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by Leila Papoli-Yazdi (Author)
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This book offers an updated version of Garbology (Archaeology of Garbage), a subfield of archaeology that critically examines modern waste and consumerism. It weaves academic rigor with the author's personal narratives and experiences in the field. The work contains facts and evidence from multiple communities and considers the author's journey from being a politically marginalized professor in Iran to co-founding a garbology-centered startup in Sweden.
This perspective offers a compelling narrative, accessible not just to scholars but to anyone seeking a new way to explore and discuss modern civilization's wicked problems. What distinguishes this work is its practical approach: it not only critiques consumer behaviors but also offers actionable solutions through an archaeological lens. With detailed case studies, the author positions garbology as a transformative tool for grassroots activism and social change. Ultimately, A New Garbology Manifesto serves as a powerful call to action, highlighting the deep connections between waste, socio-economic inequality, and environmental justice. It equips scholars, policymakers, and NGOs with practical strategies to tackle hyperconsumerism and climate challenges across both the Global South and North.
Author Biography
Leila Papoli-Yazdi is an archaeologist specializing in the contemporary past and garbology. She is an alumna of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and has held academic positions at leading institutions, including Freie Universität Berlin, University of Gothenburg, Malmö University, and Linnaeus University, and is currently collaborating with the UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures at Linnaeus University. Her work in disaster archaeology, notably on the 2003 earthquake in Bam City, marked a pioneering project in contemporary archaeology in Iran. In recent years, her innovative approach through garbology has shed light on social issues like poverty, discrimination, and unsustainable consumption practices. She has co-founded the innovative start-up of GARBONOMIX and applies her research to foster sustainable consumption patterns. Papoli-Yazdi has led several field projects across Pakistan, Kuwait, Iran, and Sweden and has published extensively in English, Persian, and Swedish, enriching academic discourse in archaeology.
