I am writing in response to the article on the “giant pumpkin” on Route 212. Specifically in relation to microplastics. Although I understand the point of the article was human interest, not science, it seems a glaring omission to ignore this subject especially after reading these sentences:

“Everybody thought it was the garlic clove for the Garlic Fest,” he said, laughing. “But ultraviolet light breaks down the spray foam. Within a year or two it got that nice orange patina. There’s no paint on that, that’s its natural color.”     

Spray foam breakdown is environmentally harmful because it is not biodegradable, leading to landfill waste and microplastic pollution.

The microplastic problem is certainly worth an article in the future, is it not? It is part of every community now all over the world and providing information to readers is one tool for awareness. From giant pumpkins, to prayer flags, awareness is all we have at this point.

Thank you.

Janet Villani

Shady, New York