A Public Sociology of Waste

Individuals cannot tackle waste by recycling, reusing, and reducing alone. This book reveals that neoliberal capitalism's fallacy of infinite growth is the real culprit, and industry and local governments work together to deflect attention from the real causes of the global waste problem. Sociology provides solutions through a 'public imagination of waste.'

Format: Hardback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The notion that individuals and households alone can address the issue of waste through recycling, reusing, and reducing is a topic that this thought-provoking book delves into extensively. Sociologist and waste expert Myra J. Hird challenges the prevailing belief by exposing the fallacy of infinite growth propagated by neoliberal capitalism as the root cause of our global waste crisis. Through her comprehensive analysis, Hird reveals how industry and local governments collaborate to divert attention away from the genuine causes of waste generation.

In this enlightening work, Hird offers valuable insights into the intricate connections between waste and broader societal issues such as ongoing settler colonialism, poverty, racism, and sexism. She demonstrates how sociology can play a pivotal role in finding solutions by fostering a "public imagination of waste." By encouraging individuals to view waste as a resource rather than a burden, Hird proposes innovative approaches to waste management and recycling that prioritize sustainability and social justice.

Through her compelling storytelling and expert knowledge, Hird empowers readers to recognize the role they can play in reducing waste and creating a more sustainable future. This book serves as a crucial reminder that our collective efforts are essential in addressing the global waste crisis, and it provides valuable tools and strategies for individuals and communities to take action.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529206555