Arthur H. Purcell

Arthur H. Purcell is a Los Angeles–based environmental management analyst and educator. In the following viewpoint, Purcell contends that America’s consumer lifestyle wastes resources and generates an increasing amount of garbage that pollutes the environment. He claims that while waste disposal methods have improved, these advances will not be sufficient to head off a garbage crisis. Instead, new strategies to reduce the amount of waste generated will be necessary. Purcell identifies several developments—such as the emergence of environmentally friendly businesses—that promise to help the nation avoid such a crisis.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Purcell, what problems are associated with siting landfills?
2. In the author’s opinion, what factors have increased efforts to separate wastes at or...