Letters to the editor are a surprisingly effective public relations tool that many practitioners too frequently forget about. A good example of using a letter effectively is this one in today's Guardian from Tom Kelly of Thames Water Utilities.

It picks up on a topical news story (yesterday's Environment Agency report that said disposable nappies are just as 'green' as traditional terry nappies). Kelly quite simply reminds readers that they shouldn't flush disposable nappies down the toilet because it can not only block main sewers but even more likely customers' own pipes. 

Brilliant. Demonstrates that Thames Water Utilities wants to be a responsible company and also potentially saves them money through less blockages. 

Note for our American readers. Nappies are diapers.