Protecting New Jersey's Environment: From Cancer Alley to the New Garden State (Rivergate Books) Review

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Protecting New Jersey's Environment: From Cancer Alley to the New Garden State (Rivergate Books) ReviewWhen my friend Bernadette told me that her husband's book on the New Jersey environment had been published, my first reaction was of vicarious pride and celebration. Of course, I immediately ordered the book. As soon as the book arrived, maybe a bit too soon, my second, more selfish reaction set in: how am I going to read this book? To begin with, I almost never read non-fiction, except for newspapers and magazines. A good mystery or perhaps a great novel would be my choice. And much as I like and respect this book's author, Tom Belton, the environment has never been a subject of much interest to me. I'm in favor of it, naturally, but have never wanted to read about it. Yes, I'll check to see which light bulbs to buy, and which car is most eco-friendly, but PCBs and its like have always gone in one ear and out the other (or, in one eye and out the other when it comes to print).

So it was with great trepidation that I started Protecting New Jersey's Environment. To my relief, it started out with interesting and touching personal background stories, yes, stories, even though true, of how Tom Belton ended up as an environmental ... what is the right word for his role? Scientist? Explorer? Author? Public servant? Yes to all of these, but to me the best word for him would be environmental detective. Coincidentally, or maybe not so coincidentally, his father was a police officer. In addition, the fact that Belton's brother died of leukemia at a young age clearly had a huge impact on him and was one of the factors leading to his search for answers ... in the air, in the water, somewhere in the environment. Tom may not have been able to save his brother but he must have wanted to save someone else's brother, or sister or child.

To my further relief and great pleasure, the personal approach in the beginning of the book continues throughout. The approach to environmental issues in New Jersey is one of increasing suspense within each issue (water contamination, soil poisons, cancer clusters, etc). First there is a vague suspicion that something is not quite right. There are too many children with leukemia or other cancer in a small area, the soil is seeping yellow liquid, the fish are dying. Next the New Jersey DEP, where Tom has spent most of his career, decides to investigate. The public is often a concerned and sometimes angry party to the search (we want you to protect our children now), and livelihoods of citizens can also be at stake (what do you mean we can't fish here? how will we make a living and support our families?). The governor's office can show courage in the face of political concerns (witness Tom Kean putting health of NJ citizens ahead of any industry finances). And eventually, despite all odds, right usually triumphs. Inexorably slowly at times, but changes happen. The federal government is generally the follower rather than the leader, and New Jersey can be proud of its role in initiating environmental changes over the years.

Back to the book, however. The dry and humorless treatise I expected never materialized. Instead, what i discovered was an inspiring account of mystery and excitement as the individuals such as Tom and his peers trudged through swamps, picked up dead fish, boated out in storms to collect water samples, all to find out what was causing the damage to our lungs, skin, and lives. The book reads almost like a true-life detective story. For those who are more scientifically-inclined, all the details regarding chemical compositions are included. For the rest of us, those parts can be skimmed over just enough to get to the next exciting moment. The main characters of the book are the heroes of the environment, and they are heroes, spending their lives looking for causes of the unsafe conditions that threaten all of us, and then working for solutions, often in the face of opposition from industry. Belton's book brings these characters alive gives the reader a vicarious feeling of excitement and triumph at their break- though moments.

This book is not The Environment for Dummies. Rather, it's a thoughful and touching explanation of our physical world in New Jersey, without condescension towards those of us who are intimidated by the scientific subject. The portraits of ordinary citizens, scientists, and even politicians who have become the heroes of the environmental movement are written with flair and an understated emotion that captivate the reader. Well-written, well-edited, Protecting New Jersey's Environment is a wonderful read. And it has touches of romance. First of all, Tom Belton's love of New Jersey, from the damaged environment of Jersey City where he grew up, to the beauty of the Pine Barrens, comes through on every page. And then there is his love for his wife Bernadette, who has been with him through most of his adult life, sharing with Tom the sometimes breathtaking beauty of outdoor New Jersey, even a freezing winter campsite. The personal decency of the author and the people he profiles in Protecting New Jersey's Environment come through in a heartfelt way with an uplifting effect on the reader. A highly recommended book.Protecting New Jersey's Environment: From Cancer Alley to the New Garden State (Rivergate Books) Overview

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