HMMM, interesting little ditty by Helen Mead (January 13) who seems to think that "being environmentally friendly takes up too much energy", but does a little bit just to salve her conscience, it would appear.

I am sure Ms Mead is a caring wife and mother doing her best to juggle career, lifestyle, and family responsibilities whilst looking at the bigger picture. But Helen, I wonder if you would mind answering a quick question for me?

In a few years' time, when your children ask you why they live in a swamp called York located on a 1,500 x 350km landfill site - formerly known as the UK - and why your generation didn't heed the well-researched warnings that seem to appear in the media daily: what will you tell them?

Graham Horne,

Beech Avenue,

Bishopthorpe, York.

Updated: 12:32 Saturday, January 18, 2003