To the Editor:

As an avid reader of the Mailbox for many years, I want to state my general feelings regarding the general theme of the environmental issues that have been discussed in previous letters.

On August 21, a writer suggested Princeton should have an electric bus system like Rome Italy [“Suggesting a Roman Solution for Princeton’s Giant, Gas-Guzzling, Traffic-Snarling Busses”]. The idea makes perfect sense to me. I visited Bordeaux and Nantes France this summer, and they have a wonderful electric tram system that serves large areas of these cities, quietly, without any obvious pollution, and they serve thousands of people daily. They go everywhere. Why can’t Princeton have incorporated a Tram system in it’s planning instead of the ridiculously oversized Dinky fiasco, the B and the Bus? I know people have asked these questions and continue to do so, but I believe the path we are taking simply proves that the Princeton area does not have an urban planning program that is as good and sustainable as it thinks. Certainly, it does not help that State and Federal funding is practically non existent.

Also, in April 3, 17 and 24, 2013 issues, people question, rationally and correctly, why Princetonions have been  subjected to the noise and pollution of leaf blowers, oversized lawnmowers, and piles of woody leafy litter in the streets. Why? Because people do not really understand that sustainability involves a certain amount of human effort. Instead of using fossil fuel and insisting on green and unsustainable lawns, a healthy ecosystem is easily achieved by encouraging organic matter to be recycled (composted) on the property; not hauled off to a big facility.

I think I am trying to say, “Hey Princeton, just how sustainable are we, really?” I believe we should expect a little more sustainability in the planning process than we are receiving, for the good of us all. Finally, as a citizen, I am proud of the people who have questioned these wasteful, annoying, and unsustainable practices. Keep writing letters and maybe something will come of it.

Fred Bowers

Snowden Lane