Earth Day
Today is the 35th anniversary of Earth Day. It is a bittersweet occasion for those of us working in the environmental field.
I grew up in polluted Cleveland. Physical and psychological damage has been done to me that cannot be undone. Nothing like having the river going through your city catch on fire. Nothing like drinking a toxic soup called water that might have been responsible for my sterility. Who knows? Who cares?
I have the curse of knowing too much. I try to think globally, act locally. I drink bottled water and buy organically when it is convenient, making an effort for at least problem foods such as raisins. I stay away from large fish such as tuna and swordfish (mercury). I live in a population dense apartment and city. Take public transportation to work and drive a high milage car when necessary.
We have made some progress since 1970. But what is most discouraging to me is the lack of attention to environmental issues by the popular media. We could get so much more done if people were just more aware of the issues. Perhaps it is just a part of the dismal level of scientific knowledge in this country. Kids can’t figure out how not to get pregnant let alone be aware of environmental causes of birth defects.
As a Buddhist I must try and decrease my desire that this fight be easy. I can’t let it lessen my ability to find simple joy in life with my wife and friends and other inhabitants of Gaia. I do what I can. Every little bit helps. Please do what you can.
Happy Earth Day.
I grew up in polluted Cleveland. Physical and psychological damage has been done to me that cannot be undone. Nothing like having the river going through your city catch on fire. Nothing like drinking a toxic soup called water that might have been responsible for my sterility. Who knows? Who cares?
I have the curse of knowing too much. I try to think globally, act locally. I drink bottled water and buy organically when it is convenient, making an effort for at least problem foods such as raisins. I stay away from large fish such as tuna and swordfish (mercury). I live in a population dense apartment and city. Take public transportation to work and drive a high milage car when necessary.
We have made some progress since 1970. But what is most discouraging to me is the lack of attention to environmental issues by the popular media. We could get so much more done if people were just more aware of the issues. Perhaps it is just a part of the dismal level of scientific knowledge in this country. Kids can’t figure out how not to get pregnant let alone be aware of environmental causes of birth defects.
As a Buddhist I must try and decrease my desire that this fight be easy. I can’t let it lessen my ability to find simple joy in life with my wife and friends and other inhabitants of Gaia. I do what I can. Every little bit helps. Please do what you can.
Happy Earth Day.