NOT SO RICH AS YOU THINK

by Stewart. George R. ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 24, 1967

A crisis isn't imminent, it has arrived, claims Mr. Stewart, and remedies will be very expensive. The crisis in question results from inadequate and pernicious methods of disposal, which sufficed for a nation of small farmers with room to spare. Increasing population, affluence, urbanization and synthetic technology have gravely exacerbated the situation. He chattily outlines the -problems of waste committed to water (sewage, factory effluents), to land (garbage, litter, junk, agricultural refuse) and to air (smog, CO, atomic wastes). Unfortunately his style lacks the persuasive powers of a Carson and the contents will obsolesce fast. His symptomatology is not backed up by a convincing examination of socioeconomic causes--and barriers to a cure. He notes in passing that Americans spend twenty billion a year on packaging, that small firms can't afford pollution control, that replacement of internal combustion engines is opposed by oil and gas interests. But he maintains that the public good generally triumphs, and recommends national zoning, ""political and administrative reorganization,"" and of course education. Second-class muckraking.

Pub Date: Oct. 24, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1967

Categories: NONFICTION