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Avoiding the Poisons in Our Environment
The following information was culled from "The Green Guide" published by the environmental organization Mothers and Others.
"Pesticides have been linked to a number of health problems including cancer, learning disabilities and neurological disorders.
Yet, a 1992 EPA study showed that the average homeowner uses 3-4 different types of pesticides in and around their homes. The study also found that more than a million homes had products containing banned ingredients such as DDT. A 1987 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported that children exposed to pesticides at home are 3 to 6 times more likely to contract leukemia."
"Nor is average, every day drinking water without its problems. More than one community is faced with serious water pollution problems. In
1995, tests of treated tap water in the Midwest, Louisiana and the Chesapeake Bay watersheds were shown to contain five commonly used weed killers.
Four of these are listed by the EPA as probable carcinogens. Children are the ones most at risk from these contaminants."
What alternatives do you have?
For starters, you might have your tap water tested by an independent lab to find out whether or not it is contaminated. Then, you can purchase a water filter specifically designed to remove these specific contaminants. If you feel that you must use pesticides, check with your local health food store to find a safe alternative to the chemically laden commercial brands.
Remember that the way we change the world is to begin by changing ourselves. Each and every step we take to protect the earth, to avoid wasting natural
resources and to stop contributing to the plethora of environmental problems that we now face puts us one step closer to achieving the "Eleventh Commandment -- to leave the world a better place than we found
it."
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