605AW
Member
- Mar 6, 2007
- 30
- 0
5 things that need spring cleaning
Apr. 8, 2007 10:52 PM
1. Our littered landscape
Arizona is joining in the Great American Cleanup, a national effort that runs through May 31. But let's get real: In much of Arizona, it will soon be uncomfortably hot for picking up litter. So no procrastinating. For information on local cleanup events, check arizonacleanand beautiful.org or call (602) 262-2532.
2. Trash along the border
Volunteers periodically remove tons of cans, plastic bottles, clothes and other items left by undocumented immigrants in supposedly pristine places such as the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. The problem is more than cosmetic: The waste is a hazard for wildlife. Cleanups on the ground won't make a dent until real immigration reform reduces the pace of illegal border crossings. President Bush is scheduled to visit Yuma today. He should get a look at one of the less-publicized problems at the border.
3. Customer service at US Airways
Stormy weather is just one reason that flying has been messy for US Airways passengers. The Tempe-based airline needs to iron out the glitches remaining from its merger with America West Airlines and polish up relations with customers. Fliers won't stick around unless US Airways improves a list of problems, from lost bags to late flights.
4. Parks with doggy residue
What's the difference between a park and a latrine? Nothing, to some inconsiderate dog owners. With the invention of handy products like Mutt Mitts, available in dispensers in some places, there's just no excuse for dog waste in the grass where kids play or along the trails where we stroll to get away from it all.
5. Dirty skies over the Valley
If our windows were this filthy, we'd train a jet spray on them. Local governments and the Legislature shouldn't shrink from adopting strong measures to clean up the air, from tighter controls on construction to agricultural rules to a ban on certain activities, such as leaf-blowing, on high-pollution days.
Apr. 8, 2007 10:52 PM
1. Our littered landscape
Arizona is joining in the Great American Cleanup, a national effort that runs through May 31. But let's get real: In much of Arizona, it will soon be uncomfortably hot for picking up litter. So no procrastinating. For information on local cleanup events, check arizonacleanand beautiful.org or call (602) 262-2532.
2. Trash along the border
Volunteers periodically remove tons of cans, plastic bottles, clothes and other items left by undocumented immigrants in supposedly pristine places such as the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. The problem is more than cosmetic: The waste is a hazard for wildlife. Cleanups on the ground won't make a dent until real immigration reform reduces the pace of illegal border crossings. President Bush is scheduled to visit Yuma today. He should get a look at one of the less-publicized problems at the border.
3. Customer service at US Airways
Stormy weather is just one reason that flying has been messy for US Airways passengers. The Tempe-based airline needs to iron out the glitches remaining from its merger with America West Airlines and polish up relations with customers. Fliers won't stick around unless US Airways improves a list of problems, from lost bags to late flights.
4. Parks with doggy residue
What's the difference between a park and a latrine? Nothing, to some inconsiderate dog owners. With the invention of handy products like Mutt Mitts, available in dispensers in some places, there's just no excuse for dog waste in the grass where kids play or along the trails where we stroll to get away from it all.
5. Dirty skies over the Valley
If our windows were this filthy, we'd train a jet spray on them. Local governments and the Legislature shouldn't shrink from adopting strong measures to clean up the air, from tighter controls on construction to agricultural rules to a ban on certain activities, such as leaf-blowing, on high-pollution days.
