16 June 2018 | prestonhollowpeople.com
Letters to the Editor
IADAMSON / DREAMSTIME.COM
Save the Planet From Plastic It was refreshing to read your column “We Can Do Better For Our Planet” (Page 2, April issue). Thank you for bringing the state of the environment in the area to the attention of readers. Your article focused on recycling; I will therefore focus on litter and specifically plastic. Plastic appears everywhere I go these days: It is caught up in branches, bushes, along the highways, streets, on fences, along construction sites, stuck in gutters. You mentioned the repeal of the plastic bag ban in 2015. At
the time it was passed, people made an effort to reduce the amount of plastic bags used, because [the rules] forced them to think about each plastic bag they did or did not use. Once the plastic bag ban was repealed, the single use plastic bag was back with a vengeance. Meanwhile, we continue to choke our environment. You only have to go to White Rock Lake, Bachman Lake, the creeks, and the Trinity River to see how much litter and plastic is accumulating. The area is booming with new construction and, along
Three Things To Do in June with it, an increase in construction plastic and debris that is left to the side as construction work is in progress; all it takes is a bit of wind for all that plastic to become carried to neighboring areas. The issuance of a construction license should include strict regulations for safeguarding plastics and debris and for deposing of them appropriately. We can each be more conscientious of our impact on our environment and take mindful steps to reduce waste. Start by saying no to a plastic bag when it really is not necessary; bring your own bag when you can; ask baggers to use as few bags as possible. Encourage store managers to train their clerks to ask customers if they need a bag instead of robotically placing one tiny item in a bag. Report a litterer to the Texas Department of Transportation; encourage city councils to pass more ordinances to help keep the environment clean and reduce waste; encourage schools to educate students to be advocates for a better environment and get them involved in recycling programs. There is so much to be done on so many levels, but the first step doesn’t have to be a leap; it can be as simple as saying no to a plastic bag. Henrica Vanderaa University Park
VOLUNTEERNOW Voly in the Park returns noon to 4 p.m. June 2 at Kylde Warren Park.
By William Taylor
People Newspapers While officially the first day of summer doesn’t come until June 21, the end of May and the closing of another school year puts us in a summer kind of mood. Thoughts turn to pool time, outdoor concerts, and family vacations. Exotic destinations are great when you have the time and money, but cool times can be had here at home, even during a hot Dallas summer. Here are a few opportunities to consider as June gets underway:
1. Volunteer Together Looking for a new way to spend time with family? How about volunteering together? Search for the right opportunities during Voly in the Park from noon to 4 p.m. June 2 at Klyde Warren Park. The free volunteerism festival sponsored by technology-based nonprofit VolunteerNow will feature hands-on volunteer projects, live entertainment, and 75 nonprofits in need of volunteers. Learn more at voly.org.
2. Party on a Lawn Throw a lawn party and meet the neighbors or, better yet, let someone else throw one. Dallas’ Reunion Lawn Party returns for the fourth year with 10 food trucks, Baldo’s Ice Cream, lawn games, armadillo races, and music from 6:30 to 10 p.m. June 23 at the lawn under Reunion Tower. The Limelight Band will perform and the party will conclude with a light show on “The Ball.” Hyatt Regency Dallas will host an after-party in Monduel’s, the hotel’s
bar. Visit reunionlawnparty.com for information about parking, what to bring, and what to leave at home as well as a list of entertainment and food trucks.
REUNION LAWN TOWER FACEBOOK PAGE
Reunnion Lawn Party is June 23.
3. Enjoy Lemonade Whether squeezed at home, picked up at a neighborhood child’s stand, or purchased from a national chicken sandwich chain, something about lemonade just taste like summer. For a variation on that theme and a chance to sip for a good cause, try Urbanade, the lavender lemonade that won students from Behind Every Door the grand prize at the Lemonade Day competition at NorthPark Center. East Hampton Sandwich Co. will be selling the beverage through June 5 with proceeds helping Behind Every Door, a Christian ministry providing educational programs, employment and financial resources, and social services to underserved neighborhoods. Learn more at behindeverydoor.org.
BEHIND EVERY DOOR Students from Behind Every Door won with a lavendar lemonade.