Letters to the Editor: July 19 – 25, 2018

We Must Dramatically Reduce Plastic Waste

Editor,

Last month, we were reminded in the Our Man in Arlington column that, while Arlington has one of the country’s highest recycling rates, plastic bags, foam cups and plates, and Keurig coffee pods are not accepted as recyclable materials in the area. Our waste is killing our wildlife. Our economy encourages us to make, use and toss at the greatest possible speed. Often, we don’t think twice about getting our coffee to-go in a foam cup, or food in a foam takeout container.

Currently, 70 million plastic foam cups are estimated to be disposed by Americans every day. Of these, about one-third end up in waterways: rivers, lakes and especially oceans. The plastic and foam waste accumulating in Lake Barcroft gets harder and harder to dodge when going for a swim or out on a boat.

To protect our wildlife and our waterways we need to dramatically reduce our plastic waste and we can start by banning foam cups and takeout containers here in Virginia.

Sarah Sweeney

Richmond

What Has Roem Accomplished So Far In Richmond?

Editor,

Thank you for the informative article about Danica Roem. I’m interested in a report about what legislation she has sponsored or supported. Has she done any work towards her campaign platform regarding easing traffic on Route 28? What has she accomplished after 12 months serving the citizens of her district?

Bob Martin

Falls Church

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