One letter writer proposes improving the state’s recycling infrastructure as a part of keeping restaurant patrons safe during reopening. Also: racial injustice is a moral test; state-provided masks; stop littering
Rethinking proposed bans in favor of food safety
The news has been positive in Connecticut as hospitalizations related to COVID-19 continue to decline and phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan gets underway, described in the June 18 article, “Indoor dining, gyms and hotels reopen their doors in Connecticut Wednesday as coronavirus-related restrictions ease.” I am very pleased to see indoor dining is now allowed in our community’s restaurants again.
I was happy to read that some restaurants were continuing to use single-use items like polystyrene take-out containers, cutlery and cups as they continue to navigate the new public health requirements while running their respective businesses. There’s no question that we are living in a very different world where protocols related to cleaning, disinfecting and wearing masks are part of the “new normal.” Restaurants must also ensure the health and safety of customers by serving meals in the most safe manner possible.
Reducing touch points will be essential moving forward amid the pandemic and I hope lawmakers in Hartford rethink their approach with proposed bans on polystyrene food packaging. Rather than banning items that will be essential to public health and sanitation, our elected leaders should be talking about ways in which we could improve our recycling infrastructure. Because of the pandemic, consumers have increased their use of single-use and disposable items to protect their health and that of their families, which makes the conversation around recycling more important than ever.
Dave Bahlinger, Burlington
This is a moral test
Systemic racism still exists throughout the U.S. despite the facts that President Lincoln abolished slavery 155 years ago and that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
I support the sentiments behind the peaceful protests against racism and police brutality sweeping across our nation. I believe that Black lives matter.
This is a test of us. Moral, ethical and legal actions of citizens, backed by government leadership, will guide us. We will strengthen communities everywhere by eradicating racial injustice, hatred and violence.
Greg Kline, Woodstock
If masks are required, they should be provided to each citizen
Why isn’t the state or each town providing masks, approved to be effective, to each resident? Some are so hard to breath with, others aren’t deemed to be adequately safe to prevent infection, which makes it hard to know the best type to choose.
If masks are required, they should be provided to each citizen.
They could be given out at each town hall or senior center after showing proof of residence. I’m getting tired of all talk and no action on government’s behalf.
Kazik Skoczylas, Windsor
There has been a noticeable increase of trash on our city sidewalks. Let’s do better.
Are you seeing it, too? I’m noticing lots more trash on our roadside and sidewalks. Perhaps the municipal and state street departments are understaffed due to COVID-19, or perhaps we’re just getting lazy and uncaring about the way our streets and sidewalks look. I suspect it’s a combination of both factors.
To me, throwing trash out a car window or onto a sidewalk is a symptom of selfishness and lack of caring about our neighbors and the environment. So I challenge us to do better. Let’s take personal responsibility and pay attention to our surroundings. It’s one small way we can make ourselves feel good while we attend to the larger work of re-making our world into a better place.
Nancy Simonds, East Windsor
