Don’t Overlook the Environment

I searched in vain through the list of criteria used to select the L.A. Times’ 100 “best performing companies in California” for even a passing reference to corporate environmental responsibility. Many firms go well beyond environmental regulations in reducing pollution and conserving natural resources through source reduction and recycling.

Others take no responsibility. Many resist even minimal regulatory compliance choosing instead to spend their money on high-priced attorneys and deceptive advertising.

One of the greatest deterrents to bad environmental practices is public exposure of abuses. One of the greatest inducements to continuing good practices is public recognition and financial reward.

Next time, please consider environmental protection as one of the criteria for measuring good company performance.

DAN MERRITT, Claremont