Silent Spring

Just finished Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. This is one of those books that I felt I had to read. It is a book that is often cited by current authors and Carson is credited for helping ban DDT. While DDT is mentioned alot, I didn't realize that the book really goes after the whole pesticide industry. Carson points out that many times, chemicals are sold to us as the "cure all." Unfortunetly more often than not, they are applied incorrectly, in doeses to high where residues run off and cause more problems than they actually solve. Best case scenario, a pest is thwarted for a couple generations. Worst case, we wipe out or cause severe problems for species (humans included) we never intended to harm.  DDT is banned in the US and many birds are now on the rebound - Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles have both been taken off the endangered species list.  It is however still used in other countries for controlling malaria. We are all connected and the chemicals we can devise can do good. If they are used as a last resort, sparingly and in the correct manner.

This book came out in 1962 and helped to start the environmental movement. The sad thing is that not a tremendous amount has changed in the nearly 40 years since its publication. We still douse our fields and homes in chemicals. Yes, we have many regulations today but it still makes me wonder. While what we use today may appear safe at first glance, what happens when it breaks down? When will we see the bigger picture? Nature may be providing us with an advance warning but will we be observant enough to notice?