Another winner full of compelling information

I WAS handed Resilient (ODT, 14.11.20) the other day.

My neighbour knew I would be interested to read it. And I am, and I read it all. Congratulations on educating the public.

Rachel Benefield’s article ‘‘Balance the equation’’ made an impression on me.

I think it was the drawings and the speech bubbles that attracted me. It was simple and it mentioned some ideas to make a difference in everyday life.

I think that’s what the public needs — simple instructions and the reasons why.

Some constructive criticism though: Perhaps because I am 70 and from Dutch origin and no (grand)children to teach me today’s language, but I have trouble understanding a few things.

‘‘Voting with your dollar’’ and ‘‘spending sustainably’’ could perhaps be explained. ‘‘I really need you to chill’’ makes me think of ‘‘relax’’ but that would be the worst thing to do.

Looking after the planet is hard work because we have to rethink and be creative to find other ways to do things.

Thank you for your amazing articles. They give me hope for the future.

Jose van den Oort

Waimate

[Abridged]

City traffic

SO many articles and letters from people who insist we should maintain a carfilled city by arguing that, because people have historically driven to the shops in the past, so it must continue.

Between 2000 and 2018, registered light fourwheel vehicles in Otago increased from 95,186 to 149,821 (government data).

Over the same period, the widths of the average vehicle grew considerably.

Using historical justifications to continue to give our public domain over to the car is crazy.

Gridlocked traffic damages commerce in a city just as much as it damages human wellbeing. We have a choice of futures.

Dr Fraser Stephens

Maori Hill ...................................

BIBLE READING: Do not make friends with a hottempered person. —Proverbs 22:24.