No other species is quite like man in his ability to degrade the environment. Pollution—from industry, from households, from automobiles—can and does occur on a scale that endangers not only man but the green plant matrix in which man lives. Life in heavily polluted areas is tolerated because of the economic benefits and a general disbelief that the destruction is irreversible. Like the man who smokes, we tell ourselves that we can quit any time we want to. It is doubtful that man will pollute the environment to the irreversible destruction of the green plants or even himself. The immediate cause of degradation of the environment is the lowering of the quality of life. Our intellect tells us that we can live a better life, that we can live in prosperity and grace with instant communication and great wisdom. We know that pollution is an expediency that produces a temporary gain in the rate of wealth accumulation. It is also certain that industry will not willingly incur economic disadvantages not incurred by everyone else and that pollution abatement is an all-or-nothing proposition. Either everyone must stop polluting or those that do will suffer economically in the marketplace.

The effects of the polluted environment on the quality of life are so certain that the question is not what to do about pollution, but when.

Man can live in his urban ecosystem parasitically, like a disease organism that takes its life necessities from the environment regardless of the consequences. He can live commensally in his ecosystem, largely ignoring it, looking inward to his painted walls, concrete and steel, and plastic flowers, regarding the ecosystem only aesthetically. Or he can live in his ecosystem symbiotically with other organisms, creating not merely a collection of trees and houses and factories and streets and gardens, but a total living community that offers its members beauty, peace of mind, health and vigor, and the understanding that they are a regenerating part of the living community of the earth.

Historically, parasitic ravaging of resources for quick economic gain has resulted in shortages of supplies and extinction of species. Even innocent preoccupation with one's own yard leaves the rest of the environment to the vagaries of unconscionable use. As we see the effects of all of man's actions on the environment, our responsibility becomes clear.