One Plastic Bag

Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia

By: Miranda Paul

Narrated by: Book Buddy Digital Media

Length: 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

The inspiring true story of how one African woman began a movement to recycle the plastic bags that were polluting her community.

Plastic bags are cheap and easy to use. But what happens when a bag breaks or is no longer needed? In Njau, Gambia, people simply dropped the bags and went on their way. One plastic bag became two. Then 10. Then a hundred.

The bags accumulated in ugly heaps alongside roads. Water pooled in them, bringing mosquitoes and disease. Some bags were burned, leaving behind a terrible smell. Some were buried, but they strangled gardens. They killed livestock that tried to eat them. Something had to change.

Isatou Ceesay was that change. She found a way to recycle the bags and transform her community. This inspirational true story shows how one person's actions really can make a difference in our world.

Please note: The original source audio for this production includes noise/volume issues. This is the best available audio from the publisher.  

©2015 Miranda Paul (P)2020 Lerner Digital ™

Critic Reviews

"This handsome presentation of grassroots environmental activism is certain to inspire young readers." (The Horn Book Magazine)

"Simple but lyrical text conveys this beautiful, thought-provoking tale of ecological awareness and recycling ('The basket tips. One fruit tumbles. Then two. Then ten.'). An inspiring account." (School Library Journal)

"Colorful textured and patterned collage artwork illustrates this inspiring true story, which concludes with more information about Isatou's grassroots initiative." (Booklist)

Dangers of plastic

Well told story of the dangers of plastic. Simple to understand for a 4 year old.