Filthy water cannot be washed.
~African Proverb

Today is World Oceans Day, but I hesitate to say “Happy World Oceans Day!”
The theme for 2010 is “Oceans of Life;” ironic when new images of death by oil keep surfacing.

It’s hard to celebrate the beauty and vastness of the ocean while we sit and wait word on whether the oil gushing into the Gulf can be stopped anytime soon. How soon and to what extent our coastlines will be affected. And yet, because of this tragedy, educating ourselves on the complexity and wonder of the ocean, and what we as individuals can do to protect it, is even more important.

For starters, we can go to the Ocean Project website and take the “Seven Cs Pledge:”

THE SEVEN C’s:

1. Commit to making a real difference
2. Conserve in my home
3. Consume consciously
4. Communicate my interest and concerns
5. Challenge myself daily
6. Connect in my community
7. Celebrate our Ocean

All well and good, but right now wildlife rescue efforts need MONEY.  Consider donating to the National Wildlife Federation.

If your kids are worried or confused about the oil spill, here are some tips about talking to them about it, courtesy of Ranger Rick.

I think we would all feel better, though, if empowered with actions that make a difference. I just don’t know what that action is yet. For a while I was angry, but as the days stretch out into weeks and months– we are on day 50– I am feeling more and more helpless. Our oceans are being taken away from us and especially from our children.

No, wait. There IS something we can do.  We can eliminate dependency on oil produced in the Gulf of Mexico. And we can do it by reducing our driving by about 5.4 miles per day. (And we’d STILL be using 500% more gasoline for travel than they do in Europe!)

That is not a misprint or a joke, the breakdown happens here. Please, please, please, share that article with your friends.

5.4 miles per day. Maybe carpool a few days a week, or schedule your errands all in one go.

Feeling empowered yet? No? Maybe fire off a letter to BP letting them know your intent, and how you’re climbing up on your soapbox and yelling from the mountaintops. Telling them you’re enraged by their lack of foresight.

That made me feel a little better, anyway.

Happy World Oceans Day.

Maybe not a day of celebration- more of a call to action.