The Gulf Oil Spill, What Can You Do?

I’m literally sick to my stomach. Each time the media flashes video feed of the gushing oil from the floor of the Gulf of Mexico it makes me sick to my stomach. Nothing personal, but I hope it does you too. BP and Transocean, the company that operated the Deepwater Horizon oil platform has finally managed to show all the world just how dangerous and risky the practice of off-shore oil drilling/oil harvesting can be.

"What has occurred in the Gulf of Mexico is precisely what we have always warned of," criticized geologist Klaus Bitzer at the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas. "They interfered with things that are better left alone."

If oil companies continue to drill in deeper and deeper waters, predicts the professor at Bayreuth University in southern Germany, we can expect disasters like this one off the coast of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida to become more frequent. At the moment it's unclear to what degree BP is at fault in the disaster, Bitzer says, "but there is one accusation we must make of the industry now: a staunch refusal to acknowledge reality in evaluating future possibilities in oil production."

As I’ve stated in other blogs, and as many of you who know me personally, I have worked in heavy industry for many years. One thing I have noticed as a recurring and increasing pattern: Companies wave the flags of safety and environmental responsibility proudly while all the while deny that the reality is, in fact, profits before safety or the environment. I suspect when the cleanup is finished and the investigation is complete (if the whole truth would be revealed), I’m relatively certain this is a matter of placing profits before safety and the environment. The Deepwater Horizon cleanup is yet to be seen – recall how Exxon walked away from their responsibility following the Valdez leak…to this day, Alaska’s Valdez cleanup remains incomplete.

Regulations require hazardous industries to conduct periodic Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) whereby they brainstorm worst-case scenarios and develop procedures to address those conditions. They also typically have in place “fail-safe” valving that causes critical valves to automatically “fail” in the safest position (open or closed) to prevent catastrophic circumstances from further developing should otherwise uncontrollable conditions evolve. One would think a hazardous condition analysis of a deepwater drilling rig would reasonably and responsibly include a breach in the piping’s integrity and allow for fail-safe valving at the ocean floor (if not several valves in its 5000’ vertical depth). In addition, one might think it reasonable that those valves be “exercised” on a regular basis to ensure their successful and reliable working condition.

I don’t know what the U.S. has in place regarding regulatory jurisdiction for “off shore” oil drilling. Moreover, I don’t have working knowledge of oil platform process hazard analysis. However, it is obvious something is terribly askew.

We can all point fingers. It’s easy. There is plenty of blame to pass around. From governments that allow deep sea drilling without adequate regulation and enforcement, to big oil companies, to the contracted drilling operator, etc, etc, etc. And we mustn't omit ourselves...our unquenchable thirst for consumables made from petroleum contribute by placing pressure on oil companies to meet the demand. There are plenty of responsible parties to take part in the blame game. But pointing fingers does not effect needed change. So, as the Earthawear tagline asks: What can you do? I submit a first-step start is to contact your elected officials and voice your concerns regarding off shore drilling. If you see this as an unnecessary and risky practice, ask your Senators and Congressional Representatives to sponsor legislation that either require tighter regulation and enforcement or stopping the practice altogether. Second, you might send your pet’s hair to the several organizations collecting the hair to make absorbent “pigs” (although the latest news shows BP is not utilizing this method yet). Third, you might send a financial donation to any of the private organizations working to either clean up the spill and/or lobby Congress for change. Additionally, volunteer your time for any of the above mentioned avenues. And finally, consider your own habits as a consumer and how petroleum products so easily enter your daily life without a thought. The Earthawear website has lots of information and links to help in these matters.

Some links:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

http://www.house.gov/

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1jkFHs/www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/infographic-gulf-oil-spill-by-the-numbers/r:f

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1jkFHs/www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/infographic-gulf-oil-spill-by-the-numbers/r:f

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/24/meetup-everywhere-work-to_n_585007.html

I’m sure there is much more I’m missing in this short blog. Bottom line: look for a positive action in which to engage and bring about change. Do something; Change history; Make a difference; Leave our sustainable world community better than you found it.

