The Ohio Environmental Council recognizes that America's over reliance on fossil fuels - both foreign and domestic - pose a host of problems. These include significant national security risks from being dependent upon foreign sources of oil; human health impacts from car and truck emissions; and risks to wildlife, water quality, and our fishing and travel and tourism industries from oil spills.
The Gulf Coast oil spill - right in the middle of one of America's most productive but fragile ecosystems that provides so many benefits to people and wildlife - is a painful lesson in the risks and danger associated with oil production.
We believe it is more important than ever to increase America's use of clean, sustainable sources of energy and to squeeze all the efficiency out of every energy source, especially the oil that we use.
This means stepped-up production and deployment of energy efficiency (like insulation and high-efficiency vehicles and appliances) and clean energy sources (like wind, solar, and bio-fuels) and increased development of safe, comfortable, and affordable mass-transit options (like passenger rail and public transit).
Pulling together, we can lessen our reliance on oil.and lessen the risk to the people and wildlife that depend on nature.
Here are some simple actions you can take today and every day to help make a difference:
- Help the conservation efforts in the Gulf. Ask your hair salon to donate cut hair to www.matteroftrust.org, a group that creates oil-removing materials from human and pet hair. They also accept nylons and fur. If you are able, donate vacation time to help with the Gulf Coast clean-up effort. Contact the National Audubon Society or www.volunteerlouisiana.gov.
- Curb your fuelish ways and incorporate ways to improve your fuel efficiency. Consolidate your errands and trips. Remove excess weight in your car. Use cruise control on the highway. Keep your tires properly inflated. Use "Energy Conserving"-labeled motor oil.
- Make a commitment to reduce your car and jet use. Get on the bus and support your local public transit agency. For medium- and long-distance travel, Megabus and Amtrak offer safe, comfortable, and affordable ways to travel from several Ohio cities throughout the Midwest and the nation.
To make a donation to support the Ohio Environmental Council's ongoing work to protect and restore Ohio's natural environment, click here.
Homepage photo: Huffingtonpost.com
