Some comments on BP & the oil spill

Who created the demand for the oil that  BP produces?

It's foolish to expect big oil to change when we don't change what we ask big oil to do. The buck doesn't stop "over there somewhere". Of course they are a bunch of profit motivated businessmen. That's what they do.
And indeed business should be reformed to act more ethically, integrate some moral responsibility into their  practices (more on that in a future post), but I'm sick that Americans, who consume more than any other country, who refuse to adjust their own carbon consumption, yet get all self-righteous when the businesses that cater to their indulgence screw up. 
If America weren't sucking it down, they wouldn't be digging it up.
Let's be honest, all this self-righteous bile aimed at BT is easier than blaming the real villains in the play, the consumers who are still driving 4x4s and complaining that the air-conditioning isn't on high enough.

So let's channel some of that anger currently directed at BP into cutting consumption. Check what kind of vehicle is in your garage, check your thermostats and light-bulbs, review your choices between the car, the bus or your bike.

If you're pissed off about BP corporate "greed", check the policies of the company you work for (or manage) and the practices of those in which you invest.

Comments

[Kimberly J. Koch]

[this is good] I agree that we should stop to think about our own actions or that Canadian term they so love "our environmental footprint."  I had a hard time coming to the conclusion to buy the vehicle that I did; however, my son cannot stay in hotels and my family has no outlet to do anything but camping.  So, we did decide to get a truck and a camper.  

Moreover, we are getting a prius for our next vehicle though.  Plus, I was really happy to note that our truck will use flexfuel.  This is suppose to be something really good that I cannot find anywhere?  

Where do you find flexfuel?  Well, I know you are going to yell at me Jebuff but Ryan really has a hard time in hotels and so does everyone else when he is there.  So, if I want to go to France, do you have family I can stay with?  lol :) Just Joking.  

[jebuff]

Thanks Kimberly. I won't criticize anybody's choices as long as they've really been thought through. Yours have been in consideration of your situation, your love for your boy, etc, so nothing but respect from me. 

[Kimberly J. Koch]

[this is good] Thanks Jebuff,

You have been missed on here, so it is glad to see you posting again!  

[Emmi]

I agree about 50 percent, Jebuff. We heat our home with oil, and I drive a long ways to work. We already keep the heat down to 58 degrees in winter, we often wear fleece in winter inside the house. But there are some things you're leaving out or not considering.

Our old house has many problems; below 58 degrees, the heat does not kick in at all and the temperature plummets. That, we were told, could freeze the pipes. Replacing that and ditching the car is not realistic for us. The onus is on the people who are supposed to know about this stuff - the MMS, BP, car makers. To be progressive in what they do, not to remain stagnant while the rest of us struggle to do our work and simply live.

 

[Uniter]

[this is good] Nice post.  Living the US, I can attest to the fact that consumption is way too excessive here.  However, the hypocrisy is that for decades American presidents have expressed the need to consume less, find alternative energy, etc.  It's all a front to silence the liberals.  The American leadership, democrat or republican, have the same agenda.  They simply would rather rape the natural resources of the countries they have invaded, before having to use its own resources.  The optimist in me is comforted in the fact that more and more people here are recognizing the need to limit their consumption and become more environmentally friendly.  It certainly won't happen without a push from the people.  However, the realist in me states that my carpooling, walking, recycling, etc. are only a drop in the bucket.  A society embedded in massive consumption is an enslaved society in my view.

[Kimberly J. Koch]

[this is good] I just don't understand why we can't even do the small things like getting rid of plastic and paper disposable bags in the grocery store?  Why can't we all use reusable bags?  I mean if they just stopped giving them out it would force people to do the right thing.  So, how do we untie ourselves to this pathetic enslavement we are in?