Trash reduction lies with users

Shipping our trash out is just abominable. Our island is finite; we can't just dump more and more trash. Rather than wasting so much money and fossil fuels on shipping, why not introduce curbside recycling in all our major cities?

The solution starts with us as consumers. If we reduced our consumption, recycled and reused more, we wouldn't pile up mountains of trash. We can buy bulk, bring cloth bags for shopping and our own plates to the delis and buffets, separate our trash and reuse plastic bags. We'd make a big difference. It's really up to us.

A good video to watch is “;The Story of Stuff.”; It's short, funny and lighthearted, not preachy, but it sure gets the message through. It can be viewed for free online at www.storyofstuff.com.

Eva Uran
Honolulu

Online doctor's visit paid for by HMSA

As the state prepares for a potentially dangerous flu season, it's important for all of us to have a plan for prevention and care. If the flu strikes, it's important to know where to turn for help.

That's why HMSA is offering every resident in the state one Online Care visit at no cost during this flu season. This is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Hawaii State Department of Health recommendations that people stay home when they are ill. With Online Care, patients can consult with a medical professional and receive appropriate care without risking infecting others.

If you come down with flu symptoms and wish to speak with a local physician right away, HMSA's Online Care is available from the convenience of your home. There's no driving to the doctor's office, searching for parking, and sitting in a waiting room with other sick patients. Instead, you speak with a physician online at any time of day or night.

For more information, please visit hmsa.com/flu.

Hirono not lacking in legislative skills

I enjoy Richard Borreca's insights on politics. But his offhand statement that Congresswoman Mazie Hirono has never “;really”; been a legislative leader missed the mark (”;Race for Abercrombie's seat should be exciting,”; Star-Bulletin, Sept. 30).

While in the state Legislature, Mazie was known for her willingness to take on tough issues as a committee chairwoman. She formed coalitions and fought to protect consumers, lessees and the environment. More than 120 of Mazie's bills were enacted, including the landmark workers compensation reform that's helped many small businesses.

More important, Mazie is currently a legislative leader in Congress. She received the first-ever national Pre-K Champion award last year in recognition of her success in shepherding legislation through the Education and Labor Committee.

She's been appointed to the House Democracy Assistance Commission, enabling Mazie to represent America and Hawaii throughout the world and showing her colleagues' faith in her. As vice-chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Mazie is fighting for real health care reform, while ensuring that Hawaii residents can keep their existing insurance plans, if they so choose.

Taypayers foot bill for 'free' lunches

After reading “;Furlough days mean missed meals”; (Star-Bulletin, Sept. 28), I have to respond. First the “;free meals”; are not. They are paid for buy the taxpayers. Maybe if people with large families would have opted for smaller families and put some of the extra money away for a rainy day the rest of us would not have to support their family in tough times. If you cannot feed a family of six for $1,200 a month, please let me do the grocery shopping next month.