Stand in the Sand in Santa Barbara shows support for Gulf Coast residents affected by oil spill

"It's our duty as Santa Barbarans to send a message to the Gulf Coast that we are with them in solidarity," said Eric Cardenas who helped organize the Stand in the Sand event at West Beach in Santa Barbara on June 27.
"We're sending a message of rebirth, an inclusive approach including industrial communities, rural communities, coastal communities and inland communities. "
A few hundred people clasped hands and formed "a Human Boom" at the water's edge "to symbolically stop the rising black tide." They then joined into a circle and ended the event with drumming and dancing.
Jean-Michel Cousteau was one of several persons representing environmental groups who spoke at the event. He urged individuals to conserve, recycle and protect natural resources and to be ambassadors reaching out to others. Even small changes can add up, he said. On average, each person in the U.S. uses 1,000 to 1,600 bags a year.
"My mother used to go shopping with a bag when I was a kid where we lived," the founder of the Ocean Futures Society said. "Whenever I go home, that bag is still there. That's the bag I use."
Conserving can save an individual money as well as give personal satisfaction. Jean-Michel replaced his old hybrid car with a new one and saved 50 percent.
"Am I miserable because the car is smaller?," Jean-Michel asked. "I'm happy because I'm not omitting CO2. Personal satisfaction goes beyond money."
Members of the Ocean Futures Society have spent two weeks in the Gulf Coast and plan to spend another four working on a documentary about the oil spill. Matt Ferraro said they will be filming both affected and unaffected wildlife, interviewing government officials and documenting the human and environmental sides of the story.
"We have to be left with some kind of hope that things never happen again, that we can recover," Matt said.
Those wanting more information on how to help or to contribute to a fund for those affected by the spill can visit www.fundforsantabarbara.org.

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