(NaturalNews) It's no secret that, while many people in the United States continue to forge on with harmful agricultural sprays, unnecessary deforestation and creating foods loaded with heavy metals, other parts of the world are dedicated to stopping such horrors in their tracks.

For example, France just announced a ban on the private sale of Monsanto's glyphosate. Many areas in Europe have also banned certain junk foods -- namely citing health-harming ingredients -- which are still sold in U.S. supermarkets. And in China, Environment Minister Chen Jining recently told members of the National People's Congress's that, if people commit environmental crimes, they'll receive violations, or will be arrested, fined or jailed. It's that simple.^(1,2)

People in China face unlimited fines, jail time for environmental crimes

In fact, during this recent bi-monthly session, he informed members that, just last year alone, 3,400 companies and 3,700 construction sites were in violation of environmental laws. In addition to these violations, over 3,100 workshops were forced to shut down after inspections deemed it necessary. Tired of China's mounting problems with air pollution and issues with soil and water, Jining has vowed not just to express concern about these problems but to actually do something about them. He even threw out more serious numbers, noting that criminal cases turned over to police from environmental protection departments in 2014 were double what they were a decade prior.⁽²⁾

Furthermore, he stated that $1.58 billion (9.8 billion yuan) was put aside in 2014 for special funding to specifically focus on controlling air pollution. As for 2015, a new environmental law has been in place since January which could incur unlimited fines and time behind bars for repeat offenders.⁽²⁾

Clearly, the man means business.

Sadly, the U.S. sits back and watches as other countries take charge of health

While such news is uplifting, its disheartening at the same time. It's as if the United States continues to sink in environmental quicksand while many other parts of the world make strides. Sure, there is the urging to eat organic foods and for people to do their part when it comes to reducing food waste and minimizing pollution, but it's simply not enough.

Monsanto continues to smile all the way to the bank. Corporations want us to buy into the junk food lifestyle. Children in this country have been given secret vaccinations. Animals continue to face intolerable farm conditions which contaminate the environment. The evidence that these matters are problematic isn't just a figment of our imagination, either. The harms they present to the environment and to human health have been proven.

Heavy metals exist in the foods that humans and pets eat in the United States, yet tolerance for these crimes continues

Consider the fact that Mike Adams, the Natural News Health Ranger himself, has personally delved into the issue of heavy metals found in common United States supermarket items. He's assessed a huge range of products; everything from pet foods and cereals to superfoods and beverages have been thoroughly examined, and the results have been eye-opening. For example, he was the first to shed light on the fact that small metal fragments are added to the popular cereal Wheaties. Bothersome amounts of heavy metals such as arsenic, aluminum, lead and mercury have been identified -- many in startling quantities -- through his lab work. He even appeared on The Dr. Oz Show to talk specifically about the dangers of heavy metals in our food supply.⁽³⁾

Still, there are companies out there that continue to manufacture products with heavy metals. Where are the penalties when it comes to these crimes? Intentionally feeding people poison is a crime, isn't it? How many people here have been arrested for committing these and other environmental crimes? Instead, there's often a mere slap on the hand, at the most. It's like a kid dipping into the cookie jar: He knows it's bad and that others get mad when he does this and that even his own health is compromised. Yet, day after day, he will continue to engage in the unhealthy act if there are no consequences for his actions. Our government and many of our corporations are much like a child who knows better but simply doesn't care.

And so America goes on, admiring the environmental fortitude of other countries with a sense of sorrow-filled hope.

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://www.naturalnews.com

(2) http://www.reuters.com

(3) http://labs.naturalnews.com