Lately I have been struggling to keep my "green" theme going because frankly, there are so many other topics I would like to cover as well. Maybe I should start another blog or three but then I would have absolutely zero time to raise my beautiful twin boys (who are taking up all of my time anyway). So I think to myself, would my readers be upset if I inserted a couple of "off topic posts"? Would I be defeating the purpose of my original mission? Well...I don't care. I am breaking the rules. Screw it.
Lately, or rather in the past couple of years, I have noticed that many people are putting bumper stickers on the back of their SUV's and minivans. These are not your old fashioned political, racial, or my kid is an honor student bumper stickers. These are stickers denoting places that they've been to or wish they've been to (acronyms with 2 or 3 big letters), monograms and my personal favorite, stick figures of their entire family and their current professions. Now seriously people, what are you trying to prove with these lovely bumper stickers? Is it possible that you want everyone in the world to know where you vacation, your initials and how many members are in your family including pets like dogs and birds? TMI to the tenth degree.
We are living in a world where information is so readily available that we forget about protecting ourselves and our families. We believe that every one's intentions are good because ours are - right? WRONG. I don't need to know these things nor do I want to stare at it as I sit in traffic on the downtown connector.
Its so easy to look someone up online and find out their basic and even detailed personal information. It all depends on how much money you want to spend. A recent site like this scared me and I took the time to remove my listing from the site. Its www.spokeo.com. Check yourself on that site and see what you find out. Some of it is wrong but some of it is frighteningly accurate. We as individuals are losing our mystery. Its all out there for the taking and we are relishing in marketing it, on our cars, on Facebook and other social media sites. How many times will I have to read another status update about someone leaving for vacation and telling the world that they will be gone for 10 days? Great! Now all I need is your address and I am golden!
Come on! Lets not put ourselves in danger. Lets start using our brains. Take the stick figures and the monograms off the car. Especially the young college girls who are vulnerable to stalkers as it is. No need to advertise which car is yours, honey. Keep a low profile and you'll be safer.
Plus, I find myself annoyed when I see a sticker with three letters than I can't for the life of me figure out where its from. Help me save my brain from being overworked, people. OK? thanks.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Pesticide Free Fruits and Veggies?
We all know that conventionally grown fruits and veggies contain pesticides. These pesticides can be harmful and toxic to our bodies if consumed in large amounts overtime. They tend to accumulate in our bodies and can cause neurological damage. Some studies show a link to childhood ADHD and pesticides and who knows what other problems they can cause of ingested over time? Why take that chance?
I know it can take extra time and be kind of annoying to wash all your fruits and veggies every time you want to eat them but why not try this instead. Each time you bring home your fruits and veggies, wash them ALL immediately and then put them away so you don't have to do it every time individually. Maybe I am the only crazy one who was washing them individually and then this comment would be more like common sense to you but in case you were driving yourself nuts like I was, do this, it saves time in the long run.
So which produce item are the big culprits?
* Peaches
* Apples
* Bell peppers
* Celery
* Cherries
* Nectarines
* Strawberries
* Kale
* Lettuce
* Imported grapes
* Carrots
* Pears
These fruits and veggies have lots of nooks and crannies for the pesticides to get caught in, or they are just highly prone to infestation and therefore need a lot of pesticides. Strawberries are especially difficult to clean and my son loves them. So I really want to make sure they are pesticide free.
Is water really enough? Well, the water should be warm and you should really make sure the skin of the produce is scrubbed well. For the softer fruits and veggies, your hand scrubbing will do but for some of the more fibrous stuff a veggie brush is more effective. Once washed, you should dry it off really well too. Make sure any water droplets containing pesticide are completely removed. But water may not be enough and therefore adding some distilled white vinegar to water and making a solution may be the best answer. I bought something called "Fit" at my farmers market and it contains alcohol and grapefruit oil. I spray this on the fruit or veggie and then rinse with warm water and dry. Its seems like a time intensive process but what are the alternatives? I personally wouldn't take a chance with the health of my children.
