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 wasteful habits and their 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 practical solutions for addressing this apocalyptic issue.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Everything seemed perfect. The unique Baltic sand, considered the best in the world, and the tranquil sea. However, a sense of unease lingered. Something was amiss. Something was wrong.

It all began with a day at the beach. A single white sock, misplaced amidst the pristine shoreline, 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.

Through meticulous analysis of the items he unearthed during his ventures into nature, Lubienski delved into the origins and consequences of our consumerist culture. He traced the path of a plastic bottle, a tube of Russian penis-enlargement cream, a cigarette butt, and an empty aerosol can, unraveling the harm they caused to the environment. He revealed how our society had spiraled out of control, leading to an environmental catastrophe.

Lubienski also offered a birdwatcher's perspective, examining how various animals had adapted to and even relied on our waste. He questioned the cultural significance of waste and the roots of our throw-away lifestyles. Additionally, he added a personal touch by examining his own environmental neurosis and accompanying refuse crews on their work.

While Lubienski never resorted to hectoring or shaming his readers, his clear-eyed, persuasive, and humble polemic served as a powerful reminder of what we, as individuals, can and cannot do to address an apocalyptic issue while there is still something worth saving.

Translated from the Polish by Zosia Krasodomska-Jones, "The World of Waste" is a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of our relationship with waste. It sheds light on the hidden consequences of our consumerist habits and encourages us to reassess our actions and choices. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental sustainability and the urgent need to address our waste crisis.

Weight: 196g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529418866