Dos and don'ts of oil spill action: How you can really help
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill is a disaster that cries for action. Fight the urge to race to the Gulf and instead put your energy into these activities.
By Stephanie RogersMon, Jun 07 2010 at 8:14 PM EST
79
Leave trained crews to work on cleanup. Your energy may be better spent helping in other ways, including demonstrations. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) It seems like every hour there are new, devastating photos of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico — enough to make your blood boil. From suffocated birds unable to surface from beneath the oil-covered water to sea turtles washing up sticky and black, the reality of the situation is sinking in, and a lot of people want to help.
|
WorldShares lets you earn donations for your favorite nonprofit. Earn up to 20 points now.
Learn More |
Earn Points
What's this? |
"Access is difficult and complicated in the immediate spill area," says National Wildlife Federation (NWF) senior scientist Doug Inkley in an interview. "You never know where you are going to run into the oil. ... Don't simply go down there and say, 'here I am'”, he says.
So, what can you do?
DO: Report oil sightings. If you live in the Gulf area, you can still help responding organizations by reporting oiled shoreline at (866)448-5816. If you spot oiled wildlife, don't try to capture it yourself; call (866)557-1401.
DON'T: Send in your hair. Initially, there was a call for hair donations from San Francisco-based Matter of Trust to make absorbent mats for the cleanup effort, but boxes of hair are piling up around the nation, and it looks like the mats might not even get used.
DO: Donate funds. The National Wildlife Federation is seeking donations in any amount to help the group preserve the many species that are threatened by the spill. The Environmental Defense Fund also needs funds so its emergency response team can continue working.
DON'T: Boycott BP gas stations. While it may make you feel better to spend your money elsewhere, you're not hurting BP — you're hurting local station owners. BP isn't exactly stepping up to help its retailers weather the storm of public outcry, and many of these business owners are already squeaking by on extremely slim profit margins.
DO: Reduce your oil consumption. Oil is everywhere in our homes, including the places you'd least expect — cosmetics, paint and cleaning products. Cutting back may just be one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference. Check out Matt Hickman's comprehensive list of ways to cut back oil usage around the house.
DO: Spread awareness. Participate in demonstrations in your area, forward news stories to your contacts or simply discuss the spill on Twitter, Facebook and blogs. While it would be all too easy for most of the nation to put this disaster out of mind, Gulf residents will be living with this nightmare on a daily basis, and we can't let it happen.
DO: Push for legislative action. 2010 is an election year, but only a fraction of registered voters typically turn up for mid-term voting. Head to the polls and vote for local candidates who support environmental protection, including a new U.S. energy policy. You can also send a message to President Obama demanding a stop to offshore drilling through a form at the Sierra Club website.
Want up-to-the-minute updates on the response to the spill? DeepwaterHorizonResponse.com is packed with all the latest information including live footage and press briefings. You can even get alerts sent straight to your phone.
Also on MNN:
- Top 10 BP protests
- Contact information for major cleanup, rescue agencies in the Gulf
- How to help the oceans from home
- Rid your home of unneeded oil-based products
 WorldShares
lets you earn donations for your favorite nonprofit. Earn up to 20
points now.Learn More Earn Points
|
CLOSE
link:
link:
Comments
Betterways
06/29/2010 13:32 PM
That article has some useful info, but they aren't really things you can start today. Here's my list of things you really can start right now. Start on your way home.
http://findingbetterways.blogspot.com/2010/06/upset-about-spill-so-start...
mhardy
06/18/2010 23:31 PM
If you have a few bucks to spare, every little bit will count. A lot of people won't be able to work for a while down by the gulf, and families relying on the fishing industry for survival need all the help they can get. Lots of money will be needed to relieve environmental as well as economic devastation in that area, so send whatever you can.
Essiegee
06/16/2010 14:51 PM
Some small companies are donating profits to Gulf Wildlife. See Peacefulpirate.com for clever oil spill tee-shirts, the profits from which are going to the Earthshare Gulf Coast Restoration Fund.
