The other day when driving back from Quito we took an alternate route that gave a sort of birds eye view of the greenhouses at least in one area. All off the white rectangles are rows of them.
This was just one section visible from the pullover allowing us to see the valley where some of the greenhouses are. I was told that the soil used to grow the roses is completely dead after two years from the chemicals used. There was a business started to collect the rich soil from the mountains, selling it to the owners of the greenhouses, but it did not last long. If you you strip the mountain of its rich resources, the mountain then does not have what it needs. A very simple way of seeing the truth of something comparable to deforestation which has caused many problems in the mountains of British Columbia.
Those selling the soil were prohibited from continueing the business because of the damage it could cause in the future. The use of forethought. Now I have to wonder where the owners of the greenhouses will get enough soil to continue doing what they do. Perhaps it will lead to a more sustainable practice for growing the roses, one better suited for all involved. The problem of course would be the expense, driving the cost up for suppliers and flower shops alike. But there has to be balance in order for anything to survive. We just don’t always see where we have gone wrong until we lose what has become so convenient, so affordable. As with many things we also do not always comprehend the affect our decisions have made elsewhere.
The memory of when Nike had to answer for its use of sweat shops many years ago comes to mind. To this day I do not buy Nike products, although I realize that many companies went in this direction worldwide. Like the women today who are standing up for their rights against sexual harassment and abuse, I feel this strongly about fair trade and healthy work environments. If we do not stand up for those less fortunate, than do we risk being born into this lifestyle ourselves. I do believe in Karma and being reborn into another life, so I can’t help but want to stand up for what’s right rather than what’s easier. My voice has not had much strength in the past, I hope to make it stronger.
It’s very a very different perspective being here in a place where people do without on a daily basis. The comforts of home long forgotten as I do my best to adapt to a different culture, different way of thinking. It reminds me quite a bit of camping (in a tent, not a trailer or motor home) the conveniences temporarily shelved. We lived for over a year in our tent travelling all the way to Mexico and back, staying in some very remote areas, with little or no facilities. It became a very comfortable way of living for me. I truly missed the simple ways of being once we moved back into the city and began “a normal lifestyle” again. I had a realization then how much we are trapped by our conveniences, although I confess to appreciating the great gift of running water, a warm shower, and a flushing toilet. I appreciate all the wonderful conveniences of our Canadian lifestyle, but can’y help but wonder if we do not abuse the privelages some, perhaps a lot.
When I began to write my story, I started to look around my home and could not help but wonder what it was that made me so committed to keeping the many possessions in each room, particularly the ones I didn’t use often, if at all. Holding onto things I thought I may need one day, but not remembering where I put them. In my house there was not much storage room, closet space or cupboards. Everything piles high in corners, with me avoiding looking into the room knowing that it would make me very claustrophobic to allow my awareness to take it in. I truly enjoyed selling or getting rid of most of my belongings desiring a simpler, less cluttered home. This is what I hope to have one day, a place for everything and everything in its place. Meaning for what I have, a reason for me to own it.
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