We don't know the long term effects of a lot of these chemicals but we can see the effects they are having on wildlife that surrounds the farms they are used on. The runoff from the farms takes the pesticides into rivers and streams and pollutes the fish and wildlife. We are seeing neutered frogs and androgynous fish and a huge dead zones in some areas. Its truly sad but the price we pay in order to feed such a large population.
If you have the money and the resources, you can search out local organic farms and not have to worry about the pesticide problem so much. But even some organic produce contains pesticides. So I would wash EVERYTHING.
Here is another recipe that is safe and inexpensive, and made from ingredients you already have in your kitchen. It is a diluted form of hydrochloric acid to wash off pesticides:
1. Fill your kitchen sink with cold water.
2. Add four tablespoons of salt and the juice of half a fresh lemon.
3. Soak fruits and vegetables five to ten minutes (leafy greens two to three minutes and berries one to two minutes)
4. Rinse well after soaking and use.
What about soap and water? Cornell University studied that one for us. They did agree that “a detergent solution may remove more bacteria (and perhaps some pesticide residues, as well), they also caution that soap is not intended for this use. Once it gets onto some kinds of foods, it is more difficult to remove than it is from dishes and it can make people sick.” And don’t use bleach either, for the same reasons.
SO I know that a lot of this information may be redundant for some of you but reinforcement is always good. Over time we get complacent and these chemicals are not going away. As more and more farms are able to use the word "organic" the shadier our produce is getting. The lines are becoming blurred and we need to protect ourselves.
For any specific questions about fruits and vegetable washes, simply email me for more info.
I know it can take extra time and be kind of annoying to wash all your fruits and veggies every time you want to eat them but why not try this instead. Each time you bring home your fruits and veggies, wash them ALL immediately and then put them away so you don't have to do it every time individually. Maybe I am the only crazy one who was washing them individually and then this comment would be more like common sense to you but in case you were driving yourself nuts like I was, do this, it saves time in the long run.
So which produce item are the big culprits?
* Peaches
* Apples
* Bell peppers
* Celery
* Cherries
* Nectarines
* Strawberries
* Kale
* Lettuce
* Imported grapes
* Carrots
* Pears
These fruits and veggies have lots of nooks and crannies for the pesticides to get caught in, or they are just highly prone to infestation and therefore need a lot of pesticides. Strawberries are especially difficult to clean and my son loves them. So I really want to make sure they are pesticide free.
Is water really enough? Well, the water should be warm and you should really make sure the skin of the produce is scrubbed well. For the softer fruits and veggies, your hand scrubbing will do but for some of the more fibrous stuff a veggie brush is more effective. Once washed, you should dry it off really well too. Make sure any water droplets containing pesticide are completely removed. But water may not be enough and therefore adding some distilled white vinegar to water and making a solution may be the best answer. I bought something called "Fit" at my farmers market and it contains alcohol and grapefruit oil. I spray this on the fruit or veggie and then rinse with warm water and dry. Its seems like a time intensive process but what are the alternatives? I personally wouldn't take a chance with the health of my children.
We don't know the long term effects of a lot of these chemicals but we can see the effects they are having on wildlife that surrounds the farms they are used on. The runoff from the farms takes the pesticides into rivers and streams and pollutes the fish and wildlife. We are seeing neutered frogs and androgynous fish and a huge dead zones in some areas. Its truly sad but the price we pay in order to feed such a large population.
If you have the money and the resources, you can search out local organic farms and not have to worry about the pesticide problem so much. But even some organic produce contains pesticides. So I would wash EVERYTHING.
Here is another recipe that is safe and inexpensive, and made from ingredients you already have in your kitchen. It is a diluted form of hydrochloric acid to wash off pesticides:
1. Fill your kitchen sink with cold water.
2. Add four tablespoons of salt and the juice of half a fresh lemon.
3. Soak fruits and vegetables five to ten minutes (leafy greens two to three minutes and berries one to two minutes)
4. Rinse well after soaking and use.
What about soap and water? Cornell University studied that one for us. They did agree that “a detergent solution may remove more bacteria (and perhaps some pesticide residues, as well), they also caution that soap is not intended for this use. Once it gets onto some kinds of foods, it is more difficult to remove than it is from dishes and it can make people sick.” And don’t use bleach either, for the same reasons.
