LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

BYOB when you go out to shop

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To the editor:

The Dec. 16 edition of “60 Minutes” on CBS presented a major segment on the scourge of plastics.

If you viewed the programs, you too would be worried about the effects of plastics on our lives. It’s overwhelmingly alarming.

Look around your home — plastic toothbrushes, combs, hairbrushes, furniture, bottles, cartons, toys, bags. Most are not recycled at present and end up on beaches, in rivers and oceans, where the amount of plastic is beginning to outweigh the number of fish. And by the way, the fish start to devour the plastic, which is toxic for them.

At present, there’s not much I know to do except be aware and reuse and recycle as much as possible. But there is something that each of us can do and do right now, and it’s about plastic bags.

Next time you go shopping, BYOB. That’s “bring your own bag.” Use old plastic bags, or get some cloth reusable bags. But refuse new ones offered by the cashier, at the supermarket, the hardware store, the pharmacy — anywhere you shop.

It’s hopeful that legislation banning single-use plastic bags is being considered. Who knows when that legislation will become law.

We’re heading into a new year. Make a New Year’s resolution to help yourself, your community, your planet, and your kids now.

See you at the checkout — BYOB.

Faye Lieman

Faye Lieman,

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