Regarding the Aug. 23 article “Scientists push leaders to act on microplastics pollution”: I found it ironic that on the day I read this article, I attended an event that illustrated part of the problem with microplastics invading the Great Lakes and bodies as well.
I attended Supertri Chicago to cheer on my daughter who was participating in the triathlon. I couldn’t help noticing the abundance of single-use plastic everywhere. This was not only the case with the event organizers serving up thousands of sports drinks to participants, but also the crowd writ large. Many of the fans carried single-use plastic bottled drinks; bottles were left on the ground or thrown away, not recycled.
I also see this at social events such as concerts. When I attend shows at Ravinia, people bring or buy single-use plastic bottled drinks, only to throw the bottles away, as Ravinia makes no real effort to offer recycling options. As large as Ravinia is, it has only a handful of recycling bins. Its effort in regards to the environment is an attitude I’ll never understand.
Which brings me back to the article. Until attitudes and behaviors change, not much progress will be made in reducing the harm plastics have on our lived environment. This has been going on for decades; it feels like Sisyphus.
I believe the public has no idea where plastics come from and the negative impact they have on the environment. This is due to naivete and campaigns by the perpetrators to the contrary.
For instance, do people realize that plastics are made from petrochemicals? That is oil and gas companies, such as Shell and ExxonMobil, to name two. These products help these companies stay relevant. Shell has one of the largest plastic factories in the country in Pennsylvania; it produces 1.6 million metric tons of plastic a year. The chief product is pellets of polyethylene, a common plastic.
Furthermore, the current administration does not care about the environment. On the contrary, it has cozied up to industry to degrade the environment even more.
This article might prove enlightening to some, but will it and others be enough to change attitudes and consumer choices to make a difference?
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— Fred Paul, Northbrook
Give fans of ‘Mully’ closure
As a lifelong Chicago sports fan from Schaumburg, I am deeply disappointed by how 104.3 The Score handled Mike Mulligan’s sudden departure. Dropping a 23-year station veteran without letting him say a proper on-air goodbye to his loyal audience was completely classless.
This corporate behavior puts fans like me in an unfair position. I grew up admiring the Payton family legacy and want to support Jarrett Payton in his new morning role. However, management’s rude treatment of “Mully” makes me question if I want to support this station at all. Instead of enthusiastically telling people that Payton is on morning radio, the conversation now centers on how bogus the station was to a local legend.
The mature move would be for management to invite Mully back for a final farewell segment to give fans the closure they deserve.
— Christopher Collins Sr., Schaumburg
Devastated by host’s removal
As a longtime Score listener, I was devastated and saddened to hear of the firing of Mike Mulligan. Mike brought professionalism, sincerity and humor in covering Chicago sports teams.
I wish Mully the best in his future endeavors, whether it be in retirement or getting another gig down the dial.
— Tom Ternetti, Rock Falls, Illinois
Flags lowered for Parton
I don’t want to be a killjoy, and I loved Dolly Parton, but what is up with this half-staff frenzy we have been in as of late?
Some Americans disagree with President Donald Trump’s decision to lower the U.S. flag to half staff for a week to honor Parton, citing tradition and the U.S. Flag Code.
The U.S. Flag Code generally reserves half staff for the president, vice president, justices of the Supreme Court, members of Congress, governors and in cases of national tragedy. It can be argued that entertainers and cultural icons should not receive a nationwide presidential directive of this scope.
The rare bipartisan admiration of Parton, her decadeslong cultural impact and her philanthropy clearly are worthy of a grateful nation, but doesn’t flying the flag at half staff overstep the traditional scope of the flag’s use?
— Charles Michael Sitero, Ormond Beach, Florida
Teacher’s dream comes true
It thrilled me to read the article featuring Edward Gardner, who is a new special education teacher at Burnham Mathematics & Science Academy (“For a new special ed teacher, it’s a ‘dream come true,’” Aug. 24).
He had a dream to become a teacher and worked hard to make his dream come true. What an example he is to all who choose to follow their dreams and work to achieve them. I would love to hear more about this teacher and how he is making a difference in the lives of his students.
Is it possible to check in with him during the school year and let Tribune readers know how he is finding his career rewarding?
— Martha Walkington, Bloomington, Illinois
A fan of grim reaper in ‘Bliss’
My print version of the Tribune is my favorite part of every day, and the comics are my favorite part of my daily Tribune. I love the grim reaper panels of “Bliss.” I find it comforting to see the grim reaper over the peaceful hill in a limousine.
— Susan Ohde, Chicago
Note to readers
Construction on Chicago streets and bridges this summer has created headaches for many drivers. We’d like to hear from you about your frustrations with the delays and the city’s management of the closures and detours. Send a letter of no more than 400 words by Wednesday, Sept. 2 to [email protected]. Be sure to include your full name and city/town.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].
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