SO I know that a lot of this information may be redundant for some of you but reinforcement is always good. Over time we get complacent and these chemicals are not going away. As more and more farms are able to use the word "organic" the shadier our produce is getting. The lines are becoming blurred and we need to protect ourselves.
For any specific questions about fruits and vegetable washes, simply email me for more info.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Going Green in Style
When we think of how our choices and actions impact our planet and our bodies, we tend to think of our diets, the products and chemicals we use and of course, all that packaging!! So we try to get back to basics, get our food locally, organically grown. We use traditional plant based personal care products that biodegrade and don't build up toxins in our organs. Trade in our plastics for glass or paper and use pharmaceuticals sparingly, if at all.
These new behaviors are great for us and our environment but we are forgetting a major category of personal consumption. The clothes we wear! Have you ever thought about where your clothing comes from? I mean, where the fabric is grown, how it's manufactured, the people involved in the process and then how it gets to the store you purchase it from? All of these factors can contribute to the polluting of our environment and ourselves.
I recently stumbled upon an Eco-friendly clothing company sourced out of the Isle of Wight in the UK that is doing something incredible. They are making stylish, active clothing with very little carbon footprint. It sounds amazing and then when you really sit down to understand how they do it, you realize how much care has been put into their product in order to preserve our environment. The company is called Rapanui Clothing and the founders are visionaries. They realize that their "green model of production" is sustainable and can be replicated.
Here is why you can feel good about wearing anything that Rapanui makes:
They use only organic cotton that is farmed by hand
The cotton is transported to the factory via camels
They manufacture in a factory powered by wind
Every worker involved in farming or manufacturing their clothing is paid a fair wage
Finished materials are sent via truck back to London (using less fuel than air freight)
They experiment with earth friendly and sustainable materials such as hemp and bamboo
Even better is their Traceability Tool. This enables you too see exactly which stage of production your garment is in "from seed to shelf". Rapanui is putting the accountability back on the producer so that we the consumer can feel responsible for the effects we have on the environment. http://www.rapanuiclothing.com/eco/traceability-textiles.html Its a true win/win situation! (to shamelessly use a old worn-out corporate phrase)
Their style is active wear and focuses on t-shirts, pullovers, sweaters, scarves and socks. They offer a wide variety of styles for men and women. I can see myself working out in their shirts and feeling good about it!
More companies should start thinking like Rapanui clothing. It's time to turn our singular focus of profit making to a more holistic view that includes how well we are able to replace what is taken from the earth.
I highly suggest that you check out this progressive clothing company, read about their mission and how they accomplish it http://www.rapanuiclothing.com/eco/index.html and then go buy something. Before you know it, you will have a higher standard for what you put on your body!!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
We are Winning the Battle Against HFCS!!
New data just released today shows that production of HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) has decreased 11% since 2003. That is pretty significant when you think about the quantity that was being refined and processed by big companies such as Cargill. The impetus for this change seems to have come from the link between HFCS and obesity in our children. Although many scientists (paid by the big companies that produce the stuff) say there is no difference in the way the human body metabolizes HFCS or regular refined sugar. Heath advocates and proponents of the organic food movement disagree. In fact, in poor socioeconomic communities where the consumption of HFCS is a regular occurrence, diseases such as diabetes and childhood obesity run rampant. As time goes on these diseases are striking children at younger ages and their life expectancy is greatly impacted.
This news is a small triumph in a much larger war against processed food. But I will take what I can get. We now can see some mainstream brands in our mainstream stores HFCS free. Brands such as Hunt's and Snapple. Even Starbucks has vowed to eliminated all HFCS from its food and only uses natural ingredients. This makes me feel good but I do still have to go out of my way to get to the farmers market or make a trip to Trader Joes or Whole Foods for some of the ingredients I may need for a meal. It will be a perfect day when we can go to one or two places and feel good about all the products we purchased there. Feel good about the price the quality and the impact it has on our health.
