Want to Prevent Future Disasters? Make a Change!

Photo by Mike Houck

When I heard the news of the Deepwater Horizon explosion on April 20^th, my first thought was, “this is my fault!”  After all, I am addicted to oil, and that rig would not have been out there had we all not been so reliant on the stuff. With every image I saw throughout the summer of oil soaked birds and oil soaked beaches, my sense of responsibility quickly shifted to a feeling of helplessness. Helpless to change what had happened, helpless to offer aid to the dying ecosystem, helpless to shift away from dependence we all have on that Louisiana Sweet Crude…

I don’t like feeling helpless.

I went down to the Gulf Coast because I needed answers. I needed to be able to come back with stories that truly illustrated the reality down there that I could share with my community. After countless conversations with fishermen, community organizers, scientists and business owners, one reoccurring message rang true: it’s time to kick my addiction to oil!

This is a call to action; a message meant for all of our supporters out there who share the feelings of helplessness. So what will it be? Drive less, bike more? Eat locally grown produce? Become a more conscientious consumer? I believe that no matter how large or small the act, all of these things are a step in the right direction toward creating a more sustainable community.

The Northwest Earth Institute has responded to this call to action with the EcoChallenge, a two week event promoting sustainable living, and the power of taking another important step toward a healthier, more vibrant future. From October 1^st to the 15^th, participants will make a commitment to lighten their tread on Earth. This is a fundraiser for the Northwest Earth Institute, but a percentage raised during these two weeks will be going into the PDX 2 Gulf Coast curriculum project that will inspire dialogue around these topics.

Register today and join the PDX 2 Gulf Coast team as we make that first step in taking action on behalf of the planet!

By Sarah Menzies, Northwest Earth Institute