Any discussion of the fast fashion industry should include talking points about its negative impact on the environment. The fast fashion industry has numerous problems associated with it, but one that should not be overlooked is its negative environmental impact. Fast fashion involves a process of quickly producing cheap clothes in order to keep up with the latest trends, which often leads to massive amounts of waste and pollutants. The production of these clothes requires large amounts of energy and water and often results in hazardous chemicals, such as dyes and heavy metals, being discharged into our waterways. In addition, cheap clothing made from synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, can take hundreds of years to decompose and will contribute to plastic pollution in oceans, rivers, and landfills. All of these activities contribute to global warming and deplete natural resources, leading to further environmental damage and reduced biodiversity.
Debt ceiling
Just a friendly note to encourage you not to give in to Republican efforts to destabilize our government to service their agenda. Of particular concern are the incentives to combat climate change laid out in the historic infrastructure bill. Please fight to keep these important facets of the bill in as you negotiate to shore up Medicare and Social Security. After all, those things won’t be needed in a future that doesn’t include us in it.
Governor Kathy Hochul
Dear Governor Hochul,
I am writing to you today to point out that New York lags far behind other states in renewable energy utilization. For example, the state of Texas produces more energy from renewables than New York state produces energy altogether.
From a financial standpoint, the cost of developing renewable energy is decreasing and the use of these sources is already a sound financial decision. Investing in renewable energy eliminates costs associated with fuel and produces a more reliable energy source. This benefits citizens and businesses alike.
The state of New York has the technology and expertise to lead the way on renewable energy, but it needs the right incentives and policy framework to make large investments. I am hopeful that you as Governor will consider adopting such a framework and create incentives to bring this potential to life.
Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue.
-Greenzo (assisted by Write For Me, 10 min.)
NYC building energy efficiency
Dear NYC Department of Energy,
I am writing to express the importance of making sure city buildings all have high energy efficiency ratings. The maintenance building at my local park has had a “C” rating for as long as I can remember. Making this building and others more efficient will serve not only as a cost saving measure, but also set an example for private citizens to make the same commitment.
Promoting energy efficiency will provide much needed cost savings and help the city fulfill the goals outlined at nyc.gov/energy. I urge the Department of Energy to take the necessary steps to ensure that city buildings have the highest energy efficiency possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
-Greenzo (assisted by Write For Me)
Letter to Frito Lay about child migrant labor
It is unacceptable for Frito Lay to source food products made using child migrant labor. Using children for labor is a gross violation of human rights that cannot be ignored or overlooked. It is unacceptable to profit off the exploitation of vulnerable children who often lack basic safety, nutrition and education — all of which negatively impact their health and well-being.
Furthermore, by buying products manufactured using this type of labor, Frito Lay sends a message to the world that it supports and condones practices that are both unethical and illegal. Frito Lay must immediately end its sourcing of food products made using child migrant labor, and instead invest in ethical and sustainable practices that prioritize the safety and well-being of people.
-Greenzo (assisted by Write For Me)
Child labor
Good morning. It is my pleasure to call myself a frequent customer at your only Brooklyn location. Just wondering if you saw the piece in the NY Times about child migrant labor. My family enjoys your store-brand products and we’re hoping that none of the revelations in the story apply to you.
Can you share with me whether you work with Hearthside to produce store-brand products such as cereal and chips?
I am not a journalist, just a concerned customer.
-Greenzo
Seed Diversity
Good morning. This message is for the Brian Lehrer show. Just wanted to write in support of a segment about the lack of seed diversity in the era of climate change, which came up briefly during yesterday’s discussion about food security.
I first bumped into this emerging issue at Insideclimatenews.org, a site I found after hearing about it on last week’s climate change segment.
The book Seeds of Resistance would be great source material for the show.
Thank you for your time.
-Greenzo
Sent from my iPhone
Letter to Senator Manchin
Thank you for your support and contribution to the Inflation Reduction Act. I understand that the incentives for oil and gas players were necessary. My question for you to ask them is as follows: what are your plans for the future?
The big mistake many newspapers made after the advent of the internet was not investing enough in the new technology. Why? Because they misunderstood what business they were actually in. They thought they were in the printed newspaper delivery business when they were actually in the information delivery business.
Your donors in oil and gas are no different now. Please remind them that they are actually in the energy delivery business.
Thanks again for your service to the country.
-Greenzo
Senator Lindsey Graham
Good morning, Senator Graham. I read your comments in The Times’ recent article about climate change. I think it’s important to note that innovation in renewables, agriculture, etc. will happen with or without government intervention. That said, it’s always better when business and government work in conjunction on projects of scale. To be sure, it’s not easier but it’s better.
In addition, the world is ready to collaborate on efforts to combat climate change. For example, the French–I know, I know, the French–have devised an agricultural-based plan to mitigate warming that in my opinion as a humble observer is the most promising solution to date. The solution is in the soil, and you will be proud to know that this plan draws heavily on the work of our very own Thomas Jefferson. Please watch the documentary Kiss the Ground on Netflix to learn more.
Putting global warming to one side, we may very well have less than sixty years of food harvests left here on Earth if we don’t take better care of our topsoil. I don’t know much about global warming either, but I do know that people need to eat.
That’s all for now. Thank you for your time and your ongoing service to the country.
-Greenzo
Russ and Daughters
Hello Russ and Daughters. My family and I love your wonderful deli and visit the Navy Yards location often.
I was hoping you would consider using more sustainable packaging for your delicious food. A disproportionate amount of plastic ends up in our oceans and rivers. Sustainable packaging is an important step toward getting out in front of this disastrous issue. Healthy, fresh fish are the engine of your venerable organization after all.
I know packaging is expensive, especially right now. But I know I would be happy to pay any additional costs associated with an upgrade in packaging.
Just some food for thought. Keep up the good work.
-Greenzo
Green Letter 