The Nature Challenge :: Environmental and Health Concerns

The Nature Challenge
by author David T Suzuki, PhD

When we read about health issues in the newspaper or seestories on TV, the focus is almost always on the potential benefits of the latest medical “breakthrough,” such as an exciting new drug, technique or technology. In fact, if all our knowledge about physical health was derived from advertisements, commercials and media reports, we would probably conclude that our lives were entirely dependent on pharmaceutical companies, surgeries and high-tech medical devices.

Yet instinctively, we all know this is wrong. While modern medicine has made impressive advances and contributed to increased longevity, our health is still intimately tied to the health of the world around us. The quality of the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink all reflect the state of the globe’s ecosystems.

This connection goes far beyond the fact that toxins in our air, water and soils can make us sick. At a deeper level, everything we consider a necessity of modern life–from laptop computers and life-saving medicines, to lattes and designer clothes–is a product of the earth. As human beings, we use our creativity to mould natural resources into different products, but
the earth is their ultimate source. The earth provides all raw materials needed to make our goods, as well as the energy needed to process and manufacture them.

But with some 6.2 billion people now sharing the planet, we’ve stretched many of our natural systems to the breaking point. We are changing our climate by adding too much greenhouse gas to the atmosphere. We’re taking fish from the seas faster than stocks can replenish. We’re cutting our forests faster than they can grow. We’re pushing nature to its limits. If we don’t change our ways, our children and grandchildren will be left with an increasingly unhealthy and unstable world.

Preserving Our World

It isn’t too late to change, but we have to start now. We need a new bottom line, one of environmental sustainability. Nature is too important to our health and well-being to be shoved into some dusty government ministry or feel-good corporate department. We need to take nature back.

We can start by taking small steps in our everyday lives. Personal actions may seem inconsequential, but if we tell others to spread the word and thousands of people get involved, the effect will be profound. What’s more, when political and business leaders see large numbers of individuals taking action, they will notice and change their policies to reflect these new
priorities.

So where do we start? My foundation has researched the top 10 ways individuals can help conserve nature. I’m challenging all Canadians to pick at least three of the top 10 actions and commit to doing them over the next year. We’re calling it the Nature Challenge and you can sign up at davidsuzuki.org.

The 10 challenges cover three main aspects of our everyday lives–where we live, what we eat and how we get around. And they aren’t that difficult! Conserving nature does not mean we have to live in caves, take cold showers and eat gruel. It just means that we have to be smarter about the way we do things–especially the way we use energy.

Take the first challenge, for example. This simple task is to reduce home energy use by 10 per cent. Right off the top, this also reduces our energy bills by 10 per cent, which means we have more money to spend on things we care about. It also means reduced greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and reduced air pollution. It does not mean that we have to shiver in the dark. By making a few simple changes, such as switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and installing an electronic thermostat, we can accomplish this goal without drastically changing our lifestyles. And there are many, many other ways to reduce home energy use that can really add upWe’re pushing nature to its limits. If we don’t change our ways, our children and grandchildren will be left with an increasingly unhealthy and
unstable world.

1 2

Next Page >>>

David T. Suzuki, chair of the David Suzuki Foundation, is an award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster. he is well known to millions as the host of the CBC's popular science television series The Nature of Things. Web site: davidsuzuki.org.

Source: alive #247, May 2003

Water, Water Everywhere
Ever since Walkerton's tragic deadly E. coli outbreak, Canadians across this country are asking, "Is our tap water really safe?" We have every right to ask. Walkerton, a fiasco of cover-ups and incompetence whose resulting deaths and illnesses were unnecessary, could have happened anywhere in Canada..

Healthy Animals Don't Get Sick!
Foot and mouth disease is a historic contagious viral disease in cattle and other cloven-hooved animals. It often causes no symptoms and animals can go on to regain health following exposure. It's considered safe for people to eat meat from exposed or affected animals.

Britain Still Slaughtering Cows
Over two and a half million animals were slaughtered, burned and buried in Britain this spring because of foot and mouth disease (FMD). By May, another 150,000 condemned animals awaited slaughter, held up by more than 200,000 carcasses needing burial.

Like Oil and Water
Modern farming activities are no longer limited to small, family-owned operation.

Water-The Precious Oil of the 21st Century
Water is a public trust and a basic human right. We cannot live without it. Like air, water should never be considered "goods to be traded and sold on the world market; yet the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has left our water wide open to exploitation. Canada's water is in crisis.

Chickens As Toxic Machines
No more cute little red hen: Today's caged chickens growsick and die to produce our bacteria-laden eggs and meat. My local supermarket lists the price of eggs on the wall: White eggs, extra large: $2.

