Agricultural fertilisers which run off fields and flow into rivers form dead zones when they are washed out to sea. The fertilisers which feed farmers' crops also feed the microscopic plant life of the sea - algae. Huge sheets of algae form which starve the surrounding waters of oxygen. Nothing can live below - no fish, no sharks, no whales, coral, nothing.The Gulf of Mexico dead zone is expected to be a record-breaker this year, exceeding last summer's 6,662 sq miles (17,255 sq km). That's pretty close to the area of Wales (for some reason, these things almost always are). Imagine that - a region of sea which should be teeming with fish and other life, covered in a blanket of green algae but otherwise dead.
So next time you're wondering whether it's worth paying the extra for the organic fruit and vegetables, ask yourself instead whether the cheaper cost of conventional fruit and vegetables is worth a 6,662sq mile dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico.
7 comments:
I have been aware of this problem for some time. Fish are mysteriously dying in our lakes here in Ontario. But the farmers in our area are the most vocal opponents of a bid to make the "cosmetic use" of pesticides against the law in our municipality. They are afraid that passing such a law would be the thin edge of the wedge, and rightly so. They perhaps more than many understand exactly how many chemicals are poured onto farmlands, but seem to believe that the cost of changing their habits would not be offset by our earth having a viable future! This despite the greater incidence of many types of cancers in farmers as a group.
This is so dreadful - and really scary for our future.
It horrifies me what our grandchildren and their offspring will have to cope with.
I have always tried to grow as much as my own food as I possibly can - before it was 'fashionable' and source food that I can't from like minded people.
Ditto household things.
I wish people would realise that it is the little things we do that would all mount up - instead of thinking 'what difference is 'x' going make in the overall scheme of things.
I have been reading a lot about this lately too. It's kind of scary really to know exactly what is happening. However, it is also empowering if you are willing to do something about it. I really liked your rational about buying organic at the end of your post.
Just wanted to let you know that we have nominated you for a Blogging For Positive Global Change Award for your site which can only help to reduce food miles. Check topveg post for more information. Regards.
TopVeg
www.topveg.com
This one really scared me, Mel. I knew about the damage the chemicals were doing to our water supplies here in Ireland, and presumed it was happening elsewhere, but never thought about run-off to the sea. Your post was so frightening, it brought tears to my eyes (they're still there as I write this). God save us all from our arrogance and stupidity. What will our children think of us when they look at the world we leave them.
Hiya Dad, (aka Bill) that's why we keep banging on about using Ecover cleaning products & that kind of stuff, because in addition to fertilizers, home used chemicals make their way through the water table.
Don't bin your Fairy washing up liquid (as it'll end up in the water table anyway) - instead, use it up, but in the mean time see if you can find a local stockist of Ecover - they do washing up liquid, washing powder, fabric softner, toilet cleaner & even bleach).
Hope you had one of my home-made hankies to hand. I was upset though to hear you were upset.
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