02.21.07
A Word on Organics
For anyone following along with my yarn journey, I wanted to share that today I got some organic wool samples from a supplier in the UK. Their brochure had some interesting information regarding the textile industry of which the production and processing of wool is part. This is what the brochure has written:
“The textile industry, taken as a whole, is among the top ten most polluting industries in the world and the conventional woollen industry contributes to this from the production of the fleece which then passes through many toxic chemical processes during the manufacture of the end products. Most conventional woollen products are no longer “natural” having been treated by one or more of the following processes: alkaline baths to remove dirt and grease, acid baths to remove vegetable matter, anti-shrink for machine washing, bleaching, dying, moth proofing, and possibly flame proofing; as well as often being blended with man made fibres. It is difficult to quantify the effects of chemical inputs, but there is growing evidence to show that some of the chemicals used in the treatment of wool are harmful to health and the environment.
Most people know something about the organic movement, and may choose to buy and eat food that is grown and produced organically without realising that other “natural” products could or should be organic. . . ”
Another part of their brochure that I feel worth mentioning is their comments on organic farming. I know I have been more vocal about the importance of “eating” organic for our health, even though I have also learned of the importance of practicing organic methods for the benefit of our environment. Even though I have been more vocal about eating organic, I do feel that organic farming is important to caring for our lands. And I do feel that it is Biblical to care for our land because the Bible states in revelation 11:18, “The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great— and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” In Genesis we are taught that in the beginning God told Adam to care for the animals and basically take care of the earth, not plunder the earth and render it infertile. Then in Revelation quoted above, God’s wrath comes, and it will be a time for judgement to reward His servants and to destroy those who destroy the earth. I see those who destroy the earth as those who pollute and damage our environment. That’s another practical aspect the Bible has revealed to us. From creation we were connected with the soil. Adam was formed from the dust of the earth. From dust we came, from dust we shall return. Our subsequent health has been closely intertwined with nature–the sun, the air, the soil, water, etc. is essential to our existence. We could not live without any one of them. When we pollute or damage our environment, our health suffers because we were designed to function in harmony with the earth. When the earth suffers and is less healthy, so we suffer and are also less healthy. So very briefly, here is the comment on organic farming on the brochure I received today:
“Organic farming is concerned with a holistic approach to animal welfare and the environment in its broadest sense and strives to minimise pollution in any form by avoiding the use of artificial chemicals wherever possible–artificial herbicides and fungicides are prohibited as are organo-phosphate dips and Genetically Modified Organisms.”
This got me a little curious, so I did a quick Google and found this link. It lists 64 different types of polluting industries and industry activities. Interestingly, “hospitals” are on this list, ha! I have suspected that, but never really researched it. I thought with all the chemicals and drugs used in hospitals as well as all that nuclear medicine, it must be a hazard living near one, like I do! Ack! Well, at least it’s not next door! What has run through my mind is that hospitals have a lot of poisons to dispose of, and when all their patients are drugged up and taking chemos, some of that stuff comes out in their feces and urine, and where does that go? The oceans? Reclaimed water for city use? If I recall correctly, a few years ago I read an article which revealed that traces of “Prozac” was detected in city water in parts of England. How did that stuff get into the water? It is well known that drugs are commonly not fully metabolised in the body so that a certain percentage passes through and ends up in the urine or feces. That means that all these people taking chemos, hormone replacements, any myriad of drugs will be peeing out a percentage of it, and where does it end up? Polluting our environment. And we’re not even talking about all the plastic supplies that have to be disposed of like rubber gloves and catheters, bags, and tubings, etc. So, I try to do my little part and support local organic farmers. Biodynamic is even better.
Well, it’s getting late again, and rather than end on a depressing note, I want to post a few cute things that my email friend, Viv, sent to me. I’m only posting my favorite ones that made me laugh, although there were other clever ones. Take a look at these sandwiches:
LOLOL Is this why we’re not supposed to play with our food? Unfortunately, I doubt any of these are organic, so I likely will never get a taste of them.
