Point of this post is to introduce an intriguing, progressive, and relevant book.  Paul Hawken's Ecology of Commerce highlights our dilemmas with environmental epidemiologies, deforestation, carrying capacities, specie extinction, waste, toxic chemicals, and a close-minded business-as-usual attitude.  A few book facts regarding the nexus of human activity and the environment: 

• 97% of North American ancient forests are decimated.
  
• Globally we lose 25 billion tons of fertile soil and 27,000 species a year 
  
• Over 500,000 tropical forest trees are chopped every hour (most bio-diverse areas- hosting potential medicines, fuels, oils, and pollinators)
• Over 4.1 billion pounds of pesticides are released into the natural environment annually- responsible for over $1 trillion clean up tab for the taxpayer.
  

WHAT?? Surely, this is a joke... 'fraid not... but let's not dwell on the negative.

Seed and crop management company, Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, has requested to increase legal levels of thiamethoxam- a pesticide linked to a decline in the pollinator population.  According to this notice, Syngenta, one of the largest pesticide manufacturers, wants to increase the allowable threshold 400%.  This petition would apply to alfalfa, barley, wheat, and corn.

This predicament sounds like a "pick your poison, double-edged sword".  So, what is the "right" thing to do.  I recognize, respect, and encourage industry, but... when others are at the expense.... a long look in the mirror is required.  The problem with pesticides is they end up in unwanted areas (water sources and the atmosphere).  What about eco-friendly substitutes?  Higher taxes for the use of pesticides?  What is your take on this dilemma?  

Be Authentic.

-Sterling