An "ecosystem" is the way in which humans, plants and animals connect and live together to support each other.
Every species serves an important role in an ecosystem or purpose in their community. The balance of an
ecosystem depends greatly on whether or not exotic species and pollutants have been introduced.
An ecosystem can be likened to a kingdom or government. A well balanced kingdom depends on its rulers to act
in harmony for the good of its subjects and its subjects must work together to support these efforts. When a well
balanced kingdom or government is overthrown by militant efforts, Guerrilla warfare forces proficient, first rate
leaders out and its subjects are forced into servitude or die. Chaos and unhealthy, unhappy and disturbed
communities are the result.
An ecosystem is really a form of government. A well balanced ecosystem depends on healthy, first rate, keystone,
native species to rule over its domain. Exotic species use "guerrilla warfare" to conquer and divide! As a result
native species are over thrown, some die and chaos sets in. An unhealthy, miserable and disturbed community is
the result. No longer will there be a harmonious balance. All ecosystems are important to humans and humans are
important to ecosystems. Why?
To begin with humans should see themselves as a species or subject connected to a particular ecosystem that
governs the area in which they live (our habitat). We can choose to be classified as a native species (which brings
harmony to our community) or we can choose to act as an exotic species (which brings disruption and chaos). It's
interesting that we are the only species that have the ability to make that choice!
Humans are a keystone species, which means a species that has a disproportionate effect on its environment
relative to its abundance. Such species affect many other organisms in an ecosystem and help to determine the
types and numbers of various other species in a community.
Now a couple of questions to ponder……….If humans didn't exist would there be pollution? Would the words
"exotic species" even be spoken? Would unhealty ecosytems occur? The fact is that humans are the main cause of
pollution, and unhealthy ecosystems. So what can we humans do to make a difference and show ourselves to be
a native species?
Eco Shmeco!
Carla Bak
"Eco Friendly"
A modern day cliché
An over used and abused marketing strategy
So what does "Eco Friendly" really mean anyway?
|