Until next time. Peace.
Steve

Recycle the contents AND the refrigerator

I recently cleaned out a good friend’s refrigerator. He’s been away for a couple of months in another state, and as luck would have it, his 20 year-old fridge decided it was time to quit working. The process was a mental reminder of just how many items American consumers purchase in recyclable containers. Here’s a quick list:

• Mayonnaise, mustard, catsup in plastic containers
• Soy sauce in glass
• Pickles in glass
• Soft drinks, milk, and water in plastic
• Butter and margarine in plastic
• Salad dressings in plastic
• Salsa in glass

I’m sure you’ll agree with this fast assessment. However, the question becomes one of disposal. How often do we habitually simply toss these containers when they’re empty? Or, do we consider the better solution in recycling?

The next step with this old refrigerator was to question what to do with the machine itself. My friend will be home to replace his unit and he’s bought a replacement from a reputable retailer – one I feel confident will follow proper disposal regulations.

But keep in mind, almost all of the materials in your refrigerator or freezer can be recycled. This includes the metal cabinet, plastic liner, glass shelves, the refrigerant and oil in the compressor, and the blowing agent contained in polyurethane foam insulation.

NOTE: Do not attempt to remove refrigerant or compressors yourself. Improperly handled refrigerant may result in physical harm. Only properly trained individuals using EPA-approved refrigerant recovery equipment should attempt to remove refrigerant from appliances.

Here’s a handy link that provides an overview – entitled “The Safe Disposal of Refrigerated Household Appliances.”

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/608/disposal/household.html

Hopefully, this will raise our awareness the next time we empty out our refrigerator contents and/or our old unit “gives up the ghost.”

Until next time. Peace.
Steve

ban on plastic bags in the wind

There’s a growing push worldwide to ban plastic shopping bags. From Australia to the U.K., and all across the U.S., politicians and corporations are pondering banning or taxing plastic bags. Ireland started placing a surcharge on plastic bag use in 2003 which has encouraged a shift from plastic to reusable cloth totes. The use of plastic bags in Ireland dropped more than 90 percent following imposition of the tax, and the government has raised millions of dollars for recycling programs.
Similar legislation has been introduced in Scotland and is being discussed for the rest of the United Kingdom.

In March 2007, San Francisco became the first (and is still the only) major U.S. city to implement an across-the-board ban on plastic bags. Large supermarkets and pharmacies there had to ditch plastic shopping bags by early 2008 in favor of paper bags or those made from all-natural biodegradable cornstarch-based plastic. Environmentalists are particularly fond of the latter option for those who don’t bring their own grocery bags, as these cornstarch bags offer the biodegradability of paper without the deforestation as well as the convenience of plastic without the damage to ecosystems. San Francisco officials had originally tried to work with retailers on reducing plastic bag use voluntarily. But after a few years of little or no cooperation, they decided to just institute the ban on anything but biodegradable bags. The result has been a 50 percent drop in plastic bag litter on the streets since the ban took effect. (source: nhpr.org)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVPEobrkpI4

Bottom line: Plastic bags are made from oil, using fossil fuels in their production. Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. The average person’s plastic bag legacy will be 4.175 million years! Plastic bags don't biodegrade, they photodegrade - breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food web when animals accidentally ingest them. Plastic bags are among the 12 items of debris most often found in coastal cleanups, according to the nonprofit Center for Marine Conservation.

Do you really need them? Please consider reusable totes or some other suitable carrier as an alternative shopping habit to develop.

Until next time. Peace.
Steve

going forward

Earth HOUR...Earth DAY...Earth_____

Everywhere you look these days, it seems we are reminded about our need to be "green" aware. And, few can argue the awareness is taking hold in our subconscious. Our politicians are talking about climate change legislation – certainly needful. But legislation, as needful as it is, is a slow process that can have dramatic effects on entire industries (both positive and negative) and the thousands of humans that rely on those industries to feed, clothe, house, and educate their households. Until then, what, going forward, can we as individuals do with this new-found “green” awareness?