Dan Tobin
06/13/2010 16:59 PM
I am sure that your nerves are shot from worrying about another eco-disaster, but I recommend that all readers take this opportunity to write, e-mail, phone and fax The White House and US Congress to get sanctions against the War Criminal "colonel" Muammar Gaddaffi of Libya, who has sent tens of thousands to bloody death over his 40 years in dictatorship, and was allowed into the United Nations last year, but was not taken into custody to answer for his crimes. This is also a great time to.... More
Christine
06/12/2010 10:28 AM
Who are these people t MNN? Here is a little background on one of their board members. Sold Georgia Pacific for many millions. What current buswiness interests does he have? http://www.atlantaeq.com/history-firm
Therefore not sure about MNN's motives in opposing BP Boycott. While I sympathize with anyone whose livelihood has been destroyed by this disaster...let the station owners file for compensation from BP like the other victims of their greed! I sincerely doubt this will be
hdlugozima_2
06/12/2010 11:28 AM
Hi Christine, good to hear from you.
Like most content and news sites, we're supported by advertising that's sold on the site. From the Times to the Guardian, it is what is. But - like them - we''re a team of serious journalists who aren't influenced by ads on the site and we've been aggressively covering the oil spill....from our article "top 10 boycotts against BP" (.... More
ED
06/11/2010 12:31 PM
They're working for the oil companies.
Don't donate to them, expose them.
Look what they have done with the Climate Bill.
.... More
Buzz
06/11/2010 12:27 PM
EDF is not what it appears to be, having crafted the corporate give aways in the Climate bill.
http://itsgettinghotinhere.org/2010/06/04/lone-climate-activist-begins-v...
Gary Houser of Climate SOS is now seeking
LawrP
06/11/2010 09:47 AM
If this disaster doesn't get the message out about fossil fuels, nothing could -- as hard as the corporate media is dithering to hide it.
We need programs in every college or tech school to spread the conversion of gasoline cars to electric. Mass produce the best solar and wind available, and put the factories on the Gulf coast to provide jobs.
Dang, back in 1970 I saw my first off-the-grid house. Forty years later, we've got this disaster?
"If not now, when?" (I'd say.... More
anonymouseketeer
06/11/2010 00:12 AM
For the sake of argument, let's assume that you are right and boycotting BP is the bestest idea ever. And the campain to boycott BP is so wildly successful that BP declares bankruptcy and goes under. That scenario is entirely possible given how quickly their stock is falling. There's already rumblings about them having financial problems because of all of this. So if BP goes out of business, what then? Who is going to pay for the clean-up of the worst ecological disaster in human.... More
Julie
06/14/2010 14:46 PM
This is a good example of why the plan in the news today about stopping the payout of $10 billion in dividends and requiring BP to put $20 billion in escrow is a good idea. Boycott or no boycott, they should pay to fix the problem before paying out dividends & bonuses, & crying poor. They have huge assets, and no reason why they can't pay to fix this problem & contribute to ensuring we reduce our dependence on dirty energy, and this never happens again.
Reality
06/10/2010 23:25 PM
I am not suggesting of any time of illegal activity in this next statement, but don't boycott BP stations, let's burn'em down. Sounds like a plan, if only we could legally do that.
Pandora's Pantry
06/14/2010 08:08 AM
this comment, just like human nature prompted your making it. i think it's been said numerous times outrage is useless in this arena, sans, action. However, this suggestion doesn't work since it will only cost you more money in the long run. Burn it down? your insurance goes UP!
Reality
06/10/2010 23:25 PM
I am not suggesting of any time of illegal activity in this next statement, but don't boycott BP stations, let's burn'em down. Sounds like a plan, if only we could legally do that.
Bill
06/10/2010 12:29 PM
Bp should be held accountable. the same as anyone of us would be.. The government should mandate .that B P stop all production. and put all there resorces into cleaning up there mess. when the mess is gone. they can start producing again.
anonymouseketeer
06/11/2010 00:06 AM
if in your scenario BP stops production, who is going to pick up the slack? Globally, oil consumption is around 85 million barrels per day. However, global oil production is only around 60 million barrels per day and at this point even the Middle East struggles to maintain their production levels. So where are you magically going to pull that extra oil from?
frances
06/10/2010 12:08 PM
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE GULF OIL DISASTER
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=120875241281698&ref=ts
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Todd
06/09/2010 19:24 PM
The phone numbers to report oil on beaches or oiled wildlife mentioned in this article CONNECT YOU TO BP! The tip saying "DON'T BOYCOTT BP": Of COURSE they don't want their gas stations boycotted. DO IT ANYWAY. Screw this article.
