Help an Animal After a Disaster

Think there's nothing you can do to Help an animal after a Disaster in 1 Minute?

Starring - Iliana Inocencio
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistics Provided by: The Petfinder Foundation, www.petfinderfoundation.com

Special Thanks: Lisa Robinson and everyone at The Petfinder Foundation, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

I Am BP

I’m tired of hearing about BP. So tired... and angry. So angry! But what am I doing? Well, not being anywhere near the Gulf and not having the ability to travel there for any length of time, I'm doing what many people are doing: I'm very busy hating BP.

Then recently one evening I was draining my son's bathwater and taking a moment to breathe as my 4-year-old did a naked lap around his room. For those who know me, what you're thinking is exactly right. What? You were draining the what from the what? That’s right. In yet another admission of being a seriously flawed person, I was in fact watching gallons of grey water go to waste. Yes, knowing that I was doing the wrong thing, knowing that I was living in a state with a water shortage, knowing there was something I could have done to prevent waste, I watched every last drop get sucked down.

Then I had a thought: I am BP.

Okay, so I'm not an oil company. I'm a mom who lives in a rented apartment with her family and blabs on a blog occasionally and at times eats more ice cream than she should. But all this energy I'm expending to be mad at BP is doing about as much good as reenacting some drama queen moment from Gone With The Wind. I may not be an oil company, but if I'm not doing what I can to prevent the next disaster, than aren't I a microscopic version of BP? I know the risk I'm taking every time I am too lazy to recycle or waste water just like BP knew the risks they were taking. Heck, I hate them, right? So don't I want to be better than them?

Every day is a chance to not only recommit ourselves to save water and help the environment, even if it’s just so we don’t pull a BP. Sure, I would say that we have been doing a lot in this house. But every now and then, it's time to take it up a notch just like BP should have a long long long long time ago. When the next disaster happens, I would really feel terrible if the one I was hating was myself.

An Interview with HandsOn New Orleans' Executive Director, Kertrina Watson Lewis

When we were researching our week to honor New Orleans, we found some wonderful organizations. One highlight for us was our video with HandsOn New Orleans. Please read on for my interview with Executive Director Kertrina Watson Lewis.

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Please tell us a little bit about HandsOn New Orleans and how it started?
When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast, HandsOn Network made an immediate and serious commitment to address the devastation and support Gulf relief and recovery efforts through targeted volunteer action. With a Challenge Grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, HandsOn New Orleans and HandsOn Gulf Coast (in Biloxi, Mississippi) were launched to serve the vast needs of communities directly impacted by the storms. The focus, then and now, was utilizing our project management expertise to more effectively deploy volunteers eager to help.

Can you talk about some of the programs you offer?
Since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, HandsOn New Orleans has evolved from a disaster response project into a thriving volunteer action center for grassroots service projects, providing local and visiting volunteers with the tools, housing and training necessary to strengthen and revitalize their communities. HandsOn New Orleans continues to transform communities through volunteer service and leadership development. We offer: a Tool Lending Library, Volunteer Bunkhouse, Volunteer Leadership Training, Annual Days of Service, a Network of Committed Volunteers, a Flexible Calendar of Volunteer Projects, Non-Profit Partnerships/Resources, and a Corporate Projects Program/Hands@Work.

If someone wanted to volunteer what should he or she expect?
Volunteering with HandsOn New Orleans is as simple as 123. First, search our online project calendar for a volunteer project that piques your interest(s). Next, register for the volunteer opportunity online. Then, follow the instructions provided in a follow-up email, detailing the time, date and location of your volunteer opportunity. We even include what to wear, what to expect and information related to the impact area you’re addressing.

If someone had more time and wanted to help HandsOn New Orleans what should he/she do?
Contact our Volunteer Coordinators at (504) 483-7041 ext. 107 or volunteer@handsonneworleans.org for more information on long term volunteer opportunities in New Orleans.

How is New Orleans recovering 5 years after Katrina?
We’ve come a long way but there’s still plenty of work to do. Donations and volunteers are welcome.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about either New Orleans or your organization?
Much of the progress that has been made since Hurricane Katrina would not have been possible if it were not for the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, donors and friends from around the world—representatives from varying racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds—who stood shoulder to shoulder with us to rebuild this great city. The impact that we have made together is nothing short of incredible.

