The Oil Spill in the Gulf, Toxic Leftovers in Iraq and a Glimmer of Hope

The Gulf Oil Spill continues to dominate the news both here in the U.S. and abroad, and rightfully so... I can only hope that the seemingly small steps, decisions and concessions that have been made in the past week or so will turn into mighty leaps and bounds in coordinating cleanup efforts and holding BP accountable for ALL its' actions in this crisis. Read the latest developments from a business and economic perspective at Wall Street Journal Online.

Another story that I also find troubling is the London Time's report from Iraq:

"American troops going home from Iraq after seven painful years are leaving behind a legacy that is literally toxic. An investigation by The Times in five Iraqi provinces has found that hazardous material from US bases is being dumped locally rather than sent back to America, in clear breach of Pentagon rules."

This will continue to be reported on, as it should be, but American troops have not gone home yet.  I can only hope that the local agencies subcontracted to assist in the cleanup will find a long-term solution to the issues presented in the article.  Read the full text

No doubt both of these stories have the potential of landing on WorstPolluted.org's annual report of the worst polluted places around the world.

Now for that little glimmer of hope...take a moment to check out the interactive graphic provided by the Washington Post, chronicling one pelican's journey from rescued oil spill victim to recovery, or WorstPolluted's.  Check out: 12 Cases of Cleanup and Success - 2009.  Even when it goes wrong, we can strive to make it right again.

Heartache in the Gulf Coast - The Disaster that Never Ends

It seems the heartache created by BP in the Gulf Coast is never ending. The frustratingly slow process of cleanup that you or I may feel watching this disaster unfold on CNN and other news, has got to be magnified 100x for those that are living in or near the affected areas.  So much loss... so much devastation to wildlife, the wetlands, the local economy...the health issues... the list goes on and on.

I do believe there are solutions that aren't being utilized, and I hope the government will hold accountable those that are responsible! Help keep shining the light on the problem and possible solutions, including some innovative non-toxic methods such as the munching microbes in this YouTube video:



or the systems backed by actor Kevin Costner (whose brother is one of the innovative scientists who invented these units)


In the mean time... maybe you'll commit to avoiding BP-owned gas stations (here on the West Coast, that includes ARCO and AM/PM stations, and/or participate in a growing number of local and national efforts to help out.

Yo can keep up-to-date with the latest developments on this catastrophe at CNN.com.

And hey, if that doesn't light a fire under ya, check out Treehugger.com's compiled list of the Top 5 Federal Agencies Awarding Contracts to BP...
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