Scientists
are finding out that even low-level exposure to pesticides can impair
immune function in wildlife such as amphibians, with US expert Dr. Kevin
Zippel stating that today’s devastation of frog species is comparable
to the mass extinctions of the dinosaurs.
Currently over 1,800
species of amphibians are endangered, with growing evidence that many of
their afflicting diseases are pesticide-based. University of Padua
entomologist, Professor Vincenzo Girolami in Italy has also discovered
that low levels of a neonicotinoid, a newer kind of pesticide thought to
be safer for wildlife such as bees, still affects them when devices
like seeding machines are used as these stir up clouds of the chemicals
into the atmosphere.
Bats also may be on the decline due to
pesticides. With at least one million that have died in North America
since 2006 from a fungal infection called White-nose syndrome,
scientists are now evaluating the role of pesticides as environmental
contaminants that suppress the bats’ immune system. Many thanks Dr.
Zippel,
Professor Girolami and all researchers involved for your
diligent work to investigate the harms of pesticides on our natural
environment.
Let us quickly turn to sustaining lifestyles that
include organic farming methods to preserve all cherished life. As on
previous occasions, Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke of the environmental
tolls of such toxic substances along with the benefits of adopting more
eco-considerate ways during a September 2009 videoconference in South
Korea.
Supreme Master Ching Hai:
Another example of a practice causing harm to both animals and Earth is
the use of chemical pesticides. Over 5 billion pounds of pesticides are
used throughout the world each year! And only about 10% - 10%! - of
these chemicals even reach the areas where they are intended for. So the
rest?
What happens?
They go into the air and water where
they have been linked to everything from cancer of humans and animals to
oceanic dead zones. In Europe, one pesticide was found to be the reason
for billions of bees dying across the continent, while others are known
to make the eggshells of birds become thinner, resulting in the death
of their babies because the shells crack and break before the baby is
ready to be born.
Since organic vegan farming does not use
pesticides and does not have anything to do with livestock raising, milk
production or any such harmful activity, it could be called a practice
of compassion, in line with Heaven, with values that are echoed in many
spiritual paths and religious teachings.
Supreme Master Ching Hai:: Organic vegan diet is the best.
http://www.e360.yale.edu/content/feature.msp?id=2228 http://current.com/1itvk4c