THINGS WE BORROW FROM THIS EARTH

Each individual human being is an amazing electrical-mechanical machine made from and sustained by components temporarily borrowed from the elements of this planet.

The atoms of water that make up this human-machine were components of many other life forms over millions of years before you took possession. Likewise the salts, minerals and trace metals were almost certainly used before you requisitioned them. Hopefully they will again contribute to many other lives long after they have satisfied your needs.

The air is fuel for this human-machine; without it you expire within minutes.

You started to borrow from this planet the moment you were conceived. Your first frantic breath was the start of your need to borrow the oxygen from the air. This gas enabled you to sustain your life, and will continue to do so until your journey is over and you make that last long exhale at the end of your days.

It is unfortunate that the composition of this gaseous mixture is now being modified on a daily basis, by industry and ourselves, and is gaining a load of unwanted features. Our air has an ever increasing capacity to adversely effect all life forms on this planet. Chromosome damage, birth defects, mental and physical disorders, cancers, lung and breathing disorders are all part and parcel of this element that is here to sustain us. This is because of the poisons, particle emissions, ozone, smog, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, vinyl chlorides, lead and other heavy metals, toxins and hydrocarbons that are constantly pumped into the air.

Water is also borrowed and essential to the survival of all life. Our bodies consist of approximately 60% of this amazing fluid.

"Water is the raw material of creation; the source of life." (David Suzuki)

"Life is animated water." (Valdmir Vernadsky)

"Humans are bags of water."(states an alien species on Star Trek)

We loose approximately 3% of our body weight every day through water loss. This loss must be replenished or we buy the farm within a matter of a relatively few days.

The nutrients that come from our food are another source of elements that we get temporary use of. Unfortunately, here we have another major predicament of our own making. We have polluted our food with pesticides, herbicides, hormones, tranquilizers, nitrates, and a host of other chemicals. Like the chemicals that are pumped into the air and water, we subject ourselves to a mass of disorders from these additives that someone puts deliberately into our food.

I imagine that your consciousness is unique however, just as mine is. Fantastic isn't it! Your thoughts are your thoughts and mine are mine.

Your mind is singular. No one has had your collection of thoughts - Ever. The physical brain itself nevertheless, is made with pre-used parts; just like each and every building block in our bodies. (Now that is what I call the ultimate in recycling technology.)

Now, regarding that mind you have; are you going to use it to help with the pollution dilemma? Please remember that we (that's us - those alive now) are the last generation that can engineer solutions and time is wasting away!

Are you wondering what you as an individual can do? You can elect politicians who think as you do and start petitioning the ones who represent you now. Start making it known that you want the welfare of this ill-treated planet put into all political party platforms. There are thousands of environmental organizations who have researched the ecological problems to death and are begging to be heard. If we can get the politicians to listen to them as well as the commercial lobbyists, we could make some fast inroads.

It is not complicated. You simply write to your representative in Queens Park, or in The House of Commons. The postage is free.

As a parting thought; don't you think that if you borrow something, then you should return it undamaged?

Have a nice day.