By Kathy Van Peteghem
As we begin to understand how our microbiome, heart, brain, fascia, and biofields are all interconnected, we are also learning we are all energetically connected to Mother Earth and that of the universe in general. Recent data shows a correlation between our human hearts’ resonance with each other, our animals, our plants, and the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Therefore, our actions or thoughts in our personal space also affect the Earth and other life forms living on Mother Earth.
Humans, by nature, are creators, dreamers, innovators, and explorers. Often working to create a better world, new manmade materials were invented: plastics, Teflon, Styrofoam, fiberglass, and solvents often reproduced at a cheaper and faster rate, created automobile parts, fast food packaging, modern furniture, clothing, and various building materials to name a few. Workers who hoed farm fields to remove weeds were replaced in the food and farming industry. Applying a weed killer like Roundup or Glyphosate was more effective in killing the weeds and producing crops faster. Antibiotics and supplements mixed into animal feed gave extra weight to the animals, so they reflected more profits. More modern technologies, such as the fast-processing Intel chip for laptop computers and fluorescent light bulbs, have quickly followed. However, in humans’ quest to rise to the top of their manmade mountain, they neglected to focus on the good of all… often setting up barriers of control and manipulation where the rich became richer and the poor became poorer.
Furthermore, business ethics began to erode as greed to acquire large profits at any cost became an addictive mind game. These business models gave opportunity to also abuse the Earth. As the output of manmade materials usually produces toxic waste, companies that do not want to pay earnings for proper disposal often toss waste into landfills, stored in old vacant buildings, or on city lots, oceans, lakes, and forests. As the waste did not break down safely, sulfur or meth vapors were released into the air through incineration or buried on pristine fertile lands. Hospital and nuclear waste would contaminate the grounds or wells. Often, animals in the area died of poisoning from drinking the polluted stream water, had birth defects, or were displaced; the microbiome of nature was terrorized as these manmade invaders often stressed out trees. Diseased and no longer able to release oxygen nor provide needed homes for bats, birds, rabbits, and foxes. Resident wells were often found toxic, and areas of a particular form of cancer would rise, leading eventually to find the company operating illegally doing the harm. Historic buildings where factories operated often reflected corrosion to their stone-carved statues due to acid rain. The business world’s attitude felt that a little damage to the Earth’s environment and the inhabitants that lived in that area was a small price compared to the strong economic growth of profits gleaned within these global markets.
Earth Keepers
Environmental conservation began as early as 1872 when Arbor Day was established. This was a grassroots effort to replant many trees that the heavy logging industries had removed. The early 1900s allowed Teddy Roosevelt to create 5 National Parks for future generations. By the 1960s, activists and writers they had continued to keep the topic current. In 1962, Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring” sold over half a million copies in 24 countries. It raised awareness of the effects of pollution on public health. As human-made disasters occurred without antidotes to reverse the damage, the 1969 massive oil spill in California moved Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes, a Harvard Graduate, to organize the first annual Earth Day on April 22, 1970. This day was instrumental in providing educational and informative material related to environmental conservatism. As a result of the positive outcome, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was born. Under the EPA, The Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act were developed. As awareness needed to be mainstream, the media created TV commercials to continue delivering these messages. Smokey the Bear and his partner Woodsey the Owl aired from 1971 up through the early 1990s, educating viewers to “give a hoot and don’t pollute” or don’t vandalize natural parks and buildings. As TV moved into the computer age and streaming movies were beginning to become popular, these were used to communicate the regulation and accountability of business manufacturers. The movie Erin Brockovich, played by Julia Roberts and released in 2000, was based on a true case. Erin Brockovich discovers high levels of hexavalent chromium in a local town’s drinking water, making many very ill. As a result, the law firm ends up suing the company for negligence and winning. In 2008, the movie Wall E presents a story about a lonely trash compactor droid robot placed in charge of cleaning up the trashy mess humanity left behind. This storyline ends on an upbeat note that love, effort, and hope for a brighter future are always possible in reversing any current situation, especially when it affects the collective.
Another Wakeup Call 2019/2020
The humanities’ ability to reduce toxic output continues to be a work in progress. The recent pandemic proved very bluntly how much our consumerism has affected Mother Earth and many other inhabitants, including our own beings. It was a huge wakeup call when the pandemic shut down all human activity. It allowed humanity an opportunity to stop and examine its shadow side (the negatives). To move forward, everyone was needed. Was the current mode of operation bringing out our best talents, truths, and transparency with each other and among our neighboring countries by using tactics of fear, greed, ruthless power, corruption, and manipulation, or was there a better path?
Given time to reflect, many experienced a blue sky, the ability to smell clean air, dance in the sunshine, grow vibrant green gardens, see wildlife, and take perfect photographs of vivid sunrises and sunsets without the many streaks of chem trail pollution or excessive fossil fuel exhaust and noise pollution from rocket/satellite space launches. It was even strangely peaceful and calm. Many humans illustrated their best sides, often showing empathy, compassion, creativity, imagination, and collective strength to choose what was right when making that important decision, even if it wasn’t profitable.
Every Effort Matters
As another Earth Day arrives, let us celebrate the victories but also continue to do our part to make the Earth alive and habitable. Because each one of our actions matters, we all benefit. And if you happen to walk down a path and find a piece of trash, please take a moment to find the proper container. As John Denver’s song, Earth Day Everyday states:
“Celebrate land and sea, celebrate you and me, celebrate Earth Day, every day!” Mother Earth and future generations will be grateful you did.
Kathy Van Peteghem enjoys the creative side that embraces the body, mind, and spirit. She is a writer, photographer, musician, artist, gardener-herbalist, and nature lover who releases a stressful day with tap dancing and Gi-gong. She loves living life from the heart and hopes to inspire others to do the same. ktvan@comcast.net
