Shows that excess pollution arises because the waste disposal capacity of the environment is provided free of charge. Proposes a tax on materials removed from the environment, with refunds varying with the method of disposal: harmless methods obtaining full refund, most harmful disposal attracting no refund. Tax to be based on social cost of most…

Pollution is seen as prevalent throughout man's history and currently accentuated by democracy, industrialization, and capitalism. Faith in technology, lack of decisive response by social institutions, and absence of personal moral direction mediate against rapid solution of the environmental crisis. (JM)