute ideas for having a zero (or lower) waste party. This includes giving seeds or reusable straws as party favors.

This final section talks about ways kids can inspire change in their family, friends and their community. It describes creating signs talking about recycling that could be hung around their school for example. Or the idea of having a used school supply drive or a clothing swap event.