Costco Connection - September 2011

DIALOGUEletters
Member comments
Sustain the sustainability approach

I was thrilled to see that the cover story of the August 2011 issue of The Costco Connection was “Sustainability: Big lessons from a little egg.”

As the article stated, the demand for sustainable and humane produce is growing. I commend Costco for making the effort (and I understand it is no small feat) to foster and support sustainable, organic and humane farming. I encourage Costco to continue on this path and expand this philosophy to as many products as it sells. Costco serves as an example for other corporations to emulate in this effort.

driveway. I had three estimates done, but I am still on the search for a better deal. This is just what Mr. Howard wants to emphasize: the time you spend shopping is truly worth a thousand savings.

Noli Perez
Hazlet, New Jersey

YES. Assessing a teacher based on student performance is too subjective and open to unfairness.

In response to the August Debate, “Should teacher layoffs be based on seniority?”

Margaret Huang
Irvine, California
Jean Belford
Neponsit, New York

NO. It should be based on performance. Teachers are training our future leaders. Seniority promotes complacency.

Robert Foss
Albany, Oregon

YES. Veteran teachers are seasoned professionals. They are needed to help the new teachers be successful.

Glenda Ellis
Longwood, Florida

NO. Layoffs should be based on how effective they are as teachers—i.e., passing percentage, graduation rates, knowledge of subjects, comprehension, etc.

Pizza pizzazz

Thanks for your article on Costco pizzas [“The value of pie,” August 2011], particularly the Kirkland Signature™ frozen cheese pizza four-pack. At $9.99, this affordable and tasty main dish has been a permanent staple in our freezer since it first appeared at our local Costco.

I’ve added my own toppings numerous times—caramelized onions and mushrooms with a fresh arugula salad on top and turkey pepperoni with fresh tomatoes and basil are two of my faves—for a quick and delicious meal. And, of course, the tasty cheese pizza on its own has been a yummy and successful treat for play dates and gatherings alike.

Ava Palmquist
Portland, Oregon

Pick the right wipe

I was shocked at some of the uses suggested for disinfecting wipes in the article “Wipe out housework” in your August issue. I looked on my container of disinfecting wipes (bought at Costco) and it says “Avoid contact with eyes or clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum or using tobacco.” Despite all this, the article suggests using them as a napkin for messy foods like ribs. How about using soap and water to get hands clean? Or if you need something convenient, Kirkland Signature™ unscented baby wipes are safer and made for use on skin.

Emily Ayling
Snoqualmie, Washington

You’re right. Disinfecting wipes are not recommended for cleaning hands. This was an editing error that slipped past us. The baby wipes are definitely a better choice.—Ed.

Jim DeVries
Hudsonville, Michigan

Clark Howard

I agree with Mr. Howard about taking time to research for a bargain [“Living large,” August 2011]. At this moment I am in the middle of shopping for the best estimate for ripping out and putting new asphalt in my

Connection comments
from the Internet

Gut reaction

Successfully publishing a magazine that is entertaining as well as informative every edition must be as challenging as it is rewarding. And every once in a while, and usually unknown to you, you’ve touched someone’s life in a very positive way with your efforts. Well, about a year ago you did just that [for us].

Last June I sat down to read The Costco Connection. The magazine was open to an article that my wife had planned to read but hadn’t yet [“A pain in the gut,” June 2010]. I stopped reading after the first paragraph and just stared at the open pages. It was as if the article had been written about my son’s medical condition, which we had been unsuccessful getting a proper diagnosis of for years.

After suffering with a terrible intestinal ailment in 2003, [our] son had had almost

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

“Good article on ‘Truth about Green Marketing’ by David Horowitz in Costco magazine.” Tweeted by swimgreen

“The Costco Connection magazine for Costco members is really informative. I look forward to reading the articles.” Tweeted by closedlids

“Costco mag: Sustainability makes good economic sense, even to chickens— Wilcox Farms story [“The chicken, the egg and the future,” August 2011] is one of sustainability.” Tweeted by verdunity

“Improving teen’s study habits [“Home office for homework,” August 2011] is essential for all parents.” Posted on Facebook by Andrew Ly

Readers are encouraged to submit letters to our editors on any topic or issue covered in The Connection. Please include your full name and phone number or address. Send an email to dialogue@ costco.com; or write to: Dialogue, The Costco Connection, P.O. Box 34088, Seattle, WA 98124-1088; or fax to (425) 313-6718. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for publication.