I think to make a dent in this problem we need to change many aspects of our culture and how we live: 1) that any annoying problem should have an immediate and rapid solution so that we can get on with our lives, 2) that we as people need to live in a bubble ecosystem from the rest of the natural world.
1) I stopped taking most medicines awhile ago because I realized that by relying on symptomatic relief, I wasn't actually listening to the needs of my body. Now when I feel a cold coming on, I start sleeping at 9pm, eat healthier, and reduce stress levels. Instead of popping a pill, I've learned to recognize that I'm deviating from "healthy" activity and had better get on track. The result? I haven't been sick in years and years, and am probably overall a more healthy, less stressed out person.
2) I often wonder to what degree language affects perception. Like the word dirty having such a negative stereotype yet so associated with dirt (i.e., soil). I feel like we often want such high levels of sterility that are just absurd, and do more to harm us in the long run. As part of a project, I interviewed farmers who said food safety experts are so draconian they expect cannons that shoot into the air to prevent birds from flying over with the risk of droppings. One food safety inspector commented that the farm was too "dirty." Can you imagine? I understand we don't want to get sick, there are bad things in the world, but I think we're pushing too far into the other end of the spectrum.
1) I stopped taking most medicines awhile ago because I realized that by relying on symptomatic relief, I wasn't actually listening to the needs of my body. Now when I feel a cold coming on, I start sleeping at 9pm, eat healthier, and reduce stress levels. Instead of popping a pill, I've learned to recognize that I'm deviating from "healthy" activity and had better get on track. The result? I haven't been sick in years and years, and am probably overall a more healthy, less stressed out person.
2) I often wonder to what degree language affects perception. Like the word dirty having such a negative stereotype yet so associated with dirt (i.e., soil). I feel like we often want such high levels of sterility that are just absurd, and do more to harm us in the long run. As part of a project, I interviewed farmers who said food safety experts are so draconian they expect cannons that shoot into the air to prevent birds from flying over with the risk of droppings. One food safety inspector commented that the farm was too "dirty." Can you imagine? I understand we don't want to get sick, there are bad things in the world, but I think we're pushing too far into the other end of the spectrum.