Regarding Takamitsu Sawa's Oct. 12 article, "CO2 emission cuts doable": I have an idea to help reduce Japan's carbon dioxide emissions by at least 10 percent and it could be done in less than a year. Place a ban on the burning of waste leaves and rice plants before, during and after the rice season. This would have the added effect of improving millions of lives. People suffering from burning eyes, runny noses and other generally annoying symptoms during the burnoff would feel greatly relieved by the reduction in smoke.
The air here in Okayama is white and has been so for the last month. The color is wonderfully supplied by farmers pumping out gaseous emissions by burning small piles of rubbish. It has to stop if Japan is serious about improving the environment.
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