I’m proud of this young lady but at the same time disappointed in myself.
No Oil Haircut by Coral Pearce in Florida
I call myself an occasional naturalist, but really, I may be a closet environmentalist. I find myself distraught and frustrated over the devastation that I know is occurring in the gulf right now.
Given a few more decades on this planet, I can, probably better than this young lady, envision the decades of devastation to the environment and the livelihoods of those who live off of the gulf, yet, I haven’t done anything about it.
I keep my feelings in the closet and continue to to discuss the mundane with my friends and co-workers meanwhile literally hundreds or even thousands of square miles of an entire ecosystem are at risk.
This young lady, Coral, choose to shave her head to donate her hair to assist in the cleanup. Human hair is actually a good oil absorbent, but at the same time, she choose to make a statement. You can read more about what she did on WPTV’s website or on CNN.
But what can be done? Aren’t we all helpless until they fix it? No absolutely not. We are not helpless. Our first responsibility is to care. This young lady cared enough which drove her to this decision. If we cared enough, we can all find some way to help. The second responsibility is to show our frustration and outrage. Don’t allow this to fall to yesterday’s news. An entire ecosystem is at risk, but BP is still making money and its stock while going down is not plummeting. BP undoubtedly feels very motivated to correct this fast, but do they feel their company’s existence is on the line like the species in the gulf and the fishermen who live off of it? Probably not? With an entire ecosystem and fishing industry on the brink, shouldn’t they feel the same pressure?
Lastly take a step. A thousand small steps that each of us may take translates into a collective, giant leap forward. Donate your hair, your time (write your congressmen or volunteer in a cleanup effort), your money; something to make a difference.
Lastly, while I’d like to blame someone for this, say BP. Stop to think who the ‘they‘ are that’s truly responsible for this mess. It goes beyond the maker of the oil rig, beyond its lessee BP, even beyond the regulatory agencies with governance responsibilities back to all of us.
Thank you Coral Pearce for reminding me what our individual responsibilities are.