Deborah MacCormac

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Orlando Office of Pollution Prevention

Senators:

I am writing to express support for any new legislation and initiatives that focus on encouraging recycling at every juncture of the product lifecycle. In the 1960's companies were able to pay 2 cents and 5 cents for returned bottles. As a child, this was an exciting source of Friday night treat funds for my siblings and I. It was a way for small children to make a little money on their own, and to help the environment. It was such a good thing. We were always looking for bottles everywhere we went - 24/7.

Any legislation that would encourage manufactures of recyclable products to creat a refund policy for such products would have far reaching social and environmental benefits. In 2002 a premium of even a mere 10 or 15 cents per item would greatly encourage return of recyclables. This not only helps the environment in countless ways, it creates incentives, small entrepreneurs, help social disfunctionals and generates a small business sub-culture from nothing and for those who may otherwise remain lost. I encourage you to support any such policy initiative. It's a win-win for all of America.

Thank you