I really wanted to see the many different forms of ecologically friendly vehicles but I had the opportunity to learn much more. After having some delicious wine popsicles, which not sure if sustainable but certainly refreshing, I had the opportunity to speak with some of the vendors.
Dedicated to their cause, I was immediately attracted to the folks adorning dark t-shirts and a pirate-like motif. They were called the “Shepherd of the Sea” and I thought I had seen them on T.V.!
There are many problems facing creatures of the sea such as the following:
- Fishing methods that kill
- Entanglement in fishing gear
- Captivity
- Marine pollution (pesticides, heavy metals, plastics, industrial and agricultural pollutants)
- Habitat degradation
- Low frequency sonar
- Boat traffic
Pictured you will see me with the proud crew from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Their mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.
Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations. I mean really, Sea World is nice to get a closer glimpse of whales, dolphins and seals but to see those guys in their natural habitatat, is not only awesome but how it should be.
Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations. I mean really, Sea World is nice to get a closer glimpse of whales, dolphins and seals but to see those guys in their natural habitatat, is not only awesome but how it should be.
I found out one of my favorite actresses, Persia White, on a show I frequently watched in college, sits on the board of this organization, which was interesting because her television character mirrored her personality in real-life, a caring environmentalist.
The team is looking for a few unskilled dedicated Whale Defenders to help with their cause which means possibly being away at sea for a few months at a time, roughing it out, a true Sea Shepherd. Per their website, they warn that no whiners, malcontents, mattress lovers, and wimps need apply.On another not, I learned a lot about recycling cooking oil! Just in time for the biggest dinner of the year – Thanksgiving! /apparently in Dallas, folks can drop off used cooking oil in a sealed container at local “Cease the Grease” recycling station. Then the bottle is taken to Dallas County Schools biofuels facility where the oil is converted into biofuel. Biofuel and diesel blend is used to power 1,000 school buses at a savings of over $100,000.
With economic times such as this one, it is amazing to me how more people do not pick up on this opportunity. I have a great idea, your kid does not load on the bus unless he has a bottle of oil in his baggie to be recycled. Hey, cooking oil fare is a lot cheaper than bus fare.
