What it is
Planet or Plastic? is part of National Geographic's global campaign on plastic pollution, adapted for young readers ages 8 to 12. The book combines Nat Geo photography with data on plastic production, ocean pollution, wildlife impact, and recycling realities. Interactive sections help kids audit their own plastic use and identify reduction opportunities. Connected to the broader Nat Geo campaign that has reached over 1 billion people.
Why we picked this
Plastic pollution is one environmental issue where children can see the problem directly and take immediate personal action. Planet or Plastic? makes the global scale comprehensible (8 million tonnes per year entering oceans) while showing individual actions that matter (refusing single-use, choosing reusable). The book is honest about recycling's limitations: most plastic is not actually recycled, and reduction is more effective than recycling. This kind of honest education creates informed advocates, not just good recyclers.
Key takeaways
- Only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills or the environment. The book presents this reality age-appropriately.
- The global Nat Geo Planet or Plastic? campaign has reached over 1 billion people, making it one of the most visible environmental education initiatives in history.
- The personal plastic audit activity helps children identify and count their household's single-use plastic consumption over a week, making abstract data concrete.