As a westerner, it's probably inappropriate to comment on matters affecting national unity. Suffice it to say, I believe in a united Canada -- and if we're all looking for an issue we can agree on, why not recycling?

Currently, over 20% of the waste going into landfills is from construction and demolition debris. By taking a little more care to "deconstruct" buildings without damaging materials, and then separating reusable items from those headed to the landfill, this waste can be significantly reduced. In fact, many provinces have already passed legislation to ensure this happens. Ontario, for example, recently introduced Bill 102, requiring any construction or demolition project over 2,000 square meters (by floor space) to submit a Waste Audit and Waste Reduction Plan. This plan requires a detailed inventory of materials that are being sent to be land filled, what efforts are being made to reduce waste, and what will be salvaged for reuse.

Bill 102 is part of broader legislation that targets solid waste reduction from all residential, industrial, commercial and institutional sources. The goal is to reduce the amount of waste being disposed by at least 50% by the year 2000, compared to the

1987 base year. Similar legislation has been proposed right across Canada.

To achieve this goal, obviously requires a drastic change of perception on the part of consumers and industry. Literally, we all have to rethink what we view as garbage and what can be reused. Planned obsolescence is no longer acceptable from the auto industry and it's certainly not an environmentally responsible way to deal with household and construction waste.

So next time someone mentions separation, let them know you wholeheartedly support it. While we're on the subject, I'd just like to mention that we've added our first Quebec outlet, further cementing the ties that bind our country!