Joshua O. O. Reno

About the Author

Joshua O. O. Reno is an anthropologist and writer whose work delves into the intersections of environment, labor, and society in contemporary North America. Drawing from extensive ethnographic research, he explores how human lives intertwine with industrial landscapes, particularly those marked by waste and disposal. His debut book, Waste Away: Working and Living with a North American Landfill, offers a poignant examination of the communities surrounding massive waste sites, revealing the hidden economies and ecological impacts of modern refuse. Reno's writing bridges academic rigor with accessible storytelling, challenging readers to reconsider the material underpinnings of everyday consumption. A professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, he continues to investigate sustainability and urban ecology through his ongoing projects.