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Public Commentary should get notice by Nassau lawmakers
DearEditor: Although I applaud any recycling effort, this law is just another lukewarm measure that does not seriously address the environmental and economic concerns caused by the continued manufacture and use of plastic bags (not to mention the moral/ethical issues as it relates to the global community and our use of petroleum). And, it won't work, because it's preaching to the converted. Those who toss plastic bags and other debris onto our roads and beaches will not stop littering or start recycling because of this law. Recycling is fine, but we simply must learn to reduce waste and consume less. Here are just a few facts about plastic bags and what they cost us: •Americans consume 100 billion plastic shopping bags every year. •380 billion plastic bags are thrown away in America each year. •Plastic bags are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable natural resource. •14 plastic bags contain enough petroleum to drive a car a mile. •Plastic bags are one of the top items of litter in our community. •Each reusable bag used has the potential to eliminate up to 1,000 plastic bags. •Plastic bags break down into tiny toxic bits that contaminate our soil and water. •Plastic bags can take 1,000 years to break down. •Free plastic bags means higher prices at the store. (Remember: nothing is ever free.) Surely, we can do better than this law. What we need is legislation that clearly demonstrates that those elected to represent us are serious about healing the planet. Why not encourage stores to offer consumers credit when they carry in their own reusable bags? And why not encourage or make mandatory a charge for plastic bags, like Ikea does? Let's hope Nassau County gets it right and does what we didn't: ban the bag. Patricia Burkhart, The writer is a board member of the Friends of the Edgewood Preserve Thank our troops Dear Editor: During the past year the surge has been working in Iraq. However, there are some Americans that think we will be a lot safer if we quit now. Quitting now will set up more 9/11 attacks and that will delay the return of our troops from Iraq. Our troops will be home sooner rather than later if we give them our support now. Let's thank our troops for the great job they are doing to keep us safe. There is not substitute for total victory. Americans are not quitters.
Ernest A. Howell, Massapequa The Record invites readers to present their views, ideas and issues. Please submit letters to the editor to us at 85 Broadway, Suite A, Amityville NY 11701. Letters should be signed and include a daytime telephone number for verification purposes only. We do not accept personal thank you notes, political endorsements or anonymous letters, but will, under some circumstances withhold the name of a writer upon request.
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