I read with interest the recent op-ed “Consumption, not population, is climate key” (Nov. 16). As we ponder how we might help reduce our individual contributions to global warming, we should perhaps follow Greta Thunberg’s wise advice: Don’t wait for leaders and governments to solve the problem.
I am not a curmudgeon, but why not reduce consumption now rather than face the inevitable natural consequences? In rethinking choices in our daily lives, we might consider some of the following. Obey speed limits and thereby save gas and money (and reduce the number of severe accidents). Shop locally and combine errands into one trip. Sure, the village store prices are higher, but if we factor in the cost of driving to the supermarket? Mow the lawn less often, mow less lawn, use rakes instead of leafblowers (or pay the landscape maintenance people for their extra time spent using hand tools). Reduce unnecessary lighting. Maybe delay holiday lights by a week or so, and enjoy fewer lights. Do they really need to stay on all night? Turn down the thermostat (remember Jimmy Carter’s advice, “put on a sweater”?). As for recreation, choose non-motorized options like walking, hiking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, XC skiing, softball, tennis, frisbee, etc. etc. If we each pay more attention to ways that we consume fossil fuels, we can make a dent in our collective overconsumption.
Peter J. Thompson
Thetford
A loss for Windsor County
Assistant Judge Michael Ricci not winning his election bid is a real loss for the residents of Windsor County.
I have had the pleasure of working with Michael for the past 15 months, since he was appointed to the position of assistant judge. He has done excellent work for Windsor County residents, not only as an assistant judge in the court setting, but in overseeing the county budget and buildings along with Assistant Judge Ellen Terie.
In the fall of 2021, Assistant Judge Jack Anderson decided to retire. Not knowing everything about the position, Michael Ricci learned more about it and decided to submit his name to the Windsor County Democratic Party for their consideration. His name was one of the names submitted to Gov. Phil Scott for his consideration and appointment.
Ricci did not ask to be considered for the position out of boredom or just to have something to do to fill time. He did it to give back to our community. I believe the governor made a good decision in appointing Ricci. I am sorry the residents of Windsor County didn’t follow Gov. Scott’s choice and elect Michael for the next term.
I am sure most Windsor County residents don’t know what the assistant judges do. In the future, it may be a good thing to learn more about this position and how important it is to county residents.
I think most people vote their party line, which doesn’t always mean you get the best person for the position. I feel in Windsor County that just may be the case.
Pepper Tepperman
Plymouth, Vt.
Dartmouth dorms’
climate impact
Much has been said about this project that speaks to the impact to the regional neighborhood. I would like to suggest that the climate impact deserves a greater focus. Dartmouth purports to be a leading educational institution of learning. Well, their actions do not reflect that they know anything about the planet’s climate impact.
How does adding shuttle buses, removing trees and stretching the campus beyond its core reflect any sensitivity to the effect of adding to carbon loads and the related climate effect? Stop this self-serving nonsense. More is not necessarily better!
Bob Keene
Hanover
A retraction
My letter about the soils where Dartmouth plans to build dorms on Lyme Road, published in the Valley News Forum of Nov. 21 (“Shallow soils”), contained a sentence that could be misread. I’d like to retract the sentence below:
“If overwhelmed, it could back up and flood backyards and basements of local homes.”
Aaron Osofsky
Hanover