Reader adds information on the electric car debate

From Ginger Beck,

Glenwood

Piggybacking off John Stone’s column in the July 10th issue of the Tribune questioning the pros and cons of electric cars, I’d like to add something most people are unaware of.  Electric cars run on lithium batteries, with cobalt being used in the production of lithium.  A simple google search will provide troubling information on how cobalt is often mined via forced child labor as well as some dire predictions of the impact that used/expired lithium batteries have on the environment.  Cobalt mining is at its best most often dangerous and unhealthy, and at its worst exploitive of children.  And mine workers of any age often ultimately suffer health issues that shorten their lives.

To the first point, the Bureau of International Labor Affairs encourages us to learn more about child labor and forced labor in global supply chains.  On their website we can find the following description of cobalt mining practices in the Congo and elsewhere: Often working in blistering heat under dangerous and exploitative labor conditions and tight spaces underground without proper safety equipment, child laborers face serious risks of injury and death.  Women with babies strapped to their backs have also been observed working in and around the mines, all breathing the toxic air.

To the second point, most expired lithium batteries are disposed of improperly, resulting in toxins being added to the soil and air.  Just think if electric cars are really the wave of the future what the environmental impact might be.  There has to be a better solution than future mandates of electric cars for all drivers as has been proposed at the level of state and national governments.  This is terribly short-sighted, not to mention inhumane when considering the men, women and especially children working in terribly unhealthy conditions, whether their labor is voluntary or forced.    

Many of us own electric cars or hybrids, but hopefully in the future some may consider these previously unknown factors when buying their next car.  Most of us, myself included, buy things without knowing how they came to be.  But knowledge is power, and in knowing the facts people can make better choices.  I was previously unaware of this information regarding lithium production, and thought I’d pass it along.

Make pontoon parade the talk of the town

From 2023 Pontoon Parade Committee

Randy and Katie Elenberger; Robbie and Emily Hyland; and Bryan and Becky Taffe

We’re writing to invite all area businesses, organizations, and family and friends to become a part of the upcoming 67th annual Waterama lighted pontoon parade on July 29th. Deck out your pontoon or boat for our community to enjoy!

This year, we’re dialing up the nostalgia meter to the max and celebrating the iconic 90s. Picture this: you’re cruising along the shoreline of Lake Minnewaska under the evening sky, surrounded by glowing neon lights and vibrant colors that would make Lisa Frank proud.

But we can’t make this event a success without the help of our local businesses, organizations, and family and friends. Join the party at waterama.org/form-pontoonparade. Then break out those glow sticks, unleash your inner Fresh Prince or Spice Girl, and let your creativity run wild.

Don’t forget to spread the word! We can’t wait to make this year’s pontoon parade the talk of the town.