Research Project - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages To a great extent, with time, animals and humans have learnt to make their peace with the plant kingdom, as well as have understood that importance of preserving the same due to the growing levels of environmental pollution on the planet. Carson’s book Silent Spring is a reminder of this very co existence between plants, animals and humans and how human beings must make it their mission to maintain the level of peace and calm within society for generations to come by preserving the environment and spreading awareness regarding the same. Time has come to ask ourselves, how is it that we can make this world a better place? We must take a look at the environment around us and begin from there. Plants and trees form a very important aspect of life; they provide us with oxygen as well as food. At the same time however, we `tend to over utilize the quality of the little plant life that is available in order to make maximum use in terms of cooking, eating as well as all other forms of consumption. This is done by adding chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers to plants in order to ensure that they are kept away from being eaten by pests or flourish and grow faster. However, this attitude towards a speedier production level has led to a great amount of turmoil as explained further, and needs to be kept in check. The American environmental movement began strongly after Carson advocated the same through her book regarding the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers on plants world over. Although these products are used for the purpose of cleaning crops and making sure those plants are free from pests and insects, Carson’s letters (which are also a part of the book) talk about how these products have been causing ill effects to the environment at large. Pesticides like DDT have resulted in killing birds and animals that come near these plants, thus harming the environment. Moreover, excessive use of these products has also led to the failure in growth of a large number of crops. (Radford, Tim) As these pesticides become mixed with the plants, consumption of the crops by human beings has also led them to fall prey to diseases and sicknesses causing long term damage. All of this has adversely affected the entire food chain or web. It must be understood that growing these crops is a large part of farmer’s production in the country and cannot be stopped as it will affect the entire economic cycle; on the other hand however, the environment is getting harmed with the rampant use of fertilizers and pesticides. Something must be done to prevent these plants from dying or from birds and animals, as well as humans, from consuming them and falling sick. (Berenbaum, May) Carson writes, "In Florida, two children found an empty bag and used it to repair a swing. Shortly thereafter both of them died and three of their playmates became ill. The bag had once contained an insecticide called parathion, one of the organic phosphates; tests established death by parathion poisoning." (Carson, Rachel) These lines are enough to tell the reader about the emotion that has been placed in making others realize how important it is to do something that might change the state of the environment around us. To make the world a better place, probably, steps need to be taken to ensure that awareness is spread regarding how much the ecosystem is being ...Download file to see next pagesRead More