The Obligation to Endure - Rachel Carson

“Thus the chemical war is never won, and all life is caught in the crossfire.” (Carson 155)

This quote put insecticides into perspective for me. I have never thought about the damage that insecticides can cause besides killing those troublesome pests. We think that when we spray the pesticides our issues will soon be gone, but in reality they may just be beginning. I was unaware of how harmful the insecticides are to other aspects of the environment besides just the pests themselves. Carson stated it best earlier in the reading, “They should not be called insecticides, but biocides” (Carson 155). Everything in the environment is affected by these “biocides” ranging from the soil, plants, water and other animals. If innovation ceases to occur, then the continued use of these chemicals will create an unending cycle of devastation.

http://alisonlongstaff.blogspot.com/2014_03_01_archive.html

 “The methods employed must be such that they do not destroy us along with the insects.” (Carson 156)

I think Carson makes an exceptional point here, but how do we achieve that? It comes across as too logical. There has to be a way to control the insect population with regards to farming practices, yet also keep the environment in mind. It is easier said than done, but we have to find a better way to protect and enhance all aspects of the environment. A balance must be found between conditions where control of insects is absolutely necessary and conditions where the insects could be fended off in another, more natural way. The key is finding the specific way we can achieve that goal, but it is not something that will be able to be done until it is a priority

http://medical-diagonosis.wonderhowto.com/how-to/suspect-case-insecticide-poisoning-0126031/

 “How could intelligent beings seek to control a few unwanted species by a method that contaminated the entire environment and brought the threat of disease and death even to their own kind?” (Carson 156)

I personally think this quote may have gone too far. The use of pesticides is to control undesirable species, but it was not looked at as a means to wreak havoc upon our environment. The purpose of the insecticides was in part to help flourish the agricultural industry, which it has, along with helping regulate some diseases. By no means was it ever created with harm to mankind and the environment in mind. It is unfortunate and even unacceptable now to continue the use of such products. Innovation is a part of the process. As time changes new advances and technologies will come about that will be beneficial for the cause of controlling pests, as well as being environmentally friendly.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-30/dist-nrn-bee-pesticide-ban/4659712