If you’ve looked at Earthawear’s website, you’ve found >100 defined tips on what we each may choose to adopt in our little corner of life. Can we do all of them?...it’s doubtful in our fast-paced modern world. It is, however, encouraging to find the occasional person who has adopted most of them…it’s cool to actually meet someone who is living off the grid… but it’s rare. How many do you know?

But awareness is the first step to a change in behavior. So, if you haven’t visited the Earthawear site, I encourage you to stop by. Click on our “what can you do?” button and see what choices you might be able to fit into your life. Going forward, start with something simple and add something new as you find your awareness level changing towards a more eco-friendly and sustainable community attitude.

At Earthawear, we believe a little awareness might just catch on and actually make a difference. If you agree, we ask you to pick out a shirt that speaks about it and wear the message so others might join in.

Peace.
Steve

earthday 2010

April 22nd...Earthday 2010. Earthawear is not about rules and legalizm...we hope everyone can grasp the idea that together, as a worldwide community, we can all do a little something extra - perhaps something we haven't even considered before. We believe a little awareness might just catch on and actually make a difference.

We've provided lots of ideas that you may, or may not, have considered at

http://earthawear.com/shop/what_can_you_do.php

And...if you agree we all need a little additional awareness...won't you consider investing $15 to wear the message? We'd be happy to ship it to you free in the lower U.S. 48.

http://earthawear.com/shop/index.php?cPath=1_21

As always, thanks for being a part of taking care of the people and the planet.
Steve

UBB miners

Well, the worst case scenario played out in the search for the remaining 4 miners in the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. 29 miners have lost their lives. 31 families have been affected with the one remaining miner in ICU and one having been released from the hospital. It's sad.

Many who know me well, know I've worked in heavy industry/manufacturing most of my adult life. I have seen first-hand how big companies treat employees, wave the banner of "safety first" and yet bow to corporate greed and profit. I can't speak personally to the conditions and state of safety in the UBB mine. I can only imagine based on the numerous citations issued and the end-result explosion.

Earthawear is supportive of "sustainable community." In doing so, how does that play into the UBB tragedy? Our Definition:

“Social, economic, and environmental behaviors which endeavor to permanently preserve and maintain our global community. Policies and procedures which honor human being’s rights to a safe workplace and livable wage. Sustainability at its best, considers all available resources be utilized in a manner of cooperation, conservation, and balance whereby we meet current needs without compromising future generation’s ability to meet theirs.”

It appears we have policies and procedures…the problem is the interpretation, implementation, and honorable application (i.e., the moral obligation) so that human safety truly comes before corporate profits.

I grieve for the loss of our miners and their families. I grieve for the many hard working Americans who wear a hard hat and have suffered tragic losses at the hands of “the man” and his decision to place profit over the person. I grieve for the many people around the world working in sweat shops and forced labor…I hope it changes soon. I’m sure you do too. Together, we can make a difference.
Steve

hate groups in the name of church

You might wonder what an "environmental" company is doing addressing a topic such as this...the truth is, Earthawear is as much about community sustainability as it is environmental awareness. In actuality, I'm not sure you can separate the two entirely - more on that in a future blog.

Today, apparently the Westboro Baptist Church group is staging a rally in Charleston, WV. This group is well known for its "gay hating" rhetoric and bashing of America because of Her tolerant stance on many "immoral" issues. IMO, whether America is being judged by the Almighty is not the short-term question at hand. Rather, what, if any, attention should be given to a group that waves the banner of “church” and yet shouts hate with the sound of a loud clanging symbol? Their behavior is clearly attention seeking and perhaps dollar-driven as well.

Such poor timing in that WV is suffering from the Montcoal mining disaster. We need healing and hugs, not criticism and hate.

Thank goodness more level-headedness prevails. In the end, true love will prevail and God will Himself judge the truth. Our responsibility is the love part. And that, will help the community of man.