Keep programs for environment intact

In "Environmental programs up on the chopping block," the Daily Herald displayed proposed budget cuts in DuPage County for three significant environmental programs.

Funding should not be cut from these initiatives as they are extremely important for the county's future health and prosperity.

The latex paint recycling program allows for leftovers to be reused by other users at decreased costs. If latex paints are not reused they must be disposed of in Class 1 hazardous waste landfills, which have costs for the government and future generations.

On top of increasing hazardous wastes due to lack of recycling, DuPage wants to decrease spending from Naperville's household hazardous waste collection program. If these cuts are passed, hazardous waste disposal problems will escalate in the coming years.

Budget cuts to SCARCE will decrease the ability of K-12 teachers to obtain environmental training to pass on to their students and will cut the number of demonstrations available to local schools. Recent studies have shown that high-quality environmental education curriculum leads to higher test scores, increased academic performance, better attendance rates and fewer behavioral problems for students enrolled in the programs. Students also gain analytical skills that are indispensable in almost any work environment.

DuPage County needs to seriously reconsider its intention to make budget cuts from within environmental initiatives.

Recycling latex paints and collecting household hazardous wastes are necessary initiatives that the government should continue. Also, environmental education is very important to the present and future. It enables everyday citizens to make better choices and contribute to school, society and the workplace at a higher level.

Indeed, with more environmental programs and education, our future generations will know the value of the world around us and will continue to invest in a healthy and sustainable Earth.

Kim Layden

Medinah