I would like to see more brands joining the campaign to end the use of HFCS. It was only a short while ago that such a substance was considered un heard of. HFCS was only created in the 1950's and only became ubiquitous around the 70's and 80's when sugar tariffs for imported sugar were so high. Our parent's and grand parent's ate sugar. Maybe it was refined but at least it was real. We, on the other hand have been brought up on this corn based derivative and who knows what it has been doing to our bodies. The biggest culprits are the soft drink manufacturers (Coke and Pepsi). Cargill isn't worried about the loss of demand for HFCS because its happening in only a few segments of the food industry right now and its mostly regional. The biggest purchasers of the "stuff" are Coke and Pepsi and they are not planning to stop using it. In addition, places like Mexico are starting to use it more frequently. So any lost demand here in the states will be made up for in other countries. I am sure Cargill will push it to anyone or any country that is willing to purchase it.
So between the HFCS and the aspartame, sucralose or saccharine that is used in soda and diet soda, anyone who drinks it is at risk for health problems. Take your pick: obesity, diabetes or cancer?
On the other side of the battle are the sugar producers. They look at this as an opportunity but don't be fooled. Refined sugar is not healthy either. There are other options such as sugar in the raw, agave nectar and stevia. These are more natural and un refined. They are just as sweet , if not sweeter than refined sugar and do not increase blood sugar as rapidly or as short lived as your regular refined sugar or HFCS does.
I feel the momentum starting to build. Our food quality has been in the forefront of our culture and has been on our collective minds. Movies are being made (i.e. King Corn, Food Inc. ) books are being written (i.e. Omnivore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food) and we are seeing more organic/natural options offered at our regular food stores. In fact, the place where I take my boys on rainy days to jump and play serves only organic snacks and drinks. It makes me feel good to know that I don't have to bring my own. More venues for children should opt for healthy food choices. Lead by example and the mom's will follow.
Lets keep our eyes open and continue to fight the war on HFCS. Without the consumer demand there will be no need for supply. The market will work itself out eventually and we can help to stem the increase in diseases that are entirely preventable.
This news is a small triumph in a much larger war against processed food. But I will take what I can get. We now can see some mainstream brands in our mainstream stores HFCS free. Brands such as Hunt's and Snapple. Even Starbucks has vowed to eliminated all HFCS from its food and only uses natural ingredients. This makes me feel good but I do still have to go out of my way to get to the farmers market or make a trip to Trader Joes or Whole Foods for some of the ingredients I may need for a meal. It will be a perfect day when we can go to one or two places and feel good about all the products we purchased there. Feel good about the price the quality and the impact it has on our health.
I would like to see more brands joining the campaign to end the use of HFCS. It was only a short while ago that such a substance was considered un heard of. HFCS was only created in the 1950's and only became ubiquitous around the 70's and 80's when sugar tariffs for imported sugar were so high. Our parent's and grand parent's ate sugar. Maybe it was refined but at least it was real. We, on the other hand have been brought up on this corn based derivative and who knows what it has been doing to our bodies. The biggest culprits are the soft drink manufacturers (Coke and Pepsi). Cargill isn't worried about the loss of demand for HFCS because its happening in only a few segments of the food industry right now and its mostly regional. The biggest purchasers of the "stuff" are Coke and Pepsi and they are not planning to stop using it. In addition, places like Mexico are starting to use it more frequently. So any lost demand here in the states will be made up for in other countries. I am sure Cargill will push it to anyone or any country that is willing to purchase it.
So between the HFCS and the aspartame, sucralose or saccharine that is used in soda and diet soda, anyone who drinks it is at risk for health problems. Take your pick: obesity, diabetes or cancer?
On the other side of the battle are the sugar producers. They look at this as an opportunity but don't be fooled. Refined sugar is not healthy either. There are other options such as sugar in the raw, agave nectar and stevia. These are more natural and un refined. They are just as sweet , if not sweeter than refined sugar and do not increase blood sugar as rapidly or as short lived as your regular refined sugar or HFCS does.
I feel the momentum starting to build. Our food quality has been in the forefront of our culture and has been on our collective minds. Movies are being made (i.e. King Corn, Food Inc. ) books are being written (i.e. Omnivore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food) and we are seeing more organic/natural options offered at our regular food stores. In fact, the place where I take my boys on rainy days to jump and play serves only organic snacks and drinks. It makes me feel good to know that I don't have to bring my own. More venues for children should opt for healthy food choices. Lead by example and the mom's will follow.
