Editor:

Regarding John Keisling's views on recycling:

1. Recycling "costs more than growing a new batch of trees."

Generally true, but the issue is not over the cutting of trees (such as eucalyptus) that are grown exclusively for harvesting. Recycling helps to conserve old-growth forests, the benefit of which can't be measured in dollars.

2. Recycled paper is "lousy."

The fact that some recycled paper is of low quality does not constitute a valid reason to stop recycling. Over 40 percent of all paper goods made in 1995 will eventually be recovered and used in products such as newsprint. Much to Mr. Keisling's dismay, many of his words were printed on recycled fibers.

3. The recycling process "involves lots of nasty chemicals."

Paper to be recycled is taken to de-inking mills, which use solvent-based products that may release harmful volatile organic compounds. However, making paper from virgin pulp also involves a variety of "nasty" chemicals (such as chlorine dioxide), and in much larger quantities.

4. "We won't run out of landfill space for three thousand years."

Thanks to attitudes like Mr. Keisling's, recyclable paper products comprise about 35 percent of land-filled municipal waste. In a 1991 National Solid Wastes Management Association document, 28 states reported that 75 to 80 percent of the nation's active landfills will be closed in twenty years. These sites already fill so quickly that 10 are closed for each new one opened.

Whatever field of mathematics is Mr. Keisling's specialty, it evidently demands neither simple arithmetic nor honest research. At least he shows some promise as a writer of pulp fiction.

Gabriel Aldaz
mechanical engineering senior

Mathew Davies
physics senior