The Truth About Beef
Beef or chicken?"-a common question asked in restaurants every day. Ifyou're like most of us, fowl is first on your list.

Superbugs, Viruses, and Agribusiness
Sometimes it seems that if an industry doesn't want to heed the message, it shoots the messenger. Microbiologist James Zahn, PhD, formerly with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has identified bacteria in the air surrounding industrial hog farms.

E. coli in Cattle

A Weekend at a Health Show
A few weeks ago, I attended a health show in Victoria with a friend and, upon reflection, it was a very rich way to share time together! The exhibit floor Was animated with lots of sights, sounds, colors and tastes, and the seminars were information-packed and inspiring.

What is Adaptation?
The human body is brilliantly designed. A complex and miprehensive network of psychological, neurological, emflfcrinological and immunological mechanisms maintain good health and equilibrium called "homeostasis."

Fit for Human Consumption?

Making a Difference
Severn Cullis-Suzuki's brightest moment was probably at the Rio Earth Summit, where the then 12-year-old Severn delivered a powerful speech to the political representatives. However, her first environmental and social justice work began at an even younger age.

Introducing alive Around the World
At alive, it is our goal and privilege to bring you up-to-date research and information on health and wellness to improve the quality of your lives. Our intent is to raise awareness regarding natural and preventive approaches to healthcare.

Siegfried Gursche
After 30 years natural health pioneer Siegfried Gursche has retired from his position as the publisher of alive. While no longer at the helm of the nation's much-loved natural health publication, his entrepreneurial spirit lives on as the magazine continues to inform and educate.

Schools Embrace Nature
Every Monday morning, bright-eyed kindergarten and grade one students from South Carvolth Environmental School in Langley, BC, trek through Campbell Valley Regional Park to check out what's new this week.

Giving Something Back
Listening to Chantal Kreviazuk's music is always, for me, an inspiring experience so intense that I can easily lose track of time. While writing this article, I am listening to her 2002 album What If It All Means Something. She has a unique gift-a divine voice.

One Woman's Dream Becomes Every Child's "Right to Play
Play comes naturally to all children. But not all children are able to climb that ladder to the top of the slide, nor can they hold on tightly as the merry-go-round spins.

Nature Does It
Robert Bateman is not only an internationally acclaimed Canadian artist who paints wildlife, he also has a high profile as a conservationist, environmentalist, and naturalist. Bateman lives by his convictions-caring for the planet, for his art, and for his own and his loved ones' health, naturally.

Low Energy Lights
Millions of colourful lights illuminate the night air, shining iridescently through snow-covered bushes and trees and casting a romantic glow. However, times have changed since Edison's incandescent light bulb moment in 1879, and the rising cost of energy and our environmental responsibilities are taking some of the romance out of extravagant light displays.

The End of Food
Thomas Pawlick delivers an in-depth exposé of the food industry with the comfort and candour of a neighbourly farmer/investigator who might be seated at our dinner table.

Our Toxic Nation
More than 23,000 chemicals are registered for use in Canada and each year this number grows. Obviously, some exposures we can't prevent. But every attempt is worthwhile, says Environmental Defence (ED), a Toronto-based organization that has recently released eye-opening data on the chemical burden we face.

Taking Care of Business by Taking Care of People
Workers and the workplace have come a long way. Today a healthy, positive, and enriching workplace is increasingly valued by employers and employees alike. The bottom line is that workplace wellness is good for the bottom line.

Don't Dial Cell for Safety

Animal Farm Angst

Canadian Meat Laced With Drugs
Evidence of rampant drug use in livestock has Europeans seeking to ban Canadian beef and pork. A European Union audit released by the Canadian Health Coalition reveals uncontrolled use of cancer-causing hormones, antibiotics, endocrine disruptions and other agro-chemicals in meat.

Protein Makes Cattle Sick
Despite earlier fears and trade disputes over Brazilian beef, free-range South American cattle are healthier than intensively farmed North American and European livestock. That's the opinion of Bolivian cattle rancher Edward Luttwack.

Disease Scientist Blasts Kill Policy
One of Britain's leading advisers on foot and mouth disease says his government slaughtered hundreds of thousands of animals it didn't need to in the campaign to contain the outbrea.

Cancerous Pork Drug Ban
You now have extra reason to stop eating pork. Canadian hog farmers use a known carcinogenic drug to speed the growth of pigs destined for market. New evidence shows the hormone drug, Carbadox, can harm workers, animals and the environment and is being systematically abused by farmers.

Chickens, Cows and Pigs on Drugs
About 9.3 million kilograms (20.5 million pounds) of antibiotics were given to animals in 1999, up 15 per cent from 1998, according to the Animal Health Institute (AHI). The trade group held that 80 per cent were used for therapeutic purposes, although many of the drugs do double as growth promoters.

