In our society we live and operate with an ‘act now, think later’ mentality. The implicit danger of this thoughtless practice is that often, by the time consequences are fully realized, it is too late.
The phthalate story in this issue of The Planet gives an example of products that, had they undergone more rigorous testing, may not have made it into our markets, and consequently into our bodies. The piece about green burials highlights an unquestioned interment tradition we take to the grave that continues to dump massive amounts of chemicals into our soil. Unfortunately, with these examples and more, it is not just a matter of turning a cheek, but the deliberate action of applying a tightly knotted blind-fold that makes us not only passive observers but willing contributors to destructive processes and unregulated technology.
Occasionally we take measures to repair damage, which this issue’s story on mushrooms demonstrates. We sometimes have the means, and thankfully the effort from people like environmental lawyers or organizations like the Washington Conservation Corps, to clean up our environmental errors— but not always. Regardless of remedies, it seems this energy could have been channeled into creating new processes, cures and inventions—rather than cleaning up messes.
When you are staring at the shelf of toothpaste or purchasing a sex toy, look at the ingredients. Do you know what they are? Do you know what happens to the product after it leaves your system or you toss it in the trash? As producers, it is their responsibility to provide not only ingredient lists and warnings, but to perform the appropriate testing before releasing a product into the market. As consumers, it is our responsibility to demand accurate information, and to purchase according to results.
We appreciate your readership and encourage comments or questions in the form of email, letters or conversation.
Sincerely,
Page A. Buono
