WastAway progress will take patience
After reading the latest of several negative articles concerning WastAway, I feel the need to express my disappointment regarding the neighbors of that company who continue to complain instead of supporting this great opportunity.
First, let me be clear on one thing – I do agree no one would want to smell such an odor in his or her neighborhood. Can you imagine how the stench must affect the lives of those who live near landfills?
The difference is WastAway is attempting to remove the need for landfills in the future. Their remarkable process has the ability to become one of the most amazing recycling efforts in U. S. history. Your temporary inconvenience may mean an end to the need for more dumping grounds one day.
According to an April 2001 press release by the Negative Population Growth Organization, Americans produce “222 million tons of trash each year – 4.4 pounds per person each day – more than half of which ends up in landfills.” The Census Bureau projects our population will grow to 400 million by the year 2050.
While other counties are not only interested in utilizing WastAway’s process, they are going out of their way to become involved. Still I continue to read the complaints of those who cannot see the forest for the trees.
WastAway has stated many times that the odor was unexpected, and that they have continued to take steps to rectify the situation. I know for a fact those involved have spent many late nights working on the solution. They do not like this unwelcome side effect any more than their neighbors, and the problem will soon be resolved.
My disappointment is that some people cannot see past this temporary setback. Progress takes hard work, diligence and patience. Just recently, I was on my way for an appointment when I encountered a paving crew. I was forced to turn and go in the opposite direction for a short distance before I was able to reroute, which unfortunately made me a few minutes late to my destination.
I understand, however, that the intention of the paving crew was to make the roads easier for us to travel on. Though their work may have caused momentary frustration for many, it would eventually permit us to continue using the roads we need to travel. I would hope we all could look at the big picture and see these things as opportunities, instead of dwelling on the dissatisfaction of the moment.
One day, when McMinnville becomes a part of history for being the birthplace to one of the most revolutionary ecological advancements, many of us will be thrilled to have been there when it happened. How many of you will want to say you spent the entire time speaking out against it, and attempting to thwart its progress?
Tracy Neal
1436 Judge Purser Hill Rd.
McMinnville