CLEARFIELD – We’ve all heard about the devastation taking place in the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s been over a month since the British Petroleum (BP) Deep Horizon Rig exploded, killing 11 men and has since then continued to release oil into the already fragile ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico.
According to Melinda Hughes-Wert, president of Nature Abounds, a national non-profit organization based in Clearfield, “The nightmare has begun and the Gulf region will feel the effects of the carelessness for decades. It’s not just going to affect the Gulf, but all of the United States. We are witnessing one of the biggest environmental disasters in United States history. Residents along the coast are seeing their livelihoods slip away, and the innocent wildlife are losing pristine habitat and their lives taken from them. However, if we all work together, we can make a difference, keeping future catastrophes like this from happening.”
Here are a few things that you can do to help, even if you’re in Pennsylvania;
- First and foremost, WATCH WHAT YOU BUY. There are so many products that have petroleum in them this can be challenging, but until we do so, our country will continue to be addicted to oil. Most plastic has oil in it from plastic bottles to plastics used in appliances, electronics, etc…. Look for alternative options for these products whenever possible.
- Second, LET YOUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS KNOW YOUR FEELINGS about oil and other natural resource extraction, and that if they’re going to allow it, then it must be done responsibly and with proper oversight. You can do this by making a call or writing a letter. You can also make a difference by writing to your local newspaper.
- DONATE MONEY. If you choose to donate money to a larger non-profit thinking that they’re working on the ground in the Gulf, unfortunately this is not often the case and the money actually goes to their general fund. If you prefer, you can send donations to Nature Abounds (online at www.natureabounds.org or mail to PO Box 241, Clearfield PA 16830). The donations will then be funneled to groups that we know are truly working on the ground such as Save Our Seabirds or the Audubon National Zoo and Aquarium in New Orleans.
- DONATE SUPPLIES. Some groups working on the ground are looking for supplies. For example, Matter of Trust is asking for nylons as well as hair and fur clippings to use in hair booms to soak up oil. Save Our Seabirds are requesting a variety of supplies from ink cartridges to crayons to gift cards.
Hughes-Wert added, “No matter how far away you are, you can still make a difference!”