Trash

Congratulations to Alan Miller for his informative article on the garbage crisis, “Trash Time Bomb” (Part I, Feb. 28).

As I was quoted, there is no “one way” to solve this problem. The alternatives mentioned in the article certainly enumerate the variety of tools we have to help us diminish and dispose of the 39 million tons of garbage generated each year by Californians. But, even though the Legislature is passing laws to require more recycling, the development of biodegradable containers by industry and further review of the waste to energy process, public support is vital if we are to succeed in our efforts to diminish our trash.

Continued media attention, such as yours, is vital to increasing understanding so that as a society we can make the important choices necessary to resolve this critical issue.

Almost a ton and a half of trash generated per year by each Californian will be reduced only through a conscious effort by all of us to demand less bulky packaging, practice recycling, and do more separating of household trash. Together, we are the answer!

MARIAN W. La FOLLETTE

Assemblywoman

R-Northridge