Lets keep our eyes open and continue to fight the war on HFCS. Without the consumer demand there will be no need for supply. The market will work itself out eventually and we can help to stem the increase in diseases that are entirely preventable.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
I Just Discovered Diatomaceous Earth
It was during my regular wednesday trip to the farmers market to pick up my raw milk and free range eggs that I discovered something called Diatomaceous Earth. Its a white powdery substance that is apparently hard to come by but has amazing health benefits. I called my Dad to tell him what the farmer told me after he sold me 3 lbs of the stuff for $12. My Dad mentioned that he uses the same substance to clean the filters in his swimming pool. I found this very curious and did some research. Obviously the Diatomaceous Earth that I purchased is food grade and meant to be consumed. It actually does the same thing in the human body that its intended to do for a swimming pool filter.....clean it out!
If you look at the powdery white stuff through a microscope, it looks like rice chex cereal wrapped up in a cylinder. As it passes through your digestive tract, its extremely hard edges scrape the walls of your intestinal lining, getting up all the mucous, bad bacteria and heavy metals that have accumulated over time due to bad eating habits as well as just living normal lives. All of these toxins are removed when you pass them out the other end. I know, it sounds gross but its actually a wonderful thing. Its essentially a cleanse and many people take Diatomaceous Earth in combination with other cleanses.
The health benefits are many: lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, more energy, clearer skin, to name just a few. When I learned about this, I felt like the best candidate for it. I absolutely need more energy. I am constantly complaining about how tired I am running after twin boys. Its a lot of work but I should have more energy. I'm really not THAT old! My skin could use some cleansing and clearing so I hope I get to see those kinds of results. I bought a 3 lb barrel of the stuff today and already took my daily regimen of 1 tbls with some orange juice. You can't even taste the Diatomaceous Earth at all. It makes the juice a little chalky but that is because I didn't pour a big enough glass. It went down just fine and I hope to see results in a week or two.
Here is a link to some scientific info about Diatomaceous Earth and all the health benefits it provides:
http://www.earthworkshealth.com/How-Diatomaceous-Earth-Works.php
I will keep you all posted on my results and where you can purchase some for yourself!
If you look at the powdery white stuff through a microscope, it looks like rice chex cereal wrapped up in a cylinder. As it passes through your digestive tract, its extremely hard edges scrape the walls of your intestinal lining, getting up all the mucous, bad bacteria and heavy metals that have accumulated over time due to bad eating habits as well as just living normal lives. All of these toxins are removed when you pass them out the other end. I know, it sounds gross but its actually a wonderful thing. Its essentially a cleanse and many people take Diatomaceous Earth in combination with other cleanses.
The health benefits are many: lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, more energy, clearer skin, to name just a few. When I learned about this, I felt like the best candidate for it. I absolutely need more energy. I am constantly complaining about how tired I am running after twin boys. Its a lot of work but I should have more energy. I'm really not THAT old! My skin could use some cleansing and clearing so I hope I get to see those kinds of results. I bought a 3 lb barrel of the stuff today and already took my daily regimen of 1 tbls with some orange juice. You can't even taste the Diatomaceous Earth at all. It makes the juice a little chalky but that is because I didn't pour a big enough glass. It went down just fine and I hope to see results in a week or two.
Here is a link to some scientific info about Diatomaceous Earth and all the health benefits it provides:
http://www.earthworkshealth.com/How-Diatomaceous-Earth-Works.php
I will keep you all posted on my results and where you can purchase some for yourself!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
More Thoughts on the Gulf Oil Spill
The situation is pretty desperate right now in the Gulf. I have seen some captivating pictures that try to illustrate the devastating impact that the oil is having on marine and wildlife in the area. What hurts me the most is the oil that has infiltrated the Mississippi River Delta at the southernmost tip of Louisiana. This is essentially a patchwork of marshland and inlets. There is no clear line between the land and the sea. The oil is now weaving it way into the intricate pattern of waterways and will be next to impossible to clean up. I can't even imagine it. Birds lay dying and who knows what the impact will be on marine life underneath the layer of oil.
