ENVIRONMENT
Simple steps can help our region’s air quality
The week marks Air Quality Awareness Week, a time to reflect on the meaningful actions we all can take to improve outdoor air quality.
Although air quality in Georgia is improving, population growth has put more demand on energy use and more cars on the roads. With half of smog-forming emissions in many areas throughout the state coming from vehicle tailpipes, it’s up to all Georgians to do their part to reduce poor air quality. This week is a reminder that small changes can make an immediate impact on the air we breathe.
There are a few easy ways to make a difference: Sign up for Smog Alerts at CleanAirCampaign.org to find out when air quality is expected to be poor, and commit to carpooling, vanpooling, riding your bike, walking or riding transit to your job. Avoid unnecessary idling, and combine your trips and errands
There are a wealth of free services and programs to help you start using alternatives to driving alone. Visit GACommuteOptions.com to learn more.
Your actions can make a difference. Please help us all breathe a little easier.
TEDRA CHEATHAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CLEAN AIR CAMPAIGN
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Some soul-searching reveals roots of hate
The letter, “Obvious reasons why others hate America” (Readers write, Opinion, April 26), gives reasons why “many nations and organizations” hate America. They include individual and religious freedom, a representative government, a capitalist economy, etc. However, there are many countries that have freedom, representative government and capitalism — in fact, there are 180 free countries — yet they don’t seem to be on the hate list for other nations and groups.
While we all love our country, perhaps we can question some of its policies since we are, after all, a democracy. Maybe it would be wise to do some soul searching and see if maybe, just maybe, there could be other reasons why America is hated. Could it be pre-emptive wars, drone attacks and torture? Maybe we could find some answers and (hence) solutions, and stop this endless terrorism. Maybe once again, we could be the moral leader and example we once were. Maybe we could even be loved again.
JANE FOSTER, GRAYSON
NEW MEDIA
A day without news is a day without compost
The online version of the AJC is excellent. It’s easy to navigate, and convenient to read.
I’m only worried about one thing: What am I going to do without old newspapers, which have dozens of household uses? I have a little worm farm, and I run the old papers through a paper shredder to make “bedding” for it — which the little critters consume, along with veggie scraps.
Anyway, keep the news coming — no matter how you package it!
KATHRYN W. KEMP, MORROW
