Comments from an Environmentalist about the BP Oil Spill

Posted on June 8, 2010 by itees

Day 50 and counting since the explosion of the BP Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf, rupturing the oil well and changing our world forever. The oil continues to flow out and we still have no idea how much it is, because no one will tell us the truth.

From the beginning of this catastrophe, I knew this would be devastating, change the Gulf region, killing wildlife and ruining our oceans. Today is “World Oceans Day” and I felt the need to express my anger. Today seems like the perfect day.

It was weeks before anyone in the news thought it was serious enough to actually want to go there and report to us. I was and still am writing comments to the White House, AC 360, CBS Evening News, Huffington Post and on Twitter and Facebook. Finally Anderson Cooper started reporting from the source. (My sister joked that he must have heard me and we had a laugh.) I’m sure many, many people were writing the same things I was. Others have followed and now we’re getting some news, thanks to their persistence. I still think the U.S. government and the President need to do more.

The oil is in the marshes, washing up on shore, spreading around the coastline, and there are plumes under the water. I’m so worried about the sea life below the surface and the dead we may never know about.

Tonight I was watching the CBS evening news and once again they played the commercial by BP CEO Tony Hayward. I don’t understand how a news program could report about the disaster and then pay to show this commercial. I’d also like to know why all the car companies are so very silent? They keep advertising their cars, but not one has said a word about this. I suppose they just want us to forget cars actually need oil.

On Anderson Cooper 360 I just saw a demonstration of what the oil pipe size is and now I’m really freaked out. BP has released only today a high definition video of the oil leaking, and the pipe diameter is the size of a garbage pail, like you have outside in your backyard. Imagine the size of that opening. They have really tried to pull a fast one over on us Americans.

In my email I heard that BP is blocking people from showing us the dead wildlife. I was wondering why we hadn’t seen more considering the amount of dead wildlife reported. Here is just one of so many sad images from Deep Sea News.

Oiled covered birds from the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf from Deep Sea News.

I think it’s time for the American people (and other nations) to wake up. Move away from their gadgets and leave the cars at home and really think about all that they need and don’t. I’m proud to say that I sold my car a few years ago and haven’t missed it much. I walk, ride my bicycle, or take public transportation. If I do need a car, I rent one. I save quite a bit and I get exercise which makes me healthier!

There’s a BP Oil Spill rally in Jersey City this thursday, June 10th, 2010. Come on out and boycott BP. I’LL BE THERE!

Sustainability Lecture Organized by AIGA

Posted on March 13, 2010 by itees

On Friday, March 12, I attended a lecture with another designer. Organized by the AIGA, “Design Thinking & Sustainability w/ Chris Hacker from Johnson & Johnson” took place at the Tishman Auditorium in NYC.

Aside from the problems with their powerpoint presentation, which got quite a few chuckles from the “designer” audience, it was a presentation about the possibilities we as designers can achieve if we make the effort. It’s important to lead our clients toward “green” packaging and printing even if they think it’s going to cost more, because it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes, depending on the item and the quantity, it may not cost more, so why not give it try.

Chris Hacker, who has been Johnson & Johnson’s Chief Design Officer for the past five years has overseen the application of sustainable design thinking and practices. In addition to building a 120-person think tank, where environmentally-conscious decisions are part of the process, he, along with the the rest of his team are implementing ideas with all sorts of products.

By simply changing the overall design so the product can be reused, eliminating part of the packaging which isn’t needed, or changing the printing techniques and inks, we can reduce the amount of paper or plastic being used and when you multiply that times the amount of products sold, that’s a lot of trees saved, and less waste.

We have the power as designers to reshape the way consumers see products, and can sometimes make a change that is environmentally sound and yet consumers don’t even notice. Most consumers are into being “green” and if they realize a product has changed to help the environment, like less packaging, or they can recycle it, they’re more likely to buy it and feel good about it.

young-leaves-in-forest

From the Johnson & Johnson website about “Protecting the Environment”

“We set high standards for our operating companies in the area of environmental responsibility — striving for performance that does not merely comply with regulations but reduces our environmental impacts. We have a responsibility to take care of our planet and preserve its beauty, resources and strength for future generations.”

You can be sure with every project I work on, I’m committed to producing or printing it the “greenest” way and will work hard to convince my clients to do the same.

Revisiting Paper vs. Plastic

Posted on March 12, 2010 by itees

I remember many years ago it was heard in every supermarket and gourmet store, “paper or plastic?” But over time this doesn’t come up anymore, stores have made their choice.

Last week while shopping in Hoboken’s branch of Garden of Eden, a gourmet food market, and selecting some items from the salad bar, I was struck by the plastic containers and how wasteful this can be. Like most I don’t want to mix my soggy cole slaw with my cous cous, which means I must use a second container… and what if I want some fruit as well, that would make a third container. Now of course once I get this food home, I can recycle these containers if I choose to, but most people won’t. They also only have plastic shopping bags, not paper.

A few days ago I was in Whole Foods and once again at the salad bar, but this time I noticed lightweight cardboard containers with a glossy coating (for leakage). They are reusable and biodegradable. That along with the fact that they only have paper shopping bags has made Whole Foods a winner.

As Earth Day (4oth Anniversary) approaches on April 22, I thought I’d remind everyone to be aware of how much plastic or paper they’re using and to try not to be so wasteful. I know that I’m going to use less and if the foods mix a bit in the container, who cares?

whole-foods-salad-bar2

Many stores have designed reusable shopping bags but the problem with many of these bags are that when you’re out shopping, you remember you left it back home. This is not going to help if you cannot remember to have it with you. I found an adorable “eco-friendly” green nylon bag that folds up into a little case and it’s no bigger than a tissue package. I carry it with me in my pocket book, so it’s ready whenever I need it. I bought it at the American Folk Art Museum and I know that Save The Frogs has one also. At Frogs Are Green (my green company with Mary Jo Rhodes) we’re currently discussing one like this.