cktimes.ca Archives for Ecowrappin'
Ecowrappin'
Health and the environment
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
I just read a thought provoking article in the Conservator magazine. It has to do with charitable giving in Canada. Nearly half of all donations are related to health issues. This probably is not surprising because people want to ensure that care for the afflicted, prevention and research will continue to combat debilitating disease and improve our quality of life. Clearly there is an element of self interest in the pattern of giving here in Canada.I am not being critical. I'm just trying to understand. Less than 2 percent of charitable giving in Canada is directed towards conservation and the environment? In my mind there is a very clear connection to the local environmental health and my own personal health. After all, I live in the world. If wildlife health in local populations is not what it should be, then I have to wonder how I am being affected.
I am sure that I am not the alone in asking myself questions like this. But as a nation, it seems that we are not making the connection between a healthy landscape and our own well being.
You will hear on occasion how people are living longer now than ever before. This statement is usually followed by a tribute to modern medical care. It is true but you will hear less mention about nutrition, food preparation, general safety practices and sanitation. All of those things have made improvements in our longevity and strangely enough, all of them are environmental.
It is my hope that people will make a stronger connection to the environment than they currently have. I would encourage folks to get outside more. Do something that is of interest to you such as hiking, fishing, bird-watching, hunting, gardening, canoeing, or camping. Maybe just try swimming somewhere other than a chlorinated pool. Teach your family that people are part of the world in which we live.
Bald eagles have made a strong return in South Western Ontario. For a long time they were practically gone from this area but now I see them regularly. I feel healthier every time I see them.
Darrell Randell works for Ducks Unlimited Canada as a Conservation Programs Specialist in South West Ontario. Before that he was a Lambton County Pork Producer for 25 years. He served 2 terms on Sombra Township Council, 1994-2000, and is currently a councillor in St Clair Township. He is a past president of the Lambton County Federation of Agriculture. He was a founding member of the Rural Lambton Stewardship Network and served as chairman of that group from 1995-2003. He and Nancy have 3 grown children, each of whom they are extremely proud.
