F. Eatherington's Flickr Photostream: Logging in Oregon
I came across this photostream on Flickr by F. Eatherington. The photos show what is happening in sections of Oregon's forests at the moment. It must be the duty of every human being on this planet to examine our consumption habits...
Do you live in a building? If so, why should others forgo the opportunity? More acres burn every year in forest fires than you are seeing in those flickr streams. If those forests regrow, why wouldn't the logging forests? Unless you want to lead the movement to live wood free, I don't see why everyone else should be asked to do it.
Of course I live in a building made out of wood. I would also argue that yes, more acres may burn every year in forest fires each year. Does that justify removing our temperate rain forests, where fire usually is not an issue? Why are these huge plots of land burning the way they are currently across the county?
You can argue that forests are a renewable resource and that they will simply grow back. History so far has shown us that once these old growth forests are removed, we do not have the discipline to simply allow them to grow back. The area will continue to be logged time and time again. Do you really believe that after a section of forest is logged that we simply allow that area to regrow and rejuvenate for 800 years or so? Once an old growth ecosystem is removed, it's gone. Until science can prove that this is safe, I will take a more conservative stance and say, enough! We simply don't know what the consequence is.
I am not proposing a wood free life. I am however (perhaps with these posts) encouraging an examination of what we buy, why we buy it, and if certain items are even necessary. Do any of us really know where the items we buy come from, how they are processed, the conditions in which they are processed etc, etc? Do we need to continue clear cutting our ancient forests or do we have enough material already available that simply is not being used or we are unwilling to salvage?
Not only that, wilderness has a restorative effect on the mind, body, and spirit. Our old forests especially. Wilderness and modern life can and should exist simultaneously. We as a people can do better in my opinion, to ensure that this is possible not just now, but for future generations, especially as populations continue to increase.
It still amazes me that a price can be put on life.
ReplyDeleteDo you live in a building? If so, why should others forgo the opportunity? More acres burn every year in forest fires than you are seeing in those flickr streams. If those forests regrow, why wouldn't the logging forests? Unless you want to lead the movement to live wood free, I don't see why everyone else should be asked to do it.
ReplyDeleteOf course I live in a building made out of wood. I would also argue that yes, more acres may burn every year in forest fires each year. Does that justify removing our temperate rain forests, where fire usually is not an issue? Why are these huge plots of land burning the way they are currently across the county?
ReplyDeleteYou can argue that forests are a renewable resource and that they will simply grow back. History so far has shown us that once these old growth forests are removed, we do not have the discipline to simply allow them to grow back. The area will continue to be logged time and time again. Do you really believe that after a section of forest is logged that we simply allow that area to regrow and rejuvenate for 800 years or so? Once an old growth ecosystem is removed, it's gone. Until science can prove that this is safe, I will take a more conservative stance and say, enough! We simply don't know what the consequence is.
I am not proposing a wood free life. I am however (perhaps with these posts) encouraging an examination of what we buy, why we buy it, and if certain items are even necessary. Do any of us really know where the items we buy come from, how they are processed, the conditions in which they are processed etc, etc? Do we need to continue clear cutting our ancient forests or do we have enough material already available that simply is not being used or we are unwilling to salvage?
Not only that, wilderness has a restorative effect on the mind, body, and spirit. Our old forests especially. Wilderness and modern life can and should exist simultaneously. We as a people can do better in my opinion, to ensure that this is possible not just now, but for future generations, especially as populations continue to increase.