“Be the change you want to see in the world,” Gandhi

Reality is dawning regarding environmental and health issues in America and the protections provided by our governmental agencies. Government protection is like fighting a forest fire with a squirt gun. Not quiet as effective as needed.

As broken as our economy is, many government protection agencies, which we have believed are protecting us from harm, are also broken. We were awakened by the recent economic crash and the disaster of New Orleans. Another alarm sounding is the constant barrage of contamination warnings and recalls of food in America.

The axiomatic view here, is that governmental mechanisms, set up to protect citizens from financial collapse, disaster recovery, safe food distribution, safe chemistry in the things we ingest and use, and food processing methods, are failing. Well intended, at their inception, years of successful special interests’ lobbying and corporate infiltration of key agency leadership positions, have defused the objectivity and strength of our government oversight. Like hoping the squirt gun will be effective, we had better find additional answers.

The environmental rules are simple. As stated in Paul Hawken’s commencement address to the Class of 2009, University of Portland, “… don’t poison the water, soil, or air and don’t let the earth get overcrowded, and don’t touch the thermostat….” Each rule broken, affects every aspect of life all over the world. From health and economic issues to international relationships, lest we forget that wars are often fought for land and resources.

While damage has been done to the environment, it is not too late. At some point, however, the planet could be damaged beyond its ability to recover enough to sustain our species. Action, sharing of the message and knowledge, each to the best of our ability is needed. Holding corporations responsible for their methodologies by using our purchasing powers sends an important message. Helping our youth understand the importance of our environment, by our actions, is most important. They will grow to create the new environmental and business methodology, necessary to heal earth and for its inhabitants to prosper.

While we can hope that the current administration can reinvigorate the effectiveness of government oversight, we must take responsibility for making conscientious decisions, acting to protect the environment, promoting healthy eating practices, and for everyone. If we become the change that we want to see happen in the world, change will happen.

Follow the Resource Links and begin the journey.