LETTERS: USING RECYCLED MATERIALS WOULD BE EDUCATIONAL

To the editor:

A recent editorial suggested the Conservation Department's decision to use recycled material to build the nature center at Cape County Park was made to be politically correct. The editorial stated it would be more expensive to use recycled material. Let's approach this issue with a long-term perspective.

Cape Girardeau's citizens have received state awards for the amount of recycling they do. Recycling is only part of the equation. The recycled materials have to have a market. To generate sales for recycled products, people have to know it is available. If it is a building material, they would also want to determine its appearance and durability. Utilizing recycled materials in a nature center proposed to be visited by many individuals would serve this function. As more recycled building materials of good quality become available in the marketplace, the demand will grow. As demand grows, more manufacturers enter the marketplace. Competition develops, and the price comes down. Remember how expensive the first computers were? Instead of being a politically correct move to use recycled materials, I see this decision as an educational move. After all, education is one of the functions of the Conservation Department.

SHIRLEY SEABAUGH

Cape Girardeau