On April 20, 2010, BP's Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig exploded off the coast of Louisiana, killing eleven workers and causing one of the most serious oil spills in US history. It is estimated that the environmental damage caused by the leak will take years, or even decades, to clean up.
As we all watch footage of the devastation of the Gulf region on television, many people wonder how they can help with the ongoing cleanup efforts. In fact, there are many steps that we can all take to help restore the Gulf to environmental health.
Donate Money
Cleanup efforts cost money, so one of the easiest way to assist in oil spill cleanup is to donate money. While oil giant BP - the company whose rig exploded and caused the crisis - has pledged to pay for immediate cleanup efforts, the Gulf ecosystem will suffer for years to come without the help of non-profit groups.
Founded in 1970, the National Resources Defense Council is one of the most effective environmental groups in the United States, and is providing emergency grants to non-profit groups who are working to save wildlife in the Gulf. You can donate at Nrdconline.org.
The National Wildlife Federation is working to rescue animals poisoned by the oil, and to restore the Gulf ecosystem to balance. You can donate to this cause at Online.nwf.org. If you use a mobile phone with a texting plan, you can also text "WILDLIFE" to 20222 to donate $10 automatically.
Want to have a more concrete idea of how your money is making a difference? You can adopt a bird for the International Bird Rescue Research Center (Ibrrc.org).
Donate Supplies
Many Gulf-area organizations need supplies to help with cleanup and recovery efforts in the Gulf. If you'd prefer to donate supplies instead of money, Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is looking for donations of kennels, towels, gas gift cards, paper towels, and bottled water to assist their avian hospital in treating and rehabilitating wildlife that has been affected by the oil spill. For more information, check out their website at Seabirdsanctuary.com. SOS Florida is also accepting donations from people in the area.
Matter of Trust is collecting hair and other natural fibers for making booms and mats to soak up the oil. Salon owners, alpaca/wool farmers, pet groomers, or "hairy individuals" can find instructions for donating at Matteroftrust.org.
To magnify your impact, start a supply drive or donation drive at your school, workplace, or church.
Volunteer
Deepwater Horizon Response is looking for volunteers to assist in oil containment and cleanup. To volunteer, call the hotline at 1-866-448-5816, or check out Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com for state-specific opportunities.
Also, if you live near the Gulf and see oil on the surface, you can report it by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's oil spill hotline at 1-866-448-5816. If you want to report oiled wildlife, call 1-866-557-1401 and leave a message; the message will be received within the hour. If you have a smartphone, you can download an app that will track your exact location when you report an oil sighting. Apps are currently available for iPhone users and Android users.
If you have an idea for a technological solution to help stop or alleviate the spill, contact the EPA at Epa.gov.
Prevent the Next Spill
Educate yourself! Learn about the Gulf Disaster.
Write to your House represenative or Senator and urge them to adopt environmental legislation that prevents oil spills and preserves wildlife.
Try to lessen your dependence on oil. It's hard to do, because oil is a big part of our daily lives, but with some effort, you can use less than before. Use public transportation or walk instead of driving; take the train instead of flying; avoid using disposable plastic items.
If we work together, we can all help to prevent future disasters like the Gulf oil spill from occurring in the first place!
Sources:
"Obama, in Gulf, pledges to push on stopping leak." USA Today, Usatoday.com 28 May 2010. Accessed 8 June 2010.
Welch, William M. and Chris Joyner. "Memorial service honors 11 dead oil rig workers." USA Today, 25 May 2010. Accessed 8 June 2010.
"About NRDC." National Resources Defense Council, 2010. Accessed 8 June 2010.
"How You Can Help Wildlife Impacted by the BP Oil Spill." National Wildlife Federation, 2010. Accessed 8 June 2010.
"Donate by Text Message to Save Wildlife Impacted by the Oil Spill." National Wildlife Federation, 2010. Accessed 8 June 2010.
"The Gulf Coast Oil Spill: How To Help." Take Part, May 2010, updated 25 May 2010. Accessed 8 June 2010.
"Our Natural Surplus Programs." Matter of Trust, 2010. Accessed 8 June 2010.
Park, Will."Gulf Oil Spill apps let you track and report on BP Deepwater Horizon disaster." IntoMobile, 1 June 2010. Accessed 8 June 2010.
"What You Can Do." Environmental Protection Agency, 2010. Accessed 8 June 2010.
Have an idea about how to help the Gulf coast? Share it in the comments below!
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