Kroger should lead on plastics
Re: “Yes, plastic straws are really that bad,” July 25 editorial
There are a number of cities (most on the West Coast) that have banned plastic straws and plastic grocery bags. Many years ago King Soopers credited shoppers pennies per bag when they brought in their own grocery bags, i.e. re-use rather than get new bags.
Then King Soopers ended this environmentally sound practice. Science confirms that plastic never bio-degrades entirely but breaks down into ever smaller plastic particles which then persist forever in the environment and enter the food chain, e.g. the particles are present in fish we consume.
Possibly Cincinnati-based Kroger, which bought King Soopers, can be embarrassed into restoring the credit for re-using grocery bags. Or possibly Colorado cities should follow the West Coast example, i.e. ban plastics or “charge” shoppers for them. Kroger, the next step is up to you!
Martin Allen, Centennial
Unknown dangers of fracking
As a scholar in sustainability education and a longtime resident of Colorado, I have serious concerns about the current pattern of fracking on the Front Range of Colorado.
First, in his best-selling book, “The Tipping Point,” Malcolm Gladwell (2002) describes how pressures will build and eventually reach a crescendo that “tips” the public toward a particular change. With growing awareness about climate change and the need to think and act more sustainably, a parallel commitment grows to reduce pollution and its threats.
Second, Nancy Myers and Carolyn Raffensperger’s (2005) “Precautionary Tools for Reshaping Environmental Policy” argues against actions where the consequences are unknown but potentially negative and irreversible. Clearly the extent of fracking and its close proximity to water supplies raises questions about contamination that are difficult to assess currently.
Tragically, we may find out at some time in the future that the additives put into the ground to make fracking viable did contaminate our water supplies.
William M. Timpson, Fort Collins
Immigration reforms are the only solution
Re: “Judge temporarily halts deportation of families,” July 17 news story
The pandemonium at the U.S. southern border will continue on and on, year after year, until Democrats and Republicans start working together for a solution and vote.
Common sense dictates a stable border will only be accomplished by reforming and enforcing immigration laws. There are alternatives to the costly and timely routine of processing illegal immigrants. People who want to enter the U.S. can apply for visiting and work visas and also can apply for citizenship.
Immigration laws need fixing and some already on the books need to be eliminated, for example, “one footstep” into U.S. permits legal processing. “Anchor baby” needs to be abolished so that only babies born to citizens are automatically citizens. Also, thousands of illegal crossings into the U.S. on a regular basis will continue without a reinforcing wall.
Vera R. Boyd, Denver
