We need an environmentally friendly solution to takeout Our nation is in need of a third political party
For many Ohioans, 2020 has been an incredibly difficult year. Members of the Central Ohio Food Truck Association were certainly not immune from the impact of the pandemic as we saw foot traffic drop significantly with so many people staying home to keep safe.
Despite incredible challenges, the food truck industry continues to serve patrons and we are incredibly appreciative of the generous support of the community. One of the reasons we’ve been able to maintain our operations is through efficiently managing our costs and ensuring we’re handling food in the safest and most sanitary means possible. Single-use plastics and food packaging have made this possible.
Insulated “to go” containers have been critical to the food truck industry’s survival during the pandemic, allowing businesses to continue serving hot meals to patrons in a high-quality, sanitary and cost-effective manner. It is challenging to find satisfactory alternative packaging that would ensure takeout meals remain safe and warm.
That being said, we recognize the impact of the plastic and polystyrene waste generated amid the pandemic and acknowledge the environmental repercussions. However, there needs to be a solution that won’t inadvertently impact small businesses relying on single-use plastics and food packaging to safely serve food.
The food truck industry is committed to environmental sustainability and doing what we can to minimize our carbon footprint while protecting and growing our business operations. We believe circularity and advanced recycling technologies present the ideal solutions needed to balance the needs of small businesses while protecting the environment for generations to come.
Zach James, president, Central Ohio Food Truck Association, Columbus
Another major national election has come and gone again with no preferred national and state candidates that represent millions of independents or frustrated Republicans and Democrats. The eighth-grader who provided the final question for the vice presidential debate described our political system well. It is frequently frustrating and disappointing. It is past time for a third organized national party.
Even my government experience taught me how inefficient, and too often ineffective, our governmental systems can be due to the political power plays. Consider our political descriptions: Democrat or Republican; conservative or liberal. Are there really only two options to our governmental issues? And the minor political special interest parties are not the answer for the broad concerns of most citizens.
It is my hope this letter will receive broad enough coverage to motivate those with the energy, connections or resources to make this Universalist party a reality.
Alan Cox, Lambertville, Michigan