I have been reading posts on social networking sites that call for an all out boycott of BP. I think we all feel helpless right now and want the responsible parties to pay for this and suffer the consequences of destroying our delicate environment. But is a BP boycott going to actually have an impact on the big oil company - ironically the oil company that took on a marketing position of being CLEAN and GREEN!!! Well, from what I have read and researched, a boycott will likely only hurt the mom and pop owners of the gas stations that buy the oil from BP. In fact, in the state of GA there aren't any gas stations owned by BP at all. They are all owned independently by entrepreneurs. What needs to be done is to convince the owners of the gas stations to buy their gas from different suppliers. Essentially, they need to change their stations from BP to something else - preferably not Exxon - right? Another reason why boycotting is not the answer: if BP loses money they will be more hesitant to pay for cleanup (remember, legally they are only responsible for $75 million and they have already dished out over $700 million). If they refuse to pay for reasons of "lower profits" in future months then who will foot the bill? You guessed it, the taxpayers. There has got to be a better way.
Well, today is the big day as BP tried for the 6th or 7th time to try and stop the leak. They plan on shooting mud and cement into the pipe to try and reverse the pressure and thus stop the oil from pouring out. I hope and pray that this works but what about the millions of gallons that are out in the sea already? Where do we go from here?
It hard to tell if the oil will reach the white sandy tourist beaches of the Florida Panhandle but a comment from a friend of mine who recently visited one of those communities struck me. She said that normally you would see tons of boats out on the water on any given day but for the entire time she was out there with her family, there was not ONE boat to be found. It was an eerie sight to see. The fishing industry has been impacted already and will continue to be for decades some experts estimate.
So what can we really do to help in the clean up?
(taken from the mindful consumer blog)
I have been reading posts on social networking sites that call for an all out boycott of BP. I think we all feel helpless right now and want the responsible parties to pay for this and suffer the consequences of destroying our delicate environment. But is a BP boycott going to actually have an impact on the big oil company - ironically the oil company that took on a marketing position of being CLEAN and GREEN!!! Well, from what I have read and researched, a boycott will likely only hurt the mom and pop owners of the gas stations that buy the oil from BP. In fact, in the state of GA there aren't any gas stations owned by BP at all. They are all owned independently by entrepreneurs. What needs to be done is to convince the owners of the gas stations to buy their gas from different suppliers. Essentially, they need to change their stations from BP to something else - preferably not Exxon - right? Another reason why boycotting is not the answer: if BP loses money they will be more hesitant to pay for cleanup (remember, legally they are only responsible for $75 million and they have already dished out over $700 million). If they refuse to pay for reasons of "lower profits" in future months then who will foot the bill? You guessed it, the taxpayers. There has got to be a better way.
Well, today is the big day as BP tried for the 6th or 7th time to try and stop the leak. They plan on shooting mud and cement into the pipe to try and reverse the pressure and thus stop the oil from pouring out. I hope and pray that this works but what about the millions of gallons that are out in the sea already? Where do we go from here?
It hard to tell if the oil will reach the white sandy tourist beaches of the Florida Panhandle but a comment from a friend of mine who recently visited one of those communities struck me. She said that normally you would see tons of boats out on the water on any given day but for the entire time she was out there with her family, there was not ONE boat to be found. It was an eerie sight to see. The fishing industry has been impacted already and will continue to be for decades some experts estimate.
So what can we really do to help in the clean up?
(taken from the mindful consumer blog)
With a national tragedy like the BP oil spill we ask ourselves what we can do to help. Here are some organizations in need our time, money and supplies as they prepare to start repairing our injured gulf.
1. Matter of Trust
As a former dog groomer who saw bags of dog hair being thrown away everyday wondering if there was ANYTHING that could be done to use it, here it is. The folks at Matter of Trust take trimmed hair from salons, pet grooming shops, even individuals, stuff it in to used nylons and use it to soak up oil. Go to your local hair salon, grooming shop, farm, or anywhere you can think of and ask if they would donate to the program. They are also looking for used nylons, even with snags, so get in to your drawers and send them off. This is a perfect way to use discarded items to make a difference.
