“We move from crisis to crisis, merely trading one problem for another…”

Written in 1962, this book by Rachel Carson is a classic. I am utterly shocked that all of the information about the dangers of chemicals to the human body have been known for 80+ years. Yet nothing substantial has been done to eradicate the spraying, consumer products, and food programs with chemicals, causing unnecessary disease and death.

The contrast between Carson‘s beautiful writing and the devastating words in the facts she shares throughout the book awed and enraged me. Carson is articulate, clear, and passionate. She very thoroughly stated the heartbreaking situation. The little that has been done to resolve the situation is embarrassing. What’s worse is that the chemical spraying does little to solve the insect problem, in some cases resulting in an increase in the number of insects. Or often killing off most of the ecosystem, not just the intended target. Or in other instances, making a poor bargain by getting a worse problem with a different insect. In all cases, the animals and humans downstream are damaged directly or indirectly by the chemicals. Not to mention the costs to Americans is by now in the billions, the programs an utter failure. Throughout the book, there are countless examples of absurd and ineffective strategies employed. Economic entomologists go where the money is so at the time of writing only 2% were working to develop natural controls, the other 98% were engaged in research in chemical insecticides. 

I want everyone to read this book - not because it’s fun, but because it’s important. The content is dense (although readable) and comprehensive. It went down best for me by reading tandem (the audio and the paper copy). The book has beautiful illustrations on each chapter page. Let’s do something (lots of somethings) for our families and future generations.