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For more information, please visit, HandsOn New Orleans

An Interview with Defenders of Wildlife (Part 2)

Below, please find our Interview with Defenders of Wildlife on the Gulf Oil Spill. (Part 2)

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1. What is the long-term impact to wildlife in that (the Gulf) area?

·         We may not know the extent of the impacts for quite some time, so long-term environmental monitoring is critical. Tragically, the timing of the spill coincided with nesting seasons for several species of birds and sea turtles and spawning season for bluefin tuna . Many of these Gulf species were already listed as threatened or endangered on the federal endangered species list, and the harm from the oil and toxic dispersants could push them to the brink of extinction.
 
2. Can the spill ever truly be cleaned up?  If so, how long will it take?

·         The impacts on the Gulf environment are catastrophic and longlasting. One need only look at the fact that oil can still be found beneath the sand, rocks, and waters of Prince William Sound to know that we will be dealing with the consequences of this even larger spill for decades to come.
 
3. Can people volunteer in the Gulf through Defenders of Wildlife?

·         To find out where you can provide hands-on help in the affected areas, visit The Gulf Oil Spill Response & Recovery website. (Note that at this time, the greatest need is for people with training and experience in dealing with hazardous materials.)

4. What can people do to keep a spill like this from happening again?

·         While better oversight and more stringent environmental regulations will decrease the chances of an oil disaster such as the Deepwater Horizon explosion from happening in the future, the only way to truly prevent an oil spill from fouling our oceans and coasts is to make the shift from dirty and dangerous fossil fuels like oil and gas. Urge President Obama to reinstate the presidential ban on offshore oil drilling, and ask your senators to pass comprehensive legislation to promote the transition to a clean energy future.

 

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To find out more about the Gulf Oil Spill and how you can help, please visit - Defenders of Wildlife

Spread News About the Gulf

Think there's nothing you can do to help with the disaster in the Gulf in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alex Marshall-Brown
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: Defenders of Wildlife, www.defenders.org

Special Thanks: Lara Koch, Jeff Regen and everyone at Defenders of Wildlife, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Gulf Petition

Think there's nothing you can do to help with the disaster in the Gulf in 1 Minute?

Starring - Iliana Inocencio
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: Defenders of Wildlife, www.defenders.org

Special Thanks: Lara Koch, Jeff Regen and everyone at Defenders of Wildlife, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Protect Our Sea Turtles

Think there's nothing you can do to help with the disaster in the Gulf in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: Defenders of Wildlife, www.defenders.org

Special Thanks: Lara Koch, Jeff Regen and everyone at Defenders of Wildlife, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Wildlife Refuges in the Gulf

Think there's nothing you can do to help with the disaster in the Gulf in 1 Minute?

Starring - Melissa Jernigan
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: Defenders of Wildlife, www.defenders.org

Special Thanks: Lara Koch, Jeff Regen and everyone at Defenders of Wildlife, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Text Gulf

Think there's nothing you can do to help with the disaster in the Gulf in 1 Minute?

Starring - Jason Xay
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: Defenders of Wildlife, www.defenders.org

Special Thanks: Lara Koch, Jeff Regen and everyone at Defenders of Wildlife, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

An Interview with Defenders of Wildlife about the Gulf Oil Spill (Part 1)

In dedicating a second week to the disaster in the Gulf, we were honored to work with the organization, Defenders of Wildlife on these videos. They have been working on the ground throughout the cleanup and, as such, we thought it fitting that we interview them for our blogs. Below, please find our Interview with Defenders of Wildlife on the Gulf Oil Spill.  
 
1.  Can you give us an update as to the status of wildlife in the Gulf since the spill?

·         The Gulf oil disaster has had a staggering impact on the region's wildlife. Rescue teams have collected thousands of birds, hundreds of sea turtles and dozens of marine mammals affected by oil, most of which have been found dead. However, those rescue teams are working around the clock to clean and rehabilitate as many critters as they can, scrubbing oil from coated  animals, releasing them back into the wild and relocating sea turtle nests so that hatchlings may have an increased chance of survival. For updates on numbers of oiled wildlife, visit www.defendersblog.org.
 
