Environmental toxicity is a worldwide issue that does not acknowledge national or political restrictions. For example, Japan has encountered a phenomenon referred to as “yellow sands” in the last several years. This is brought on by polluting of the environment blowing in from Chinese industrial facilities over the Sea of Japan. Air pollution is a serious factor in many over-crowded cities, like Hong Kong. Nowadays there are over 1460 metric tons of airborne poisons traveling all over the world. Which means there may not be any location left on our planet that may be spared the consequences.

The future of global air quality is still an unknown, as the burning of fossil fuels continue to dominate our ozone layer. In 2005, Chicago encountered 68 days when the air quality was considered too harmful for kids, seniors and the chronically ill. Coal-fired power plants spew substances, such as sulfates, nitrates and mercury into the atmosphere. The oil industry has not eased up in the quest for more of the black stuff, and is gearing up for even more exploration with their increased fracking activity on American soil.

There are approximately 7 million health problems and 1000 fatalities every year in the USA States from water-borne microorganisms. Chlorinated chemicals and toxic compounds in city drinking water are already associated with sickness and health problems around the world. Chlorinated chemical substances in waters coming from inorganic pesticides, herbicides and chemicals are associated with enhanced risk of breast and other types of cancers. And yes, the pesticides are being applied to the food we eat in order to increase production and sustain profitability.

Environmentally harmful toxins also find a way into our fish and other seafood sources. By 2005, 47 states have released advisories to restrict consumption of freshwater seafood because of mercury toxic contamination. The FDA noted discovering chlorinated inorganic pesticides, such as DDE (a breakdown product of DDT), in 63% of foods researched and have been linked to many types of cancer.

It’s obvious that food, chemical, air and drug toxicity are controversial topics, as the struggle between corporate profits and consumer health continues to draw new battle lines and attract more warriors. With the myriad of toxins we’re exposed to in modern society, we’re faced with an increasing burden of unnatural substances that invade our bodies – from pesticides, herbicides and fungicides to air and water pollution, mercury, arsenic and other heavy metals in our food, and the list goes on.

Although the global toxicity issues are insurmountable, there is always hope through awareness and changing attitudes that slowly extend up to the corporate level to replace profits with purpose. Executives with a lens focused on the future have already positioned their companies to spread the green news with products that promote recycling and reduce the use of plastics and other environmentally-harmful products. Although the United States is still dragging its feet on Monsanto’s corporately-backed, genetically modified food-awareness issues, other countries, such as Mexico, are halting the growth of GMO corn, with many others lining up to dump the Frankenstein of the food industry.

Adopt a green living approach within your immediate environment, such as applying good recycling habits to your daily lifestyle. There are definite advantages in growing some of your own food with an organic or hydroponic method that delivers the maximum amount of nutrients to your kitchen table under a controlled growing environment that is free of pathogens, foreign chemicals and pollutants. If you’re new to gardening, start small with an indoor lettuce or herb-growing container and watch your thumb turn green with delight. Like everything else, become your own advocate of good health and stay up-to-date on changes that directly affect your life.