The oceans of the world are becoming severely polluted by organochlorins (OCs), one of the most deadly groups of chemicals on earth. These deadly chemicals are the result of everyday industrial processes and household products such as PVCs, HCFCs, solvents (like paint strippers) and chlorinated pesticides and bleaches. These highly toxic chemicals are dumped into the ocean as illegal waste, or 'legally' pumped out to sea through the sewerage system.

When disposed, of few of these chemicals break down, many last hundreds of years and some become more toxic with age. If we allow this pollution to continue, the whale and dolphin populations could become extinct in every ocean of the world, and the fishing industry could become obsolete. It would be too dangerous for humans to consume seafood.

In America and Europe, laws have been passed to reduce these toxic emissions. In many countries, plans are in place to ban them altogether by 2000. Industry monitoring of emissions is also rigorously and strictly upheld. By comparison, Australia has done nothing to cut back organochlorin emissions. Further, huge chemical companies like ICI, though they comply with strict American regulations, avoid those same responsibilities in Australia - and our government lets them get away with it! The all-powerful petro-chemical industry dictates to most governments throughout the world. It is amazing that a Labour Government could care so very little about the welfare of ordinary Australians.

Time is running out for our sea life. With every passing year the oceans become more and more polluted, and this pollution cannot be undone. In recent years thousands of dolphins have died en mass. Already a dozen whales and dolphins have washed up on our own shores, dead from poisoning.

Greenpeace is not only campaigning for a ban on these emissions, but is going right to the cause. The petro-chemical industry itself, and calling for a complete ban on the manufacturing of organochlorins by 2000. Already our researchers and scientists are working to develop alternative solutions to OC's. Greenpeace is promoting these alternatives to both industry and government.

In February 1994 Greenpeace blockaded the Geon PVC plant in Altona, Victoria and called for a ban on all chlorinated chemicals in Australia.

We should not sit idly by with our fingers crossed, hoping that Greenpeace will succeed. This is our planet also, and we do have a responsibility to demand that our technology is not used for the destruction of the planet, but for its, and all its inhabitants, benefit.

If you really want to save the planet for your children, send a postcard to Senator John Faulkner, Minister for the Environment, Parliament House, Canberra 2600. Just write "Save our Ocean. Ban OCs!" Meanwhile, send what you can afford, even if its only a dollar, to Greenpeace Australia, 213 Currie Street, Adelaide 5000. You have been given dominion over the physical plane and all its creatures, not the dominion of a dictator, but that of a loving guardian. For your spiritual development, stand up and be counted.