Mixed Feelings

I've had a wonderful time in Cambodia and Vietnam and feel blessed to have been able to travel and experience areas of these countries. The temples, the people and the food were all amazing! However, I have returned home with some mixed feelings. This is because I had a hard time seeing the amount of garbage every where we went. Most bigger businesses and homes of wealthy people made an effort to sweep and clean their little section out in front. Quite often you could see them sweep everything into a pile to the side and off their property, only concerned about their own section. There were very few garbage cans around, but I don't think they would have made much of a difference. In Saigon where we were told there was daily garbage pick up and even recycling, the garbage was still noticeable. And as we travelled away from the city center it only got worse. It was not surprising that the largest source of garbage was plastics. Even in poor underdeveloped countries there is an abundance of modern conveniences all wrapped up in plastic. Very little thought is given to disposal and the environment.

We also visited some very interesting outdoor markets selling an abundance of fresh produce and fish, seafood, etc. There was no lack of food items available for sale. Fruits, vegetables, rice and even insects were available. Yup, they eat crickets, worms, scorpions, tarantulas and what ever else you can think of. What broke my heart though was the fish being kept barely alive so that it was fresh and more money could be charged. Fish in 2 inches of water, 1 gill in the water and 1 gill out flopping around for hours. There were also ducks and chickens with their feet tied together laying out in the hot sun still alive but unable to move, just waiting for someone to purchase and butcher for the next meal. Large frogs that had been skinned and bundled together whole. Very little thought seems to be given to these creatures other than being a source of food.

It was very evident that we all have a responsibility when it comes to taking care of our environment and all creatures that are part of our world.  We can each take care of our own little postage stamp in this world or we can make a difference and reduce consumption, recycle, reuse and make conscious choices regarding the food that we buy and eat.

Namaste,

Michele Ward