The Beachcomber’s Guide to Marine Debris

Description

This richly illustrated book serves as the ideal guide to the items that litter the world’s beaches. Forget sea shells and other fauna and flora. Here, you will find what a beachcomber is actually most likely to encounter these days: glass, plastic, wood, metal, paper, oil, and other sources of marine pollution! Complete with nearly 700 photographs, this guide shows the full range of marine debris items, each presented with insight and a pinch of humor. In addition, the author provides full details about these items. You will learn everything worth knowing about them. This includes not just their sources and decomposition stages. Discover the threat each item poses to these beautiful environments as well as prevention strategies, clean-up recommendations, alternative products, and recycling and upcycling ideas. Beyond the aesthetic issue, marine debris poses a threat to wildlife, human health, and economic welfare. This book arms you with the knowledge you need to combat these disgraceful and often hazardous eyesores. Become a beach detective! Travel the world’s most beloved tourist destinations with this ultimate beach read and help restore these fascinating environments to their natural beauty. Front Matter ....Pages i-xv Introduction (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 1-29 Glass (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 31-48 Metal, Vehicles, and Tires (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 49-86 Plastic (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 87-158 Foamed Plastic (Styrofoam) (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 159-169 Hygiene (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 171-189 Medical Wastes (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 191-200 Furniture and Furnishings (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 201-217 Apparel (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 219-248 Water Sports (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 249-262 Fishing Gear (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 263-277 Wood (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 279-299 Paper (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 301-312 Organic Wastes (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 313-327 Oil and Tar (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 329-336 Smoking (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages 337-352 Correction to: Glass (Michael Stachowitsch)....Pages E1-E1 Back Matter ....Pages 353-358