Have a nice day!
Marlakins 
patti said,
February 28, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Hey Marla,
Interesting thoughts. Would like to add to it. I don’t necessarily agree with your biblical stand on God’s anger and why we should take care of our land but I have my own thoughts about it biblically. God did tell Adam he was to have dominion over the land, plants and animals and I think that gives us the principal of freedom to care for our land as we see fit. However there are other biblical principles that apply here. To whom much is given, much is required. I think this is a biggie. God has given us much in this earth and I believe he requires we care for it “much.” I do not see outright punishment as the result for not caring for it, but I do see the principal of reaping and sowing. We are definately reaping in our health what we are sowing in our soil. There is the principal of our bodies as the temple of the holy spirit. We are to care for our temples and doing so means feeding and caring for it the best we can – which to me means organically grown food going in. So there are just a few, quick (by no means all inclusive) thoughts.
And since this is a post on organics and taking care of our land I thought it would be a great place to post Jen’s website for cloth pads. I’ve been using these for several months now and I could NEVER go back to store bought. NEVER. Comfortable, clean, healthy, and organic.
Here’s the link: http://www.mom-and-me-creations.com/ClothMom.html The investment is worth every penny. 
Gotta jet, everyone’s home now.
patti
Administrator said,
March 1, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Hi Patti:
I looked back at that passage in Revelation and apparently, the passage was “part” of the prayers by the 24 elders. . . In that case, it appears they were praying to God that He would destroy those who destroy the earth, and not necessarily that God would do that. HOWEVER, my question is what is the meaning of destroying those who destroy the earth? What did the 24 elders mean by “those who destroy the earth?” I’m interested in who you think they are referring to?
As far as your comments on Adam having dominion over the land, plants, animals, etc. Yes, I agree, that people take that and do either good or bad with it. Just because they are “allowed” to do bad with it doesn’t mean there will be no consequence from God. So what consequence will there be? That the land will be taken away? I think more. As you say, they will reap what they sow. The concept of reaping what is sown is prevalent in the Bible, so I don’t see why it would be exempt in the passage in Revelation regarding destroying those who destroy the earth. In your example of the doing well with what you have and more will be added. I’m thinking you’re referring to the servants who were given the talents and the one given the one talent buried his and had no return. If you look at that passage, not only was the talent taken away from him, but he was also to be “cast into outer darkness.” See, Matthew 25:29-30, “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Not only was the talent (land) taken away from him, but also he was cast out into outer darkness (some form of punishment).
So, sure, I can concede that it was the prayers of the 24 elders hoping that God would destroy those who destroy the earth, so it very well may be that God “doesn’t” destroy them. However, I do believe that they will reap what they sow, and for harming the earth and subsequently other people by making it almost impossible to get away from toxins and poisons, they will likely be punished, not just have their hands slapped and their land taken away. It should be noted that when people sin, they are not the only ones to suffer consequence. Others around them can also suffer consequence for their sin even if we are innocent. For instance a vile, angry person can stab me because of nothing I did wrong, but because he’s sinful. Yet, I can suffer because of his sin. Likewise, these large corporations who pollute our environment harm us even though we have nothing to do with the decisions made in their companies. We will reap what they have sown “partly” because we “allow” it. We will reap either in sicknesses and diseases or exhorbitant prices in commodities, etc. Yet we also have responsibility to find a way out. An example is if someone is smoking in front of you. You can either sit there and take in all the smoke at the expense of your lungs, or you can get him/her to stop or move OR you can move yourself. There is a way out.
Anyway, just wanted to add more comments to that and also know how you interpreted that passage of “those who destroy the earth.” Who are these people that is being referred to? And what do you think they mean by “destroy?”
Glad you like Jen’s pads! Thanks for the plug.
Take care!
Marla