MNN Moderator
06/09/2010 20:14 PM
Hi Todd, it's the MNN Moderator. We were surprised to find that these phone lines are funded by BP but it is what it is. They're responsible for the clean-up and that means manning & establishing all of these phone lines as well. For what it's worth, we spoke with a couple of the folks who answer these numbers and they seemed knowledgable & concerned about the Spill and did take our information on where affected animals had been found. They evidently then pass this information to the.... More
Whatdidtheysay?
06/09/2010 15:27 PM
Don't be stupid. If you buy from their distributors, locally owned or not, BP still profits. The ONLY thing companies understand is pain in the pocketbook. Look at it this way, eventually the gov will be forced into cleaning up their mess, just like all the other companies that sh$% on us. And so WE end up subsidizing the profits they make and suffer the damage they cause. Take your business elsewhere and help make an example of BP.
Guest
06/11/2010 16:23 PM
BP stations don't buy their gas from just BP distributors: http://www.snopes.com/politics/gasoline/gasout.asp
Pandora's Pantry
06/09/2010 10:21 AM
I had to re post Brians response...just in case it got buried. He's got it VERY right!
"All this self-indulgent, indignant anger rings hollow and misplaced. The truth is that we are all responsible for this leak, each and every one of us. We know our dependency on oil is wrecking the environment, hurting our political process, and undermining our foreign policy and security, but we keep suckling at the teat. So, sure, go boycott your local BP owning schmuck, and then drive your.... More
Nobby
06/09/2010 10:30 AM
Brian has it completely right. And let's face it, its much easier for Americans to hate oil companies than make any changes in their lifestyles.
RitaB
06/09/2010 09:13 AM
Until the local BP stations become more competitive with their gas prices, I'll stay away. They are, on average, 15 cents higher per gallon. That, coupled with my disgust with BP in general, will make me stay away. If the local owners want more business, give consumers an incentive NOT to drive 2 miles to cheaper stations.
Bob
06/09/2010 08:29 AM
I don't think that BP gives a damn about whether or not I buy gas at their stations. On the other hand, BP may care when their distributors pressure them or go out of business. I don't want a penny of my money to go to BP - I'd rather buy Citgo and have my money go to Venezuela.
BCL1
06/09/2010 07:56 AM
We should have put a big tax on oil 20 years ago and used the money to develop nuclear/hydrogen alternatives. Unfortunately conservatives don't like taxes and liberals don't like nuclear power. It is this type of short sighted thinking that leads to disasters like the gulf.
Robert M
06/09/2010 19:50 PM
If we'd just implement a very small tax, say $0.01, on every blog and facebook post/comment on the internet we could have paid for our trip to Mars, or done something really challenging, such as curing liberalism...
Alan
06/09/2010 00:21 AM
BP is the prime offender these days and yes, they're to blame. They need to restore or pay for the restoration of everything their gusher impacts. That includes businesses, ecosystems, animals and entire ways of life for people. However, we all share in the blame. Our lust for petroleum destroys Earth's natural life... in terrible ways. And an accident such as BP's recent one is simply inevitable. If we continue to rely on oil, such things will happen again and again until we've exhausted it..... More
Todd
Today 23:59 PM
You may ask yourself, how can I possibly boycott petroleum? Well, that only shows how addicted you are to it. Petroleum is not an actual need. We need to slow, then stop our dependence on this toxic substance, it's an addiction. But it is much more like slavery! There's a great facebook group called, "Boycott Petroleum" with some very good content, even solutions..
Todd
Today 23:54 PM
You may ask yourself, how can I possibly boycott petroleum? Well, that only shows how addicted you are to it. Petroleum is not an actual need. We need to slow, then stop our dependence on this toxic substance, it's an addiction. But it is more like slavery!
