As a grandparent who wants to leave a clean and livable planet to my grandson, I read Susan Bass’ recent op-ed, “On this Earth Day, let’s move to eradicate plastics.”
She laid out the “why,” but fell woefully short in telling us the “how.” The term “eradicating plastics” broadly means all plastics. If that’s the case in Bass’ view, explain what the “green solution” is for computer chips, bumpers, auto interiors, cell phones, computers ,TVs and any other product requiring some type of case for the components.
And, if eliminating all plastics is the only thing that will reduce or reverse climate change, Bass, who is a vice president at earthday.org, should have been spelled it out in more detail. Additionally, yes, the poor and people of color seem to be affected more — if substances that replace plastics increase the cost of things like computers and cellphones. If these prices increase, low-income people will be more hard pressed to improve their economic condition. An issue this complex has to be addressed with a more-detailed solution.
Gene Kowalski, Riverdale
Climate change affects us all
With the recent arrival of Earth Day, let’s ask ourselves: What can we do to leave behind a healthier and more hospitable planet for future generations to inherit?
Hurricanes, wildfires, droughts and floods, and unlivable extreme temperatures show that climate change is real. We desperately need leaders who will take seriously these threats to the well-being of all who live on Earth.
Climate change affects everyone, especially disadvantaged communities and those in poor countries, where there is less of a buffer from natural disasters and the suffering and famines they bring.
Wars and climate change are indeed the main reasons behind human migrations worldwide.
It’s time to prioritize well being of the Earth at the ballot box, as it affects pretty much everything .
Emma Kohn, Princeton
Consider Earth Day at November balloting
In our recent observance of Earth Day, the main issue is our environment and how well it is being treated.
I am reminded of a notable thought that was said long ago: “The environment is the playing board for the game of life that we all experience. No playing board, no game.”
By Earth Day 2025, we will know the results of the 2024 presidential election, when the entire planet will have been on the ballot. I predict that an environmental disaster will occur if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
During his four years in office, Trump dismantled over 100 environmental rules. An 2021 article in the medical journal The Lancet estimated that in the year 2019 alone, these policies led to 22,000 excess deaths from heart disease, asthma and lung cancer, among other causes.32545-9/abstract)
Please use your vote this November to prevent this situation from occurring again.
Rodney Ruth, Allendale
Who is doing the weaponizing?
In arecent op-ed about the vandalization of the Islamic Center on the Rutgers University New Brunswick campus, Sahar Aziz, a law professor at Rutgers, claimed that “universities have become ground zero for the weaponization of antisemitism to legitimize infringing on free speech rights.”
I find this statement to be extraordinary. In the backdrop of violent anti-Israel and antisemitic protests rocking elite college campuses and cities around the country, it is mind boggling that Aziz complains about a lesser amount of anti-Islamic backlash.
On Monday, Columbia University had tocancel all in-person classes due to safety risks posed, especially to Jewish students, by the ongoing pro-Palestinian and virulent anti-Israel hordes demonstrating on the campus.
Rutgers itselfhas been under federal investigation over its response to antisemitism, and students have reported that they don’t feel safe on campus. Aziz’s comments only make the situation worse.
Michael S. Pickert, Livingston
Biden’s economy won’t play in Scranton
At a re-election rally the other day at his boyhood hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, this is what President Joe Biden said:
I wonder how many Scranton residents are pleased with their economy.
From the moment he took office as president, Biden and his administration have taken actions that have contributed to immensely high gas and food prices, skyrocketing housing costs, high interest rates and rampant inflation.
A continuing Democratic Party tagline should be: “Don’t believe what you see, believe what we are telling you.”
Greg McLaughlin, Belle Mead
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters.