2.  Can you give us some information on what Defenders is doing to help?

·         Defenders staff and volunteers have been on the ground, in the air and on the water in the Gulf gaining firsthand knowledge of this tragedy while lending our resources and expertise to the recovery efforts. Our chief scientist, Chris Haney, is coordinating seabird studies to establish a baseline of the condition of several species and document the damage to wildlife from the disaster. And our executive vice president, former Fish and Wildlife Service director Jamie Rappaport Clark, has been to the Gulf twice now to witness and document the damage to wildlife and habitat and consult with Interior Department officials.

·         Defenders is working to secure a moratorium on further offshore drilling as well as promoting comprehensive climate change and energy legislation so that we may expedite the shift to clean, responsible renewable energy.
 
3.  How does this spill compare to the Exxon Valdez?

·         When the Exxon Valdez tanker ran aground in 1989, it spilled hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude oil into Alaskans waters (approx. 257,000 barrels). But when the ship emptied, the spill was done. The Deepwater Horizon well continuously spewed vast amounts of oil into the Gulf for more than three months, quickly surpassing Exxon Valdez to become the worst oil spill in U.S. history. Although the numbers of birds collected thus far in the Gulf has not reached the massive amounts of those impacted in Alaska, the disaster is not yet over and we have yet to see how devastating the long-term impacts to wildlife will be.

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To find out more about the Gulf Oil Spill and how you can help, please visit - Defenders of Wildlife

An interview with Alexis Henry, Surfrider Foundation's Communications Manager, Part 2

Part 2 of our interview with Alexis Henry, Surfrider Foundation’s Communication Manager

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I can't interview an organization about the ocean without mentioning the Gulf Oil Spill. Are there local Surfrider chapters on the ground? Is there a way that someone can get involved in the cleanup through a local Surfrider chapter? Is there any information that you think people should know about the spill that hasn't been out there?

Regarding our efforts in response to the gulf spill, our primary focus right now is addressing the near shore water quality issue. In addition to seeing massive amounts of oil and tar washing up, the Surfrider Foundation is getting reports of swimmers and bathers going into the water and experiencing moderate to severe eye irritation, nausea and skin rash. Keep in mind this is occurring in areas where no visible oil or tar is present.

The Surfrider Foundation is getting ready to launch a new testing initiative to try and determine if toxins are present in coastal waters throughout the Gulf, and subsequently track those findings and make them available to both the appropriate governmental agencies and the public at large. We see this as tremendously important work in that not only could this be the only way that some communities are able to secure response (re: impacts/losses to tourism, fishing, etc), but will aid future research/response on the effects to offshore ecosystems throughout the gulf.

We are also encouraging everyone to stay updated on the spill and what the Surfrider Foundation is doing by visiting our Not The Answer blog (www.nottheanswer.org) and signing up for our daily news list.

Are there any consistent misconceptions that people have about the health of the ocean's ecosystem?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions people have is that they can only affect the health of the ocean if they live directly near it. We need to change society’s mentality and encourage people to do their part to protect our oceans, no matter where they live, and educate them about watersheds and the water cycle…everything eventually ends up in the ocean.


Is there something that someone can do in their everyday life to contribute to ocean health?

Here are some simple things we can do today to help keep our oceans and coastlines clean and healthy:
• Pick up after your pet. When carried out to sea, pet wastes can spread diseases, which are devastating to seal and sea otter populations.
• Properly dispose of used motor oil. Never dump it in a drain or field. Additionally, if your car leaks oil, fix it! Each year over 16 million gallons of oil run into our oceans from our streets and driveways. Let’s keep that out of the ocean.
• When gardening, cut back on your use of fertilizers. Excess fertilizer that makes it into our oceans can cause harmful plankton blooms or red tides, which harm fish, dolphins and other sea life.
• Don’t forget, pick up your trash and try to recycle all your plastic containers. If we do our part, we can keep our beaches clean.

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To learn more about how you can help our oceans, please visit - www.surfrider.org

Closing Blog - Gulf Crisis Week

Looking everyday at the devastation in the Gulf, brings up immense and crazy feelings in me. I feel angry. I feel afraid. But mostly I feel hopeless. I don’t think that any of us has a grasp yet on what this catastrophe will mean to our country long term. There just seems to be no way to even conceive of the financial, economic, social and environmental consequences that will undoubtedly plaque our country for years to come. This is EXACTLY the kind of world issue that at times makes me want to hide in a closet and emerge next spring. But then again this is exactly why I created this show to begin with. Overwhelming as this catastrophe is, there are things that all of us can do to help heal this mess.

