Sustainable Living
The term "sustainable living" is fairly new to the American political arena. Yet the concept has been around for many years. Often people refer to sustainable living as using alternative energy sources, recycling, and building with "green" building products. Here in Arizona the concern over adequate water supplies has been on the forefront of our political and community discussions. All of these are important components of what it takes to "sustain" a healthy life for us and our children. More and more citizens are becoming aware of its importance. However, Americans are consuming our earths natural resources at an all time high. |
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| I Support A Substainable Living Awareness |
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In addition, considering the population and industrial growth of other countries in the world, such as China, it is important to not only be concerned about our immediate environment but that of the planet as a whole. As an example, air pollution from China is not only polluting their own air and that of their neighboring countries, Japan and Korea, but has now reached the west cost of America. Much of this pollution can be directly linked to products produced for American consumption. China is the largest coal producing nation in the world, and leads the United States, India and Russia combined in coal production. One new coal fired power plant per week is built in China. It is estimated that if unchecked one third of America's air pollution on the west coast will come from China.
To sustain a healthy lifestyle in America we need to first look at our political and economic models. We consume more products, use more energy and create more trash per capita than any other nation in the world. We like to buy "stuff". Our corporations have discovered that they can provide more "stuff" at a lower cost if it is produced overseas. I support trading with our neighbors when it is to the mutual benefit of all. However, to provide a healthy lifestyle for all of us we must insist that our trading partners implement "sustainable" business practice when producing these products. These include much stronger air pollution laws, product safety laws, food safety laws and labor laws. All of our trading partners in the world must be considered, however since we buy most of our "stuff" from China, it is of the most concern. For example, the paint used on toys made in China for our children have been found to contain not only lead but the drug that is used on date rape. This was discovered when an American baby was unconscious and rushed to the emergency room after it had placed the toy in its mouth. Foods imported from foreign countries are not required to meet the FDA regulations, as food grown here in America does. Recently dog food imported from China has killed several of our pets.
It does no good to blame any particular political party in America or to stereo type the American consumer for wanting to buy so much "stuff". However, it is time to realize that our current political and economical models are obsolete. By focusing on the intersection of planet, people and profits we can implement a new model of Sustainability whereby our businesses can maintain their profitability while following sustainable business practices. To achieve this not only will the mind set of the consumer and our businesses need to adjust but that of our politicians must also adjust. When watching the Congressional debates on CSPAN it is easily seen that far too much time is spent by one party trying to make either its self look good or the other party look bad, rather than solving America's problems. It's time for a political transformation in this country, a political revolution that brings people with common sense into Washington. A revolution that limits terms of the House of Representative and the Senate. A revolution that eliminates the seniority structure within our Congress and that establishes campaign reform. With this we can then create not only a more "sustainable America", but a politically healthier America for us all to live in. |
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