Polluting for Pleasure

Stating that ``we have clearly failed in our stewardship'' of the environment, boat builder and sailor Mele offers a pointed, if sometimes technical, indictment of the recreational boat industry, citing its major contribution to air and water pollution. Though Mele's writing lacks grace, his arguments should spur much debate. He probes ``boating's remarkably enduring immunity'' to anti-pollution initiatives, denounces the federal government's failure to push for fuel efficiency and criticizes the male boat buyer's desire for speed and power. Mele surveys possible cleaner energy sources for boats and suggests improvements in boat design. He concludes with a series of recommendations for government, citizens and the boating industry. A wake-up call. (July)