With the United States having roughly 6 percent of the world's population but using anywhere between 25 percent and 60 percent of the world's natural resources (depending on which article you read), I applaud Mr. Valani's efforts to educate children on the benefits and necessities of recycling, "Being Green" in the Aug. 13 issue of the Willow Glen resident.

Too many generations have grown up without the reduce/reuse/recycle mentality, and I too often hear excuses why people cannot, should not or will not make different choices in order to reduce the burden that will be placed on future generations. A luxurious and efficient life is too easy to adopt, and it creates a habit that is tough to break. I hope that by instilling a different mindset early and often, in enough children, they will make a little effort in order to conserve, over the excesses of convenience.

I am no activist, but I do my part in any way I can. So I found it ironic waking up, after reading the article the night before, to find my front yard adorned with extra-soft, quilted, two-ply toilet paper. I have no children and no known enemies and so why anyone would want to waste perfectly good bathroom products on us is a mystery.

I originate from a different country where TPing is not practiced, but I guess it's something I have to look forward to again, when we eventually do have children. I did, however, practice what I preach and salvaged as much paper as I could to mop up future spills, a luxury in our house as we don't subscribe to paper towels, and I recycled the cardboard inserts.

So, to all you parents out there: At least teach your children to toilet paper a house with one-ply. Two-ply is twice the amount of wasted paper.

—Jayne Cooper, Willow Glen