The Temporalities of Waste: Out of Sight, Out of Time

This book investigates the complex and unpredictable temporalities of waste, reflecting on its sustainability, materiality, social practices, subjectivity, and environmental challenges in a wide range of settings. It highlights the need for multi- and transdisciplinary approaches to understand the material properties of waste and its potential to provoke us in materially and temporally complex ways.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The temporalities of waste are a complex and unpredictable phenomenon that requires a multifaceted approach to understanding. This book explores the various aspects of waste, including its sustainability, materiality, social practices, subjectivity, and environmental challenges, in a wide range of settings, from the municipal garbage crisis in Beirut to food rescue campaigns in Hong Kong and the toxic by-products of computer chip production in Silicon Valley.

The emergence of the new field of discard studies is a testament to the importance of waste as a social, material, and cultural problem. It highlights the need for multi- and transdisciplinary approaches to address the challenges posed by waste, as it encompasses various disciplines such as environmental humanities, cultural studies, anthropology, and human geography.

This edited collection aims to develop a framework that recognizes the dynamic, relational, and often invisible nature of waste. It brings together new and cutting-edge research on the temporalities of waste from a diverse range of international authors. The research presented in this book challenges our understanding of waste as fixed, stable, or singular and emphasizes its capacity to provoke us in materially and temporally complex ways.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the relationship between waste and sustainability. The authors argue that waste is not just a problem to be managed but an opportunity to create sustainable systems and practices. They highlight the potential of waste to be used as a resource, such as in the production of renewable energy or the development of sustainable materials.

Another important theme is the materiality of waste. The authors argue that waste is not just a physical substance but a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses social, cultural, and economic aspects. They explore the ways in which waste is produced, consumed, and disposed of, and the impact that these processes have on the environment and human health.

Social practices and subjectivity are also explored in the book. The authors argue that waste is not just a product of individual behavior but is also shaped by social and cultural norms and values. They explore the ways in which waste is produced and consumed in different contexts, and the ways in which individuals and communities respond to waste.

Finally, the book addresses environmental challenges posed by waste. The authors argue that waste is not just a problem for the environment but also for human health and well-being. They highlight the toxic by-products of waste production, such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and the impact that these have on the planet.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the temporalities of waste. It highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to understanding waste, as it encompasses various aspects of sustainability, materiality, social practices, subjectivity, and environmental challenges. The research presented in this book challenges our understanding of waste and emphasizes its capacity to provoke us in materially and temporally complex ways. It will be of great interest to students and scholars of the environmental humanities, cultural studies, anthropology, and human geography.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367568573