2. Suncoast Sea Bird Sanctuary
According to their website they are the largest non-profit wild bird hospital in the United States and admits up to 8,000 birds annually. As they prepare for the effects on the Florida coastline they are in need of linens, kennels, towels, sheets, dawn detergent, paper towels, bottled water and gatorade.You can also donate money directly to the website.
3. Audubon. Large societies like the Audubon are great resources to collect a high number of volunteers and funds in order to help the entire coastline. Their website notes that they are “currently marshalling volunteer resources, leading restoration for Louisiana coastal resources for the long term, and working for safer energy solutions”.
4.Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Here is a website that gives information for those who are pre-veterinary students, vet technicians, and anyone with hazardous material training that would be able to volunteer. The people who show up on scene need resources for lodging, food, and supplies so if you cannot donate your time you can donate money online.
Please do not attempt to clean up oil or handle wild animals without training and proper equipment. If you see an oiled animal call 1-866-557-1401. There are many different resources for you to help so do not risk doing it without support of one of these, or any other organizations.
More to come.....Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Some Thoughts on the Gulf Oil Spill
Right now we can not possibly imagine the long lasting effects of this devastating oil spill. I don't think anyone knows the extent to which our environment, wildlife species and regional economies will be effected by this but we can imagine. Take this for example, the oil slick is bigger than the size of Puerto Rico. Its headed towards the shore and should reach there within days.
It makes my stomach churn to know that this was a man made disaster. I realize it was an accident (although I never really do rule out conspiracy theories). Isn't it coincidental that this explosion happened within days of Obama's announcement that he would pursue more offshore drilling? Either way, whats done is done and now we must suffer the consequences. The carelessness with our planet is perpetual. Will we ever truly learn from our mistakes? When will we put our environment before our need for human necessity? Without a sustainable environment, there will be no use for oil because the human race will cease to exist. Does anyone get it? Right now its all short sightedness, quick profits, cheaper short term prices, etc. At what cost?
Well now there is no turning back. BP is asking the fisherman (who will all now be out of work) to help with cleanup efforts. The cleanup will be a very long term project probably costing in the billions. How much will BP have to pay? They have a liability cap of $75 million right now, will new legislation change that amount? Will BP do the right thing and pay for the entire cleanup regardless of how much it costs? Can the region actually be cleaned up properly? Or will the beaches and wildlife suffer indeterminably? These are all questions that will eventually be answered. In the meantime, here is a great blog that will keep you up to date on the latest developments. http://unearthed.earthjustice.org/
And now a poignant quote taken from Andrew Sullivan of the Atlantic Blog:
It makes my stomach churn to know that this was a man made disaster. I realize it was an accident (although I never really do rule out conspiracy theories). Isn't it coincidental that this explosion happened within days of Obama's announcement that he would pursue more offshore drilling? Either way, whats done is done and now we must suffer the consequences. The carelessness with our planet is perpetual. Will we ever truly learn from our mistakes? When will we put our environment before our need for human necessity? Without a sustainable environment, there will be no use for oil because the human race will cease to exist. Does anyone get it? Right now its all short sightedness, quick profits, cheaper short term prices, etc. At what cost?
Well now there is no turning back. BP is asking the fisherman (who will all now be out of work) to help with cleanup efforts. The cleanup will be a very long term project probably costing in the billions. How much will BP have to pay? They have a liability cap of $75 million right now, will new legislation change that amount? Will BP do the right thing and pay for the entire cleanup regardless of how much it costs? Can the region actually be cleaned up properly? Or will the beaches and wildlife suffer indeterminably? These are all questions that will eventually be answered. In the meantime, here is a great blog that will keep you up to date on the latest developments. http://unearthed.earthjustice.org/
And now a poignant quote taken from Andrew Sullivan of the Atlantic Blog:
These wounds, these temperatures, these destructive weather patterns are symptoms of a planet in distress. At some point, those of us who see our relationship to the natural world as something more than mere economics—as something sacred—need to face up to the fact that our civilization is not taking this sacredness seriously enough. When do we ask ourselves: by what right do humans believe we can despoil the earth for every other species with impunity? By what self-love have we granted ourselves not just dominion over the earth but wanton exploitation of its every treasure?
Is there no point at which we can say: this is enough?
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