"We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the
sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence
we came."- John F. Kennedy
"There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is
the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the
interior of the soul.
"
-Victor Hugo
Today my boys and I went with friends out into the great Pacific. It was a gorgeous, shining day that reminded me again how fortunate we are to live here in California.
But, at the same time, I could not turn my thoughts away from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which are spilling over with BP's oil. It is reported to have eclipsed the Exxon Valdez as the largest oil spill in U.S. history.
I know many of you are as heartbroken and angry as I am over this tragedy. I have been praying for the sea, for all the life that dwells within it, and for all the wonderful people who live along the coastline. But, I am tired of sitting on my hands. I want to do something! So I thought I would post some links to different ways to help. They may seem small, but each person's efforts CAN help.
HOW TO HELP
While those responsible for this well blow out are covering
the cost of the Gulf of Mexico clean-up, you can support the
ongoing work of the non-profit organizations currently on the ground
preparing to respond to oiled wildlife. You can support International Bird Rescue's ongoing
rescue work by donating,
becoming a member or
adopting a bird.
The National Audubon Society is recruiting volunteers
in the fight to save "ecologically sensitive areas." Visit their website
to fill out a volunteer registration form.
The National Wildlife Federation, in partnership with its colleagues in the Gulf states,
is recruiting volunteers for an "extensive
volunteer wildlife surveillance network."
The next link will take you to the EPA's site for ways to help and more information to post at your blog or how to follow updates on Twitter and Facebook:
http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/whatyoucando.html
Most everyone has hair (if not on their head then on their pet)...Matter of Trust,
a non-profit organization is inviting salons, pet groomers and the
abundantly coiffed to send leftover hair trimmings for use in highly
absorbent hair mats and booms. According to their website, "Hair is very efficient at collecting oil out of the
air, off surfaces like your skin and out of the water, even petroleum
oil."
The group boasts twelve locations across region that are ready to
receive human and pet hair, and hundreds of volunteers participating in
"Boom B Q" parties stuffing the donated locks into recycled nylons to
form booms that can be strung along beaches and marshes. Related link: Organization combing country for spare hair to fight oil
slick
Speak Up for Cleaner Energy Choices -
Tell your senators that now more than ever we need to pass comprehensive
legislation that provides America with cleaner and safer energy
choices. Speak up and let your voice be heard!
And lastly, please keep the people and creatures of the Gulf in your prayers.
"...when we finally know we are dying, and all other sentient beings are dying with us, we start to have a burning, almost heartbreaking sense of the fragility and preciousness of each moment and each being, and from this can grow a deep, clear, limitless compassion for all beings."- Sogyal Rinpoche
