The Story of Stuff

Humans are but a speck on the earth. This statement might lead one to believe that humans are powerless. In fact, humans are the most powerful species on the planet. Unfortunately, we are not conscious of our impact. We continue habits that could be changed, with little effort, and we wait for “somebody” to do something. We believe that, if we do nothing, there is a “Mother Earth,” like Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny, who will take care of it all. Naturally.

We have used up one-third of our planet’s resources. With ever growing speed, we are burying the earth in garbage. Much of it toxic. How did we get to this point? What can be done to fix it? It all seems so overwhelming.

Annie Leonard, an expert who has studied international sustainability and environmental health issues, all over the world, for more than twenty years has accomplished the impossible. She explains “the impact of consumerism and materialism on global economies and international health” in an easy to understand video.

Watch The Story of Stuff and be prepared for an A-ha moment that will not soon be forgotten.

Ant Wars

When I arrived home to find my spouse pouring gasoline on an ant hill in the flowerbed, it could have been grounds for war. It took many deep breaths, and a strong will, to restrain from engaging in battle. Yes, the gasoline contaminates the soil. Yes, it will probably damage the plants. Yes, it was not an environmentally responsible act. It was, however, an opportunity for learning, for both us. The point is that, change evolves through knowledge.

Remember our mothers saying, “a lesson earned is a lesson learned’? That was after we tested just how hot that burner really was, when she warned us “it’s hot, don’t touch.”

In this case, the love of my life did not intend to contaminate the soil or damage the flowers. The focus was on the ants, in an overwhelming number, and in an undesirable location. A narrow focus, something we all experience, is what causes many environmental contamination issues.

Aquifers, the source of our drinking water, are deep below the land surface. They can become contaminated by traces of medication flushed down the toilet, as pills or in human waste. They can pass through the most sophisticated water purifying processes. Many of the same chemicals found in medications and cosmetics are used to manufacture electronics, the life’s blood of the computers, cell phones, and other gadgets we depend upon. The wastewater output of those production facilities, even when scrubbed, leaches traces of chemical into the water systems. Homeowners want lawns free of weeds. Therefore, the weed killer Roundup remains available at our garden shops. Roundup tops the list of the most toxic compounds in use. In all of these instances the contamination occurs because of narrow focuses.

If we want to change how humans affect the environment, we can take three important actions. We can learn. We can implement what we learn, and then we can share the knowledge. For every three people who remain inconvincible, or who chose to deny the knowledge, one will understand and take responsibility. Therefore, we cannot stop learning, implementing or sharing. One gasoline dousing of an anthill may cause trauma in one spot of the garden, but it will not cause a worldwide catastrophe. Refusing to move outside of our comfort zones, by sharing our knowledge, would be the greater catastrophe.

By the way, there is a natural way to solve ant problems. If they are inviting themselves in, seal cracks with 100 percent silicon caulk. Put up “detour” sign by sprinkling powdered red chili pepper, paprika, dried peppermint or borax on their trails. If they have already breached the perimeters, create a liquid bait by mixing 1 tsp boric acid with 2 ½ ounces of corn syrup or honey. Heat this until the boric acid dissolves, add equal amounts of water to the solution and, with an eyedropper, drop in places ants frequent for two weeks. Address issues in the garden such as mealy-bugs, aphids and whiteflies. They excrete a sugary substance that is gourmet ant food. Finally, attack the anthill with a natural repellent of citrus peelings and water, puree in a blender, and pour on the hill. If you are feeling particularly vindictive, pour 3 gallons of boiling water over the mounds and into the cracks of the bricks.

Protecting the environment means broadening of the focus. The dissimilar organisms that make up the environment of this planet, including humans, have a symbiotic relationship. We have to live, healthy, together, and as peaceably as is possible. After all, getting off the planet is not yet an option.

Research, and as our physicians pledge, “First do no harm.” Both are excellent mottos to remember except, even when at war with ants.

Real Food vs. Chemical Compound

In America, when it comes to eating, its eater beware. For example, a major potato chip brand cannot use the name ‘potato’ on their product, when selling it in some European countries. The reason is that there are no potatoes in the product. The chips are made of starch powder, chemicals, flavor extracts and salt. But they stack well.

Advertisers would have us believe that hot dogs, or wieners, are a healthy food that cute kids, who can sing catchy tunes, just love. However, if you read the package, they are actually chemical compounds made from butcher’s throwaway cuts.

Processed foods, wrapped in plastic, made with additives and chemicals that assure decades of shelf life, are advertised as time savers. They are easy to heat and eat fast. The health value of the fast food is outweighed by purported convenience. Unfortunately, the amount of garbage created by processed food packaging becomes a health problem for the environment, as well.

Some people rail at spending more for perishable, real food. Real food is not laced with chemicals. It uses less fossil fuel intense packaging than processed foods. Most important, eating real food is actually less expensive because much more nutrition is gained from every penny spent. The environment also benefits from the reduction of packaging needed for perishable foods, which reduce garbage output.

Since our environment and we are products of our choices, we can make little changes that make a difference everyday. So which breakfast should I choose for the kids today? Apple slices and a glob of peanut butter to dip them in? Or the toaster breakfast bar? Hmmmm.

The Hidden Cost Of Perfect Turf.

America spends billions of dollars researching cures for diseases our grandparents rarely heard of. We are not just loosing family members to these diseases, but many of us have lost our pets to the growing list of cancers. And, all for the love of a perfect lawn.

Advertisers and community associations that demand uniform weed less turfs skew our sense of beauty. Those perfect lawns are cash cows for chemical companies and the health care industry.

Post World War II chemicals are marketed as ‘safe if used properly.’ They fly under the radar of lax regulatory systems put to sleep by chemical industry lobbies rich enough to influence regulation. In the earliest days of chemical lawn treatment, they provided HAZMAT uniforms to protect their employees. They soon recognized these outfits sent the wrong message. Today, the chemicals arrive in clean white vans with a friendly, puppy face on the side. A much more appealing, if not misleading, message. Employees, no longer protected by HAZMAT suits, believe the products are not harmful to people or pets, at least that is the corporate position given when concerns are raised. Every big box store sells variations of these products for those who rather do it themselves.

Here is a thought to ponder. It is the day after the lawn service was here. There are still tiny pellets, left on the driveway after the kids played basketball and wrestled out there before dinner last night. The brood has left for school. You grab the morning paper from the driveway, pull the wrapper off, and have settled down for a quiet breakfast. As you glance at the headlines, you move that buttery bagel to your lips with the same hand that retrieved the newspaper from the driveway. Tag, you’re it. You have just joined the statistical list of potential cancer cases.

It is time to think. What can each of us do to make a difference in today’s health care issues? Hmmm. What can we do?