The Last Tree: A Warning Too Late

The T-shirt with the quote Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish been caught, and the last stream poisoned, will we realize we cannot eat money is an environmental activist T-shirt for the conscious leaders of today. The quote is attributed to the Cree Indian Prophecy and Alanis Obomsawin, a Canadian filmmaker of Abenaki descent. The T-shirt is a great way to make a statement and show your support for the preservation of trees and nature. It is a stylish and unique way to showcase your commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

The quote is attributed to Cree Indian Prophecy, Alanis Obomsawin, and Greenpeace

The quote "Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish been caught, and the last stream poisoned, will we realize we cannot eat money" has been attributed to Cree Indian Prophecy, Alanis Obomsawin, and Greenpeace.

The earliest instance of this quote was published in a 1972 collection of essays titled "Who is the Chairman of This Meeting?" by Alanis Obomsawin, a Canadian filmmaker of Abenaki descent. Obomsawin shared a version of the saying while speaking with the chapter author, Ted Poole:

> Canada, the most affluent of countries, operates on a depletion economy that leaves destruction in its wake. Your people are driven by a terrible sense of deficiency. When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realize, too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can't eat money.

In 1981, Greenpeace members climbed a smelter smokestack that was more than 500 feet tall to protest emissions of arsenic and sulfur dioxide. They unfurled an 80-by-20-foot banner with a paraphrased version of Obomsawin's saying:

> When the last tree is cut, the last river poisoned, and the last fish dead, we will discover that we can't eat money.

The saying has also been attributed to the Cree Indians, a Native American tribe. In a 1995 letter to the New York Times, the quote was referred to as a "prophecy of the Cree Indians."

The quote has been popularized through its use on T-shirts and other merchandise, often with slight variations in wording. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of conserving natural resources and the dangers of prioritizing short-term monetary gains over the sustainability of our planet.

The quote is a paraphrased version of a statement by Obomsawin in Conversations with North American Indians

The quote, "When the last tree is cut down, the last fish caught, and the last river poisoned, we will realize that we can't eat money", is a paraphrased version of a statement by Alanis Obomsawin, a Canadian filmmaker of Abenaki descent, in "Conversations with North American Indians" by Ted Poole. Obomsawin's full statement, published in 1972 in a collection of essays titled "Who is the Chairman of This Meeting?", is as follows:

> Canada, the most affluent of countries, operates on a depletion economy which leaves destruction in its wake. Your people are driven by a terrible sense of deficiency. When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realize, too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can't eat money.

The quote has been widely propagated as a "Cree prophecy" or "Cree saying" and has been alternately attributed directly to Obomsawin. However, it is worth noting that similar expressions were also used by others around the same time, including Thomas Parker, who presented a talk at Harvard University in 1972, and Greenpeace, who used a variation of the quote in a banner in 1981.

The t-shirt with the quote "Only When the Last Tree Has Been Cut Down" seems to be inspired by Obomsawin's statement, raising awareness about environmental issues and the importance of conserving natural resources.

The quote has been used on a T-shirt by the brand Aspiring Rebel

The quote, "Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish been caught, and the last stream poisoned, will we realize we cannot eat money," has been attributed to the Cree Indian Prophecy. The quote is a powerful statement about the importance of conserving natural resources and the dangers of prioritizing short-term gains over the long-term health of the planet.

The use of this quote on a T-shirt by Aspiring Rebel is a great way to spread the message of environmental protection and sustainability. By wearing this T-shirt, the wearer can make a statement about their values and encourage others to prioritize the preservation of the planet. The T-shirt is also a unique and stylish way to show support for environmental causes and can be a great conversation starter to engage others on the topic of conservation.

Aspiring Rebel's T-shirt featuring the Cree Indian Prophecy quote is a powerful example of how fashion can be used to make a statement and inspire change. By wearing this T-shirt, the wearer becomes a walking advocate for environmental protection and can help to spread awareness and spark conversations about the importance of conserving natural resources. Additionally, the T-shirt can serve as a reminder to prioritize sustainable practices and work towards a greener future.

The quote has been used in a book titled Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall by Banksy

The quote, "When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat money", is a powerful statement often attributed to the Cree Indians or Canadian filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin. The saying highlights the importance of conserving natural resources and serves as a warning against short-sighted destruction of the environment for monetary gain. This quote has been featured on T-shirts and in various publications, including a book titled "Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall" by Banksy.

"Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall" is a collection of stencils and graffiti by Banksy, an England-based graffiti artist, political activist, and film director known for his satirical street art and subversive epigrams. The book presents Banksy's artwork in a pocket-sized, high-quality format, combining the artist's social and political commentary with aesthetic appeal.

The book includes reproductions of Banksy's stencils and graffiti, along with quotes, statements, letters, and even a beginner's guide to painting with stencils. It offers an insightful look into Banksy's world, providing both images of his graffiti and explanations of his ideas. One of the earliest instances of the "When the last tree" quote was recorded in a 1972 collection of essays titled "Who is the Chairman of This Meeting?" which featured comments by Alanis Obomsawin, a Canadian filmmaker of Abenaki descent. Obomsawin's words highlighted the destructive nature of a depletion economy and the realization that wealth cannot be found in bank accounts when the environment has been ravaged.

The quote has also been paraphrased and used by Greenpeace in their advocacy for environmental protection. Overall, the "When the last tree" quote has been widely propagated, appearing on T-shirts, in books, and even as a guiding principle for those passionate about environmental conservation.

The quote highlights the importance of conserving natural resources

The quote, "When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, and the last stream poisoned, we will realize that we cannot eat money," is a powerful statement often attributed to various Native American sources. This phrase, emblazoned on t-shirts and other merchandise, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of conserving our natural resources. It highlights the delicate balance between human activities and the environment, underscoring the fact that our very survival depends on the health of our planet. By drawing attention to the potential destruction of our natural world, the quote implores us to take action and prioritize the preservation of our ecosystems.

Trees, for example, are a vital natural resource. They provide oxygen, sequester carbon dioxide, and play a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle. Deforestation has far-reaching consequences, leading to soil erosion, loss of habitat for countless species, and contributing to climate change. The quote serves as a warning, emphasizing that if we continue unchecked exploitation of our forests, there will be dire consequences. It urges us to recognize the value of trees beyond mere monetary gain and to ensure their protection for future generations.

Similarly, the mention of fish and the poisoning of streams underscores the importance of preserving our aquatic ecosystems. Overfishing and pollution have devastated fish populations and contaminated our water sources. The quote reminds us that these resources are finite and that our actions have repercussions. We must adopt sustainable fishing practices and stringent pollution controls to maintain the balance of aquatic life and ensure clean water for all.

Moreover, the reference to money in the quote is significant. It emphasizes the fallacy of prioritizing economic gain over environmental sustainability. While money may drive human society, it cannot sustain us in the absence of clean air, water, and a healthy planet. The quote challenges us to reconsider our values and prioritize the preservation of our natural resources, which are truly priceless. It calls for a shift in perspective, encouraging us to view environmental conservation as an investment in our future, one that cannot be measured solely in monetary terms.

In essence, the quote serves as a rallying cry for environmental stewardship. It underscores the interconnectedness of human activities and the natural world, reminding us that our actions have consequences. By conserving our natural resources, we ensure the longevity of our planet and the well-being of future generations. This message, popularized through merchandise such as t-shirts, helps spread awareness and inspire action. It is a call to arms, urging us to protect our environment before it's too late and to recognize that the health of our planet is intrinsically linked to our own survival.

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