Waste Management: A Reference Handbook

(Hardback)

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Description

An authoritative review of issues in waste management both in the United States and globally that measures the scope of the problem and examines the latest scientific and policy initiatives for addressing it. This urgent volume provides an up-to-date overview of waste management, outlining ways that individuals, groups, and governments can reduce waste through integrated strategies. From household trash to radioactive material, Waste Managementcovers the many types of waste humans produce, then looks at the latest scientific breakthroughs and policy initiatives focusing on the waste management problem. It provides a historical context for understanding the current garbage crisis and examines a number of important events and current issues, including the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository, managing the debris from Hurricane Katrina and the World Trade Center site, shipbreaking and human rights violations in Asia, the freecycling movement, and San Francisco's ban on plastic grocery bags. The book also looks at the problem globally, from the most developed country to cultures that rely on trash picking and scavenging.

Reviews

Drawing from history, political science, environmental science, engineering, sociology, and public health literature, Vaughn (political science, Northern Arizona U.) presents an introductory overview of waste and waste management, suitable for high school and college students, scholars, and general readers, as well as legislators, businesspeople, and activists. * SciTech Book News *
a complete and comprehensive introduction to contemporary waste management issues and features a chronology of thematically relevant events, legislation, and movements; An ideal textbook for Environmental Studies curriculums, Waste Management is also very highly recommended reading for environmental activists and non-specialist general readers with an interest in waste management issues. * Midwest Book Review *
The book in its present form is appropriate only for general readers and those just developing an interest in and knowledge of waste management. It may not provide necessary technical information for professional practitioners and advanced students. * Choice *
The environmental movement and concern over hazardous waste and overfilled landfills make this a useful introductory reference. The section on background issues is insightful and the pages devoted to the broader concept of waste management establish perspective for the rest of the book. The section on controversies and solutions is useful, addressing such issues as 'Paper or Plastic' and 'Technological Advances.' Although not a glamorous topic, this title is timely and will be of importance for those researching environmental issues and how best to deal with them. It should find a home in any school or public library. * ARBA *

Author Bio

Jacqueline Vaughn, Ph.D., is professor of political science at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. Her published works include ABC-CLIO's Conflicts over Natural Resources: A Reference Handbook.