All That Trash

Written & illustrated by Meghan McCarthy

A garbage barge's journey sparks a recycling revolution.

3.7/5 Goodreads · 348 ratings

48 pages· 1,636 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1987, Lowell Harrelson's plan to turn trash into methane gas goes awry when his barge, Mobro 4000, is rejected by every port. As the smelly cargo drifts along the coast, it becomes a media sensation and a symbol of waste. With nowhere to dock, the barge's plight captures public attention, leading to unexpected calls for recycling. Will this floating fiasco inspire a new environmental movement?

From the publisher

An ALA Notable Book “The year was 1987 and a ship full of trash was about to become famous…The narrative is immensely readable…A fresh take on a story of old garbage guaranteed to spark conversations and a desire for actions among students. Highly recommended.” –School Library Journal (starred review) A garbage barge that can’t find a place to welcome it sparks a recycling movement in the United States in this smart and smelly picture book from the author of Earmuffs for Everyone. Lowell Harrelson wanted to turn trash into methane gas so he rented a barge called Morbo 4000. His plan was to ship the garbage from New York to North Carolina, but as the barge floated down the coast, no state would let him dock because of smelly waste on board! The barge became a mockery and the butt of many jokes in the media. What started as an attempted business venture turned into quite the predicament for Mr. Harrelson. Mobro 4000 roamed the seas for forty-five days and traveled a distance of 6,000 miles. While awaiting its fate, the trash floated in New York’s harbor, garnering much attention by onlookers. Green Peace activists put up a large banner across the barge that read, “NEXT TIME…TRY RECYCLING.” Even though the garbage barge was a farce, the unintended consequence inspired America to find a new way to deal with its trash.

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