"Because of man's misconduct and immoral behaviour, there is pollution everywhere - in air, water, land, and food. All the five elements have been severely contaminated, consequent to man's
unbecoming behaviour. If man behaves properly, is pollution of the elements conceivable? It is all due to the extensive prevalence of immoral feelings and improper behaviour. The sharp decline of virtues like love, compassion, and forbearance is directly responsible for the widespread pollution that one sees today. In fact, one might even say that the five elements are afraid of man! The five elements as God created them are all pure and sacred. There is nothing wrong with them whatsoever. It is man's misconduct that has caused them all to become polluted. Impurity within gets reflected as pollution without."
- Sri Sathya Sai Baba (SS 2000.2)