A penny for my thoughts

My blog isn't read by thousands or even hundreds... maybe tens on a good day. I doubt my little opinions, thoughts or whines mean much to anyone but it is a place for me to get out the stuff in my head without addressing it to any particular person.


I'm sure by now you have seen footage, read articles  and formed opinions on the situation in the Gulf. It IS horrible, no two ways about it. It is a huge environmental disaster and BP has really seemed to screw up every attempt to solve the problem while not being honest about the severity. The impact of this screw up can't even be fully calculated just yet but it is obviously not good.


I am seeing tons of stop all drilling comments and slogans along similar lines. Screaming for alternative fuels.


I am a big supporter in alternative energy, saving the earth and basically not being a wasteful douche. But here is my irritation.... This isn't just about your car or changing a few lightbulbs. Do you have any idea how many products you use daily that contain some form of petroleum? Here are a few...



Ink, Dishwashing liquids, Paint brushes, Telephones, 


 Toys, Unbreakable dishes, Insecticides, Antiseptics,



 Dolls, Car sound insulation, Fishing lures, Deodorant,


 Tires, Motorcycle helmets, Linoleum, Sweaters,


 Tents, Refrigerator linings, Paint rollers, Floor wax,


 Shoes, Electrician's tape, Plastic wood, Model cars,


Glue, Roller-skate wheels, Trash bags, Soap dishes,


 Skis, Permanent press clothes, Hand lotion, Clothesline,


 Dyes, Soft contact lenses, Shampoo, Panty hose,


 Cameras, Food preservatives, Fishing rods, Oil filters,


 Combs, Transparent tape, Anesthetics, Upholstery,


 Dice, Disposable diapers, TV cabinets, Cassettes,


 Mops, Sports car bodies, Salad bowls, House paint,


 Purses, Electric blankets, Awnings, Ammonia,


 Dresses, Car battery cases, Safety glass, Hair curlers,


 Pajamas, Synthetic rubber, VCR tapes. Eyeglasses,


 Pillows, Vitamin capsules, Movie film, Ice chests,


 Candles, Rubbing alcohol, Loudspeakers, Ice buckets,


 Boats, Ice cube trays, Credit cards, Fertilizers,


 Crayons, Insect repellent, Water pipes, Toilet seats,


 Caulking, Roofing shingles, Fishing boots, Life jackets,


 Balloons, Shower curtains, Garden hose, Golf balls,


 Curtains, Plywood adhesive, Umbrellas, Detergents,


 Milk jugs, Beach umbrellas, Rubber cement, Sun glasses,


 Putty, Faucet washers, Cold cream, Bandages,


 Tool racks, Antihistamines, Hair coloring, Nail polish,


 Slacks, Drinking cups, Guitar strings, False teeth,


 Yarn, Petroleum jelly, Toothpaste, Golf bags,


 Roofing, Tennis rackets, Toothbrushes, Perfume,


 Luggage, Wire insulation, Folding doors, Shoe polish,


 Fan belts, Ballpoint pens, Shower doors, Cortisone,


 Carpeting, Artificial turf, Heart valves, LP records,


 Lipstick, Artificial limbs, Hearing aids, Vaporizers,


 Aspirin, Shaving cream, Wading pools, Parachutes




So, are you totally innocent? I doubt it, no one is. Obviously we should make changes and do what we can but blindly bitching about the evil oil companies and workers makes you look at best shortsighted. We don't want them to drill "here", or "there" but we keep buying stuff and using stuff that requires this material. We create the demand they are filling. And unless you live totally off the grid in a fully sustainable lifestyle, which means you most likely would never see this blog, you are part of that demand.


- Michelle (Venus)
*vegetarian
*eco conscious
*wife of an oil industry worker on a natural gas rig