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As George Washington Carver emphasized, nature produces no wastes. Silently,
without human interference, ecosystems function as master re-users and
recyclers.
By photosynthesis algae, grasses and trees release oxygen gas from water to
resupply our atmosphere. Photosynthesis also removes carbon dioxide from the air
building it into organic molecules. This removal slows the accumulation of gases
that cause global warming.
Slowly wetlands clean & filter flowing water, removing sediments & wastes. Fecal
wastes are transformed into plant nutrients and harmless gases. Slowly wetlands
collect soil and transform into wet forests.
Life on rocks erodes particles beginning soil formation. Slowly litter
accumulates and soil develops. Biodiversity provides multiple pathways that add
humus. Every year from both above and below chemicals from litter and parent
material enrich soil.
Natural processes in soil and pond mud breakdown animal & plant wastes &
corpses. This makes minerals and nutrients available for new life. The cycling
of elements characterizes ecosystems.
Thus, nature purifies air, cleans water, builds soil and breaks down natural
wastes. These are extremely valuable ecological services. One team of scientists
estimated their value at trillions of dollars a year. Humanity depends for its
survival on these life-support services.
Pollution of air, water or soil threatens these services. Soil erosion and
destruction of wetlands and forests threaten these services. Loss of
biodiversity threatens these services.
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