Toxic Imports
Canada is importing huge amounts of heavy metals, solvents and sludge for disposal each year, according to a new report by the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy. Most of this toxic waste is headed for Quebec--about 299,000 metric tonnes a year. Ontario receives a little less--294,000 metric tonnes.

What the Future Holds
There are people in this world who make it their business to predict the future. And it's obviously a good business, for it's only human nature to want a glimpse of what lies ahea.

We Are Stewards of This Earth
When God created heaven and earth, he commanded that humans be the stewards of His creation. When I look at what has been done to this creation today, I wonder if God is satisfied. We have failed bitterly at being good stewards by focusing on our own needs. What was given to us to protect we have exploited.

Environmental Illness

LOHAS: Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability

Bridging Conventional and Alternative Medicine

Environmental Causes of Breast Cancer

Better Safe Than Sorry

Lousy Fish Farms

Silver Screen or Smoke Screen?

Less Gassy

How Big is Your Footprint?

Eradicating E-Waste

Canadian Idle?

Deep Heating
Green energy doesn't always lend itself easily to the urban environment. In the city the skyscraper across the street can compromise the solar installation of your dreams. Nearby neighbours cringe when you mention your backyard wind-farm idea. Now geothermal heat pumps may offer the solution you need.

Ways You can Help Clean Up the Earth
Do you carry a reusable lunch bag? Buy recycled computer paper for your printer? Prepare vegetarian meals once or twice a week? In other words, are you concerned enough about the environment that you're doing something to protect it and the humans and animals that live within it?

The Good Kitchen
There is nothing nicer than a clean, neat, well-equipped kitchen. Your kitchen is the heart of your home. Whether you are remodelling your kitchen or installing a new one, there is much to consider about the best choices for you and your family.

Ethical Funds
The morning I began writing this article, I was at a familiar haunt dressing two grande mild coffees. Touch of cream, milk, and one sugar. A nearby brochure caught my eye. Entitled "Starbucks commitment to social responsibility, it set out the guiding principles this megacorp now supports.

Saving on Insurance
Life and health insurance companies want you to live a long, healthy life. But are their motives altogether altruistic? Insurance companies are in the business of maximizing profits, and it stands to reason that the healthier you are and the longer you live, the more money they make.

Consumer-Driven Evolution
What was once considered a fringe industry has now become a mega money-maker-no surprise to alive readers. Drop into any drugstore or supermarket and you'll find energy drinks and organics where you once found cigarettes.

Don't Turn a Blind Eye
Angels responded to the Pakistan earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, and the Guatemalan flood.

Here Comes the (eco-savvy) Bride
Tying the knot? There are many ways to make your wedding environmentally friendly. Here are 12 tips to make your special day sustainable as well as unforgettable.

Down on the Factory Farm
Intensive animal agriculture means that more animals suffer now than at any time in human history. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) statistics show that over 665 million factory-farmed animals were slaughtered in Canada in 2004. Behind these statistics are sentient beings.

Panda Approved
Bamboo is tough. Bamboo is strong-it's one of the strongest building materials in the world. Yet despite its strength, when made into clothing, bamboo is softer than the softest cotton and smoother than the smoothest silk.

Luxe Linens
Sleeping and bathing are two daily rituals. We snuggle between our bedsheets every night and towel our bodies dry after our daily shower or bath. But what do we really know about the fabrics in our bed and bath linens? For most of us, the answer is, not much at all.

The Compassionate Carnivore
Every spring, men would come to my uncle's farm and buy their family's Easter lambs and goats. Most just loaded them into their trucks and drove away, but one man wanted to kill and dress his purchase on the spot. I remember seeing my uncle wrapping a rope around the branch of a tree while the man waited, holding the lamb in his arms-and then I ran away.

Cool Canada
Last Christmas was more hectic than holiday. As we rushed from visiting the in-laws to dinner at my parents' house, I asked, "Wouldn't it be nice if we could get away next Christmas? Without missing a beat, my husband responded, "Yes, but could we get enough time off?

Corn Kernels of Truth
Dare to start a conversation about bean sprouts or broccoli at a party and watch those around you drift off toward the punchbowl. But launch into a discussion on corn and you could find yourself smack in the middle of a raging debate.

Pharmed Rice
Greenpeace calls it cannibal rice-a genetically engineered grain containing human proteins that poses health and environmental hazards-but the company developing this product calls it a lifesaving treatment; their company website refers to it as a Holy Grail.

Modern Mud Huts
It's no wonder straw bale, rammed earth, and hempcrete homes are getting more popular: they're low maintenance, rodent-proof, fire-resistant, eco-friendly, and healthier than conventional houses. These modern mud huts, or green houses, are popping up all over Canada-and they're slowly edging their way into the mainstream.

