Letter:
The human race is used to dominating the earth, often conquering or vanishing any creature or object that gets in it’s way. However, something new has dominated the earth, something inanimate, and that is plastic.
According to an article published by The Nature Conservancy in July of 2021, if current trends continue, about 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste will be in our landfills or polluting the environment by 2050. That amount is 4 billion more than the human population which is about 8 billion. This issue needs to be confronted and we must find ways to not only reduce the amount of plastic production but also plastic consumption.
Ideally plastic production should be terminated completely but corporations aren’t ready to lose the billions of dollars they make polluting our planet. However this is not meant to discourage others yet show others how we can make significant changes locally and globally. For starters we have to stop consuming single use plastics, these are the most harmful since they are discarded almost immediately. We can convert to buying glass items which can later be repurposed. We can also bring our own utensils to eateries when dining out.
Most importantly, we must refrain absolutely from using plastic bags. Reusable bags, especially cloth ones, are the best to use when grocery shopping. When shopping, always look for an alternative to plastic and if there aren’t any available or they are too expensive, second hand stores are an amazing option. The prices at secondhand stores are very affordable and one can truly find unique and durable pieces that won’t be harmful and pollute our planet. I urge you all to take direct action and replace plastic in your lives. Plastic isn’t a necessity and it definitely should not occupy more space on our planet than we do.
Thank you for your acknowledgement.
Natalie Maldonado Smith, former Yonkers resident and college student
Letter to the Editor:
Note: This letter concerns a story posted on YonkersTimes.com titled, CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE TIM HODGES PLANS TO TACKLE WILDLIFE CONCERNS IN DISTRICT 6, link-https://yonkerstimes.com/city-council-candidate-tim-hodges-plans-to-tackle-wildlife-concerns-in-district-6/
Tim Hodges “concerns” are an irresponsible load of nonsense.
Raccoons and skunks are not predators, and coyotes are more likely to run away from humans. The real danger in Yonkers, as with almost everywhere else, is human encroachment into wild spaces. Do you not have any compassion? If you happen to see any of these so-called predators, it’s most likely because people have disturbed or destroyed their home environment, or these poor creatures are hungry. Additionally, misguided and cruel attempts to “remove” species only results in more of the same species repopulating the area. People need to learn to share, be kind, and ignore this kind of ill-informed rhetoric.
Christina D, New Rochelle
