Reading Reflection Chapter 4-6

In the natural world, systems replenish each other, as with the cherry tree. It is a cradle-to-cradle model, because even when things die, they provide a clean, natural environment for new life. Early nomads and early agriculture follow a similar model. Certain cultures, such as Rome, turn away from this model and deplete the landscape with tree-felling and nonsustaining agriculture. The same things happen when great cities arise in America, when the surrounding farmlands are depleted. Soon "nutrients," such as food and other raw materials, become transferred from localities instead of remaining local. Agriculture becomes industrialized, but this threatens the soil as well as adding toxins to the local environments. Onto Repecting Diversity, this chapter begins with an imagining of the beginnings of life on earth. The result is an abundant diversity. Modern design, architecture and landscape flatten this concept into "one size fits all," using the same structures and plants throughout the country. The authors call this devolution. They wish to encourage diversity. They suggest that things that are most fit for their situation will survive. Thinking about ants, there are thousands of different species, each suited to its environment. The relationships between organisms keep them thriving because living things are interdependent. The oxygen cycle is one good example and the water cycle is another. Ants make the soil fit for growing things. Trees cool and replenish the planet.