How to Help Oil Spills

Birds caught in an oil spill can die.

The worldwide response to the BP oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico shows how individuals and organizations can mobilize to help. Whether you are across the country or living in the disaster zone, you can help in many ways. If you are able to help financially, start with a donation to an organization that is focused on relief -- and with low administrative costs. Donate food, clothing and even pet supplies to families who are suffering from the disaster. Volunteer your time to help a nonprofit relief organization dedicated to helping the oil spill aftermath.

Instructions

1. Donate money to a charitable organization that is working to clean up the oil spill you wish to help. Be sure to research the groups that are working on the spill. Donate to a group that identifies its administrative costs and minimizes costs that are not directly spent on fixing the problem. These include the Nature Conservancy, Save Our Gulf and the National Wildlife Federation, according to the Florida Philanthropic Network.

2. Hold a fundraiser, such as a bake sale or ask for donations in a public area or at an event. Mobilize Scout troops and schools. Host a benefit car wash. Invite donations of food, clothing, household items at a donation station. Request pet food and supplies. By collecting money you can raise a larger sum to donate to a charity working on the oil spill. Be clear to your donors where the money will go.

3. Donate items required by those who have been affected by the spill, such as food, clothing for individuals who lost their homes or their ability to earn money as a result of the fallout of a spill. Include household items like cleaning supplies, pet food and linen.

4. Volunteer your time directly with an organization cleaning up the spill, if you are in a location where direct volunteering is possible. Organizations cleaning up after spills require help ranging from helping at the coasts to administrative work to keep the clean up organized.

5. Gather hair and fur clippings from your home and pets, or from local barber shops. Some charitable organizations use fur and hair as a natural method of removing oil from the water.

6. Host a seafood dinner benefit to help affected fishermen. Feature seafood that is certified safe from the Gulf Coast. Include entertainment from the affected region, such as Louisiana Cajun, zydeco or jazz music. Host a silent auction. Donate all of the proceeds to families in the seafood industry that are hurt by the oil spill.

References

• Petfinder; Gulf Oil Spill: How you can help coastal animals in danger
• Florida Philanthropic Network: Gulf Oil Disaster and Response
• National Audubon Society: Gulf Oil Response
• Ocean Conservancy: BP Oil Disaster
• Greater New Orleans Foundation: Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund
• NOLA: How to Give Help in Wake of Oil Spill

Resources

• NOLA: Gulf Oil Spill 2010