In Defense of Garbage

..."eminently readable, entertaining, and a very important statement about what grabage is, why it is important, who should care about it, and what is likely to happen in profligate societies. Alexander's industrial and academic experience together with his sprightly literary style informs, educates, and instructs the reader on the nature of waste, the disposal problem, the value of garbage, the impact of packaging in a throw-away society, the benefits of source reduction, the promise and problems of reclaiming and recycling, the illustion of simple solutions based on biodegradability, the politics of garbage, and a host of other issues. But suprise, suprise! Alexander sounds an optimistic note. Complete and accessible bibliography; essentially flawless editing. The only other thing one could ask for is an affordable price, and the publisher has given that. All levels."-Choice
"There is much in his book to think about regarding the handling of municipal solid waste, and the accounts of the history of garbage and the development of modern packaging are peppered with quirky detail."-New York Times Book Review
"A retired executive of American Can and professor at SUNY's school of forestry and environmental science, the author views the garbage crisis as stemming directly from the public's misconception, skewed through continuous misrepresentation of information by the media and environmentalists. The work is well documented and includes an impressive litany of published and unpublished sources. Although its pro-business perspective on garbage will be controversial, it is interesting reading and will provoke lively discussions."-Library Journal
?There is much in his book to think about regarding the handling of municipal solid waste, and the accounts of the history of garbage and the development of modern packaging are peppered with quirky detail.?-New York Times Book Review
?Alexander sides with the critics of pollution alarmism, and asserts that no garbage crisis exists . . . [His] reasoned insistence on the economic and technical parameters of handling trash precisely balances the nonacidic, nonalkaline needs of the current affairs shelf.?-Booklist
?A retired executive of American Can and professor at SUNY's school of forestry and environmental science, the author views the garbage crisis as stemming directly from the public's misconception, skewed through continuous misrepresentation of information by the media and environmentalists. The work is well documented and includes an impressive litany of published and unpublished sources. Although its pro-business perspective on garbage will be controversial, it is interesting reading and will provoke lively discussions.?-Library Journal
?...eminently readable, entertaining, and a very important statement about what grabage is, why it is important, who should care about it, and what is likely to happen in profligate societies. Alexander's industrial and academic experience together with his sprightly literary style informs, educates, and instructs the reader on the nature of waste, the disposal problem, the value of garbage, the impact of packaging in a throw-away society, the benefits of source reduction, the promise and problems of reclaiming and recycling, the illustion of simple solutions based on biodegradability, the politics of garbage, and a host of other issues. But suprise, suprise! Alexander sounds an optimistic note. Complete and accessible bibliography; essentially flawless editing. The only other thing one could ask for is an affordable price, and the publisher has given that. All levels.?-Choice
"Alexander sides with the critics of pollution alarmism, and asserts that no garbage crisis exists . . . [His] reasoned insistence on the economic and technical parameters of handling trash precisely balances the nonacidic, nonalkaline needs of the current affairs shelf."-Booklist
.,."eminently readable, entertaining, and a very important statement about what grabage is, why it is important, who should care about it, and what is likely to happen in profligate societies. Alexander's industrial and academic experience together with his sprightly literary style informs, educates, and instructs the reader on the nature of waste, the disposal problem, the value of garbage, the impact of packaging in a throw-away society, the benefits of source reduction, the promise and problems of reclaiming and recycling, the illustion of simple solutions based on biodegradability, the politics of garbage, and a host of other issues. But suprise, suprise! Alexander sounds an optimistic note. Complete and accessible bibliography; essentially flawless editing. The only other thing one could ask for is an affordable price, and the publisher has given that. All levels."-Choice
"A fascinating analysis of solid waste and litter by a twenty-five year student of the problem . . . filled with surprising concepts and data."-Roger Powers, President Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
"Judd Alexander takes a clear concise look at the garbage crisis with the eye of a businessman-environmentalist. The result is new perspectives and solutions to the garbage crisis and, surely, one of the best books on public policy that I have read in a long time. It is not to be missed by anyone who cares about change."-Thomas B. Morgan, President WNYC Communications Group and Former Editor, The Village Voice
"No person has labored longer on the issues of waste handling and disposal than Judd Alexander. His fine book cuts through a lot of the 'trash talk' in America and lets in the strong light of reason. This book should be read by everyone concerned with how we handle the detritus of modern society."-William D. Ruckelshaus, Chairman and CEO, Browning-Ferris Industries and Former Administrator the Environmental Protection Agency
"One voice which typically gets lost when solid waste issues are discussed is the voice of American Industry. Judd Alexander breaks the silence in a thoroughly documented book enriched by his decades of personal experiences. Not everyone will agree with In Defense of Garbage, but it provides constant suprises. This legitimate business perspective should be considered carefully by every policy planner or consumer who wants to find real solid waste solutions."-W. L. Rathje Professor of Anthropology, University of Arizona and author of Rubbish! The Archaeology of Garbage