We didn’t create this tragedy but we will collectively need to accept responsibility for it. And, I guess, the hope is that we can use this as a catalyst for the change we want to see in our country. Whether its renewable energy sources, stricter environmental laws or tougher standards for big corporations now is the perfect time to use our voices and ask for them.
We here at What You Can Do would like to thank the National Wildlife Federation for their help this week. And if you need a quick, easy idea to get involved and help please check out the suggestions on our blog.

Gulf Crisis Week - Episode 5

Think there's nothing you can do to about the Gulf Oil Spill in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella & Melissa Jernigan
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: The National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Gulf Crisis Week - Episode 4

Think there's nothing you can do to about the Gulf Oil Spill in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: The National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Gulf Crisis Week - Episode 3

Think there's nothing you can do to about the Gulf Oil Spill in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella, Melissa Jernigan & Julie Tortorici
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: The National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

What You Can Do presents: Gulf Oil Spill Crisis - Video 2

Starring: Melissa Jernigan
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Directed and Edited by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music: Banana Whale
What You Can Do logo created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks:
The National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org)
Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

What You Can Do presents: Gulf Oil Spill Crisis - Video 1

Starring: Julie Tortorici
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Directed and Edited by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
What You Can Do logo created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks:
The National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org)
Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

What You Can Do adds a week about The Gulf Oil Spill Crisis

In the wake of the Gulf Oil Spill, we decided over here at “What You Can Do” that we had to address the disaster somehow. Our hope is to do a number of videos on the subject and the aftermath with expert organizations in the near future. Right now however, the wildlife rescue organizations are busy on the ground trying to deal with the catastrophic results of the spill. However, we did speak with the National Wildlife Federation and they offered some wonderful guidance (thanks to them for taking the time!).

In researching this week, I came upon this link from the Natural Research Defense Council’s Staff Blog. For someone like me, who hasn’t had the opportunity to spend much time in the Gulf, I found that I was pretty ignorant of the types of wildlife that call the area home. I felt that this blog was a good resource with helpful information.

While I hope that the devastation from the spill is taken care of as quickly as possible and that the long term damage to the area is minimal, I hope that what endures is the motivation for our country to find alternative energy solutions.

GULF WEEK: List of Resources to Get Involved!

Want to donate money, time or resources to help clean up the Gulf Oil Spill? Here are some links that can offer you tips and information:

The National Wildlife Federation's Donation Page or text 20222 to donate 10 dollars to the National Wildlife Federation - for more information click: HERE

Need updates on the spill?
Check this link out: www.nwf.org/oilspill

For videos
Video 1
Video 2

If you are in the area volunteer with the National Wildlife Federation's on the ground Volunteer Wildlife Surveillance Network
www.nwf.org

Defenders of Wildlife
www.defenders.org

Adopt an Animal:
HERE

Fight for Sea Turtles
HERE

Information from the National Audubon Society is available HERE

How to help the National Audubon Society:
FIND OUT HERE

Help birds at risk from the oil spill:

The International Bird Rescue Research Center

Tristate Bird Rescue and Research

PBS's Live Oil Cam Feed:
Watch It Here

GULF WEEK: SAMPLE LETTER TO EMAIL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

You can also visit the National Wildlife Federation to send their SAMPLE LETTER.


Subject: Please Pass Comprehensive Climate and Clean Energy Legislation Now


Dear Senator__________,

I am writing as a concerned citizen urging you to pass comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation immediately.

Everyday the Senate fails to pass clean energy and climate policy, we put our economy, our national security and our environment at risk.

April's Gulf Coast oil spill is leaking 200,000 gallons of oil each day, and evidences the urgency for America to invest in cleaner and safer energy choices.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed historic legislation; now it is time for the Senate and the Senate Leadership to finish the job.

So, both as your constituent and as an American concerned with conserving our wildlife and natural resources, I ask you to urge the Senate leadership to act and declare their support for comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation now.