.... More
bullshiat
Today 23:25 PM
it does hurt the BP station owner but he only collects about 15 cents per gallon. The rest goes to the suppliers (most to BP). the gas station owner should change to another supplier. 7 eleven changed from CITGO because it is owned by Venezuela and dumba** chavez
Aargh
06/10/2010 15:43 PM
It's a shame that there has had to be congressional level discussions in regards to the BP dividend checks being issued. Until they have paid for the cost of the clean up, they should not be paying dividends out. Dividends are profit, a company pumping oil onto the beaches should not be showing a profit.
Teranyll
Today 23:24 PM
Perhaps I'm an elitist but I can't bring myself to advance anything that's destroying us as a race. Since this spill I refuse to drive and buy anything that's hurting us... I'm in a unique position, though. No kids or anything. I'll do what I can, though. I'll bike everywhere, f*ck it. :)
Guest
06/09/2010 10:11 AM
I hope your bike does not contain any plastic(made from oil) rubber (made from oil) lubrication on the gear and bearings(oil), paint(solvents made from oil)........Living without oil is more then just not using gas.
anonymouseketeer
06/10/2010 00:23 AM
Also, you'll have to go naked since clothing is produced with the help of oil. No cosmetics either!
Heck, I'd be hard pressed to find something that DOESNT depend on a steady supply of cheap oil.
ap
Today 22:50 PM
Winning Presidential race, protesting copyright laws, stopping oil spills.....Is there anything Facebook can't do?
Sarah
Today 22:42 PM
We have no one but ourselves to blame - me included. We live a fossil-fuel based lifestyle. BP, like all oil companies, simply supply our demand, We pay no heed until something happens - and it invariably will. Rather than ***** about whose fault it is, you should look to yourselves and decide whether or not you'd rather eat your subsidized farm foods, driving your gas-hog of a car/truck/SUV/minivan, and heat and/or cool your McMansion OR take some action, make some changes, and involve.... More
Emmy
06/09/2010 01:08 AM
It is nice to say that we will stop using our cars and changing how we heat our homes, but you would have to lose a lot more to rid your life of the need of oil.
They are used to make plastics (from spoons to Sterilite drawers...), paints, inks, asphalt... the list is huge.
Graham
Today 20:57 PM
Remember Exxon Valdez? BP isn't alone here. They all have disasters from time to time. Boycotting one means you just shop at the other. Reduce your consumption and encourage your kids to be scientists and engineers who can figure out how to get us off oil usage so we can stop ALL drilling.
Sumyoungguy
Today 20:47 PM
Unless its owned by an american!
chris
Today 20:38 PM
Let these gas stations sue bp too.
jojo
Today 20:27 PM
Do stay angry. Do look for vengence. DO BOYCOTT BP.! These owners want to profit from BP? They deserve whatever Hell comes their way.
Jason
Today 22:46 PM
Yeah, that's right, the guy who opened a business selling gas and convenience items to feed his family is definitely at fault here. Be sure to bring your burning torches and Frankenstein rakes with you when you bring the angry mob to the doorstep of people that have nothing to do with the spill in the gulf.
Urinal Gum
Today 20:19 PM
Since there is absolutely nothing I can do, I'm going to waste oil. I'm going to pollute the environment. I am going to only buy gas at BP. I am going to kick puppies to death. And, I am going to vote Republican.
If the solution is too hard, then become part of the problem. It's the American way!
Brian
Today 20:11 PM
All this self-indulgent, indignant anger rings hollow and misplaced. The truth is that we are all responsible for this leak, each and every one of us. We know our dependency on oil is wrecking the environment, hurting our political process, and undermining our foreign policy and security, but we keep suckling at the teat. So, sure, go boycott your local BP owning schmuck, and then drive your gasoline-powered car back to your oil-heated house, put your feet up on your lacquered coffee table,.... More
Matt
Today 20:00 PM
I've already been boycotting BP since their pipeline burst in Alaska a few years back. Guess what? That was due to negligence too.
