Fossil records, biogeography, and common structures point towards evolution and much change occurring during the earth's existence. We know that life on earth has changed through every age, and whether it is due to human involvement or natural processes the earth is subject to change more. The difference between change due to natural processes or human error is prevalent though. Pollution of water sources and soil acidification are specific areas of negative change brought about by humans that are specific to Nebraska. We as members of the ecosystem need to hold each other accountable. We need to start living as stewards not parasites, holding businesses accountable and educating people about sustainable practices. 

In medieval times a steward was the overseer or manager of a noble man’s estate. These men were in charge of important property and their job was to protect it at all costs. We as people are called to do the same with our own dwelling. We are overseers of the world called to protect its creatures and monuments. As humans with an intellect and will we need to realize that we are different from other creatures, but we have a responsibility to use that power well. We can not reap the world of all its beauty and resources or live as parasites. Our relationship with the world is to be a mutualistic one filled with exchanges of energy and resources, but I feel as a whole we have been cheating our environment. Our relationship with earth now resembles the relationship between the water buffalo and oxpecker. Thought for many years to be a textbook example of a mutualistic relationship with the water buffalo providing a food source for the Oxpecker and the Oxpecker clearing the insects off of the water buffalo’s back, research has shown the relationship to be more complex. It is still true that the two organisms can have a mutualistic relationship, but if the water buffalo has no insects to provide, the oxpecker has been known to turn parasitic and burrow its beak into the water buffalo’s hide to drink its blood. This relationship parallels our relationship with the earth as humans. Seemingly mutualistic we plant crops, raise animals, and try to replenish the resources we take, but when the earth does not seem to have enough to offer we turn parasitic and reap resources at a higher rate than we can replenish them. Instead of denying ourselves of certain comforts for the greater good we as a society constantly choose comfort over honoring our relationship with our environment. This over consumption is due to the common person, but ultimately the businesses who continue to take resources and ignore the consequences. 

In the US our capitalist society helps businesses thrive. The constant cycle of supply and demand drives a great economy, but can have harmful effects on the environment. When businesses decide not to care about the effects their practices have on the environment is when major negative effects on the environment become present. These negative effects are very important in my life as my grandfather worked on a water clean-up operation in Lindsay, Nebraska from the late 1980’s to the early 1990’s. From 1971 to 1982 Lindsay Manufacturing Co. began disposing hazardous waste used to galvanize irrigation equipment into an unlined lagoon running by the plant. The chemicals contaminated the soil and groundwater that was used for irrigation and as a water source for the residents. The site was declared a superfund site by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1989. My grandfather worked in the clean-up crew from start to finish, and has had medical anomalies that may be linked to his involvement. In 2012, at the age of 58, my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease which affects only 5-10% of people before the age of 60. Developing the disease so early in life was a shock for my family especially since we have no history of Alzheimer’s disease. It was later verified that his Alzheimer’s disease was not genetic and would not pass on to his children. After living with the disease for over 13 years my grandfather is now 71 years old and his disease has progressed significantly, but he is nowhere near the end stages of his life. Being exposed to heavy metals is associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and it is what we believe happened to my grandfather. So not only did the company's irresponsible behavior lead to the contamination of a town’s water supply, but it even harmed at least one worker hired to help fix their mistake. There are now agencies and processes used to help prevent and fix businesses' harmful mistakes, but most businesses still do not recognize that those regulations are in the best interest of the environment and businesses. 

The idea that you cannot make something out of nothing is essential in the pursuit to have successful businesses and a flourishing environment. Businesses need to recognize that the environment is not something to neglect and sacrifice, but something to nurture. Without the resources they need to create their products, companies will be unable to be profitable. Businesses seem to take more than what they are able to replace because in their pursuit for success they forget how important the environment is until the earth is not able to provide what they need. With more businesses committing to sustainability, we will be able to protect our life on earth for longer, for ourselves and generations to come. We need to keep striving to create sustainability practices our children will use, not mistakes they will have to undo.