Living in a peak oil culture some our generation is beginning to think of solutions. Without seeming too paranoid, I’ll suggest that as we look towards resolution and alternative renewable resources for the future we shouldn’t set aside and forget the precautions we need to take in the present day situation. In a recent move to Alberta, we have become more aware of the reality of the tar sands. As most of us nestle down in the southern-most parts of Canada, it is easy to forget about the far (and not even that far) north. Because we don’t see the physical reality of what is happening to what was the boreal forests, it is easy for our eyes to glaze over and our ears to not fully understand when we hear the news reports. I urge you to awaken to what is actually happening just hours north of our southern-Canadian nests. Tar sands sites are planting themselves beside the Athabasca River in Alberta. The pollution levels that go into the water and the surrounding land are astounding. A case study of the Aboriginal people of Fort Chipewyan (downstream from Fort McMurray), says it all. Rare forms of cancer; types that are only found in every 100, 000 people have been found in more multiple residents of this small town. Families have been plagued by various types of cancers and brain tumors. The images of the distorted, discolored, tumor-riddled fish from Lake Athabasca are a good testimony to something not being right. Of course the Canadian government attests to properly monitoring the pollution, and vows that the Athabasca River (and lake) remains unpolluted and safe. Private researchers have found otherwise. If you're still not convinced, it seems all too fishy (pun-intended) that the Alberta government laid charges and persistently threatened Dr. O’Conner’s practice in Fort Chipewyan on excuse of “raising un-due alarm” to the cancer rates. Really?! Studies haven’t gone much past this town, but I’m sure the effects of the tar sands have.
In this day we’ve gotta protect our own, mama hens. Because I live just hours away from this town and river (although thankfully upstream) our family has invested in our own water filtration system. The pollutants are seeping from the tar sands toxic pools into the earth. Our water at home comes from a well, and you guessed it, from the very same earth the tar sands are on. My very sweet and caring husband bought me the lovely gift of a Santevia water filtration system for Christmas (yes, ladies it appears the day of diamonds and jewels are over… I was so happy to open this. It was better than any blood diamond traveled here from Africa!). Although it did travel from Germany, the Santevia system not only filters out the bad (bacteria, parasites, germs, chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, pesticides metals, chemicals, detergents, lead, mercury etc.) but adds good (natural silica, higher oxygenation and added alkaline, infrared, ionized minerals (proper levels of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, sodium, potassium and zinc) etc).
I urge you to find out more about your water source and not necessarily trust the government officials who jot down in their reports that the quality seems just fine to them. It may be just fine, but wouldn’t it be great to know for sure? Our local community Public Health Centre tests residents’ water once a year free of charge and more frequently for $35 but it is up to the resident to take the initiative.
Filtration is not an overall solution but a healthy choice and protective choice for our family. I can’t believe we live in a world where I’m beginning to think I need to protect my drinking water…
To learn more:
Tipping Point: the age of the oil sands:
H2Oil: http://h2oildoc.com/home/
When the Water Changed: How one family doctor is speaking out about the tar sands industry: http://canadians.org/publications/CP/2011/summer/tar-sands.pdf
Santevia: http://www.santevia.com/
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