What We Leave Behind: A Birdwatcher's Dispatches from the Waste Catastrophe

Stanislaw Lubienski's book "The Sandcastle" is a thought-provoking exploration of consumer society's impact on the environment. He traces the origins of everyday items and reveals the harm they can do, questioning the cultural significance of waste and our throw-away lifestyles. Through his personal experiences and observations, Lubienski offers a persuasive argument for addressing environmental catastrophe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Everything seemed perfect at first glance. The pristine Baltic sand, considered the best in the world, and the tranquil sea created a serene atmosphere. However, a sense of unease lingered in the air. Something was amiss, and it wasn't hard to pinpoint the culprit. A single white sock, misplaced amidst the sea of perfection, seemed to ruin the entire experience. It was enough to ignite the curiosity of writer and ornithologist Stanislaw Lubienski, prompting him to embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries of what we discard, where it ends up, and its potential impact on our legacy.

Lubienski's exploration takes him on a journey through nature, where he uncovers a diverse range of items that have found their way into our environment. From a plastic bottle to a tube of Russian penis-enlargement cream, a cigarette butt to an empty aerosol can, each object holds a story of its own. Through meticulous analysis, Lubienski traces the origins of these items, shedding light on the harm they cause to our planet. He reveals how consumer society has spiraled out of control, leading to an environmental catastrophe that threatens the very existence of our species.

But Lubienski's exploration goes beyond mere environmental concerns. He also takes a birdwatcher's perspective, observing how various animals have adapted to and even rely on our waste. He questions the cultural significance of waste and explores the origins of our throw-away lifestyles. With a personal touch, he examines his own environmental neurosis and accompanies refuse crews on their daily operations, witnessing firsthand the challenges and rewards of waste management.

While Lubienski never resorts to hectoring or shaming his readers, his clear-eyed, persuasive, and humble polemic serves as a powerful reminder of what we, as individuals, can and cannot do to address the looming apocalyptic issue. His book serves as a call to action, urging us to reconsider our consumption habits and take responsibility for the impact we have on the environment.

Translated from the Polish by Zosia Krasodomska-Jones, "The World of Waste" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human-waste relationship, challenging our perceptions and inspiring us to make a change. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of addressing our environmental concerns before it's too late.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 145 x 224 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529418859