Our Scented Environment
What can we do to contribute some beneficial influence to our environment?
We are very aware of the damage caused in our environment by toxic substances and the release of chemical fumes resulting from the wastes of industry. We may be able to identify certain poisonous chemicals but we will never be able to monitor the full extent of their damage when released into the air we breathe and into the water upon which all earth life depends.
Although we cannot foresee an immediate ban on the release of toxic chemicals into the air, all we can do is to try to avoid inhaling them and to find a way to counter their negative influence. Scientists predict the harmful ramifications will continue to affect our atmosphere for centuries into the future.
As it is not likely that we will witness legislation that bans the manufacture of these chemicals, we are likely to observe the problems continue.
Amongst the several most dangerous fumes that enter our atmosphere in great volume and which we cannot as individuals control are from the constant fumes of vehicles on our roads. The traffic problem is being tackled although it is proving difficult as long as we adhere to current engineering systems and present source of fuel.
When disasters occur and fires destroy buildings and commercial factories releasing enormous clouds of toxic chemicals, they wreak their havoc. Fumes from plastics and chemicals continue to create mini disasters in the industrial communities as arson is added to the social terrorist mentality of sabotage tactics and weaponry. Many human and animal casualties result from these ‘accidents’ in industry.
It is a sad testament to the powerful destruction that can be caused by indiscriminate use of chemicals without prior full investigation. This will continue to happen as long as we allow the creators of these chemicals to continue dictating to the scientists who should be impartial in their tests and should be alerting us to dangers rather than protecting the current vested interests by preserving the status quo.
Although it may seem of little significance, the aromas and fumes from burning natural essential oils does make a positive contribution by releasing perfumes that help to counter toxic fumes in some small measure. The delightful scents of lavender and eucalyptus, lemon or frankincense certainly encourage us all to breathe more deeply, instead of being inhibited by chemical smells and obnoxious with atmospheres polluted by chemical odours. The custom of burning incense in the home and during outdoor entertainment is gaining in popularity.
Perfumes are used now as they always have been, to smother the unpleasant smells and odours – of individuals, of society en masse and of poor sanitation and odours associated with decomposing material of various kinds. Whereas in the past, they were used to attempt to cover up the smells of poor sanitation, this is no longer of vital importance. The focus has shifted to the need to cover ups the chemical stenches resulting from commercial and industrial manufacture and the effluents that are involved as by-products.
But we now must recognize that any attempt to neutralise the effects of toxic chemical use in industry by sacrificing precious natural oils would fail miserably.
However, we are free to continue the use of aromatics in our own homes, and here we must enjoy them to the maximum.
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