I have been to China. I have seen the acres of greenhouses, the high rises and the desperate childless couples as a solution of overpopulation. I have also seen the Buddhist temples where hugs are freely given to strangers and factories where jobs are given to children. In America we think this is abusive, maybe it is but these people work harder than anyone else on the planet and they see the green market as an opportunity to cure a problem and keep their family healthy while also becoming a respected global partner. We have been sending them our used electronics long enough to realize they may have something that we haven't considered.
With our labor unions and competitive wage structures are we losing sight of reality? Does it take an economic tidal wave to wake us up? If we propose to be the knight in shinning armor protecting our precious independence it is certainly time to think in less smog, become aware of the boiling frog, and don't wait until next year, next month or tomorrow to go green. Every decision counts.
Ellen Clark, Home Improvement
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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Great post Ellen, our planet is in deep trouble and the human race is totally responsible for our plight. The easiest place to make a positive impact is at home making small changes in the way we live our personal lives. Replace paper towels with cloth towels. Toss the microwave and buy a toaster oven. Ditch the canned shaving and buy an old fashion shaving brush. Where do you get a shaving brush? Google “shaving brushes,” you will be amazed at what you will see. Use biodegradable dish and laundry detergent, wash your hair with Dr. Bronner’s planet friendly liquid lavender soap, compost organixc waste, start a small garden and turn off lights you don’t need on. Lastly in the depths of winter, before you crank up the thermostat reach for a cozy sweater. If we all made little positive steps in our own lives they would add up to huge positive steps for our planet.
ReplyDeleteJohn Sedgwick
Ellen, you make a valid point. No country in history has emerged as a major industrial power without creating environmental damage. The fact that China’s meteoric rise as an economic power has no parallel in history coincides with their record shattering pollution problems. They are paying a horrendous price. There has been an increase in death rates from pollution related illnesses like cancer and cholera. Only 1% of Chinese city dwellers breathe air considered safe by western standards. Some children have 80% higher lead levels than what is believed to be a dangerous level for mental development. Their coastlines are swamped by red tide algae growth. Waterways are fouled by a combination of chemical, organic and thermal waste. The soil is polluted and becoming infertile. To counterbalance that problem the use of fertilizers is drastically up which is adding to the water pollution. They are literally choking on their economic success. We have contributed to that with our buying practices.
ReplyDeleteJohn, you also are correct. Instead of just buying, engage the brain first. Think about how it is made and how long it will last. Throwing it "AWAY" is done easily but way too often. Buy for the long run not for the short gratification. Recycle as much as you can. Don't forget to recycle at your business.
Thank you Holly for our Green Gossip Group at Barbo Furniture today! The simple choice of buying bamboo sheets or organic latex matresses that meet so many great comfort (sigh) and longevity criteria is not exactly a hardship! I like to think of going green as making more real choices. To cook instead of drive through. To air my (new bamboo) sheets in fresh air. I am planning to start a local garden for nearby housing development in a wasteland patch of park land...and give kids something constructive to do this summer. All small things and all very worthwhile.
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