Walking the Enviromental Talk
It's one thing to talk the talk; it's quite another to walk it. What would you be willing to give up to save the environment? Paper napkins? Takeout food? Cable TV? Refrigeration? Driving? Vanessa Farquharson has given up all of these things for a year, at least.

Ecoholic; The Virtuous Consumer
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then these two writers must adore each other's work. Both Vasil and Garrett have authored shopping guides that alert readers to the hidden perils of daily consumer choices. Never before have I seen two books so alike in content, form, and intent.

Step Lightly On the Planet
Despite the debates that rage about climate change and sustainability, many of us remain unaware of our personal load on the planet. The idea of an ecological footprint was explicitly designed to raise that load to consciousness using simple concepts that everyone understands-consumption, pollution, and land.

Celebrate Your Right to Dry
This month I'm putting it all on the line. The clothes line, that is.

Passionate About Compost
Composting has an effect on me unlike any other thing I do. It makes me feel virtuous to create something valuable from what many people consider mere garbage.

Green Dry Cleaners
After scouring the racks for that perfect outfit, you get home only to discover the "dry clean only tag-and your heart sinks. Not only is the dry cleaning process expensive but it's also harmful to the environment, your health, and the health of your entire family.

Detox Your Living Room
The furniture, lighting, and textiles that decorate our living rooms can take a toll on our health and the environment. The way we clean this room each week is also important.

Are We Smart Enough...
What's the evidence for intelligent life on Earth? Would an intelligent species, one capable of rational thought and forward planning, persist in doing something from which it gains nothing and, in the process, undermine its own existence?

Exposing Hidden Agenda
Some things in life just aren't what they seem. This is particularly so in the case of astroturfing.

Crusading Against Catastrophe
It is surely naive to imagine that any one human being can save the world. But, Stephen Lewis, in lending his intellect and a large chunk of his heart to several of modern time's toughest causes, is making a pretty good effort.

The Power of Passion
If you've never heard Stephen Lewis speak, you may be forgiven for not recognizing his name. But once you've heard his passion and conviction, you won't soon forget the man-or more importantly, his message. Articulate and eloquent, Lewis inspires, not just to think, but also to act.

Packrats and Clutterbugs
You walk through the front door and immediately encounter the clutter-a stack of unopened mail sitting on the hall table, along with a tangled heap of gloves, scarves, hats, keys, maps, umbrellas, and shopping bags.

The Geography of Hope: A Tour of the World We Need
By the time this month's alive arrives in readers' hands, Chris Turner and his Geography of Hope tour will be household names.

Ruining the Rainforest
When we think of the Amazon, most of us conjure images of a lush, leafy, humid forest, home to an exotic array of tropical species. We envision a peaceful place-the soothing quiet broken only by the call of a bird or the gurgle of a stream. Unfortunately, the Amazon most of us imagine is quickly disappearing.

As the Light Dims
The light is dimming for some eco-conscious householders who believed they were doing the right thing for our environment by replacing their energy-guzzling incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lighting (CFL).

Phthalates and Parabens
As a conscientious consumer, you stay informed about what you put both on and in your body. But getting to the bottom of the issue of synthetic preservatives in consumer goods is a challenge even for the most astute.

Farm Sanctuary
Gene Baur is one of a rare breed of animal rights activists who treats a very emotional subject pragmatically. He and his Farm Sanctuary organization are dedicated to ending the inhumane treatment of animals intended for slaughter and to improving the conditions under which animals become food.

Car Sharing Co-operatives
They walk among us. They're our friends, our co-workers, our corner store owners. Undetectable by sight, they look just like you and me. They are people who don't own cars.

Are Cough Medicines Doing More Harm than Good?
Health warnings about the damaging side effects of cough medicine for young children have made many parents concerned about the safety of common medications-for anyone. The cold and flu season is almost upon us, so here are some herbal and homeopathic approaches that boost immunity and beat viruses faster.

Trends 2009
The New Year traditionally affords a chance to look back at what's just past while creating excitement about what's to come. It's a time of change that generates hope for the year ahead.

Pink Alert
During my phone interview with Alexandra Morton, renowned author, whale and salmon researcher, and environmental advocate, she discusses the plight of pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago, which is located between BC's mainland and the north end of Vancouver Island.

Love Your Lips
Plump, juicy lips coated in bright red lipstick have always been considered the ultimate in sex appeal and feminine beauty. But could the product that gives us that glamorous, movie-star appeal be endangering our health at the same time?

Going Green One Step at a Time
Every day we;re bombarded with more gloomy news about the sagging economy and the threats to our environment. We're all focused on protecting our financial well-being, but we want to do this without compromising our green principles.