It’s encouraging that the Gulf Spill seems to have been stopped … and that there may be less environmental harm than earlier feared … but it’s sobering to remember the lives lost in the original explosion and the tremendous economic and psychological damage suffered in the region. I ache for the people, the families, the communities.

New Pig played a role in the cleanup as a supplier of absorbent booms, and in behind-the-scenes ways cooperating with other suppliers. It’s nice to have helped even in a small way, but it’s hard to process the enormity of the events.

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As awful as the Gulf Spill is, I just read an article that’s a good reminder of everyday ways that oil and gas reach the oceans in even greater amounts than the current disaster involves. The figures are stunning:

• Estimates of the Gulf Spill: 83 - 156 million gallons
• Estimated annual amount spilled worldwide from routine causes: 400 million gallons
• Estimated annual amount entering the ocean from natural seepage: 180 million gallons

The article mentions that routine discharges behind these estimates include oil drips from vehicles, gasoline spills at gas stations, recreational boating, commercial ships and tankers, and oil production.

For decades, we at New Pig have been helping workplaces control oil and other liquids that leak, drip, spill or spray — not only to keep floors safer but to keep liquids from reaching drains that may eventually flow to the seas.

Catch those pump drips …

Capture that overspray …

Block that drain …

… and the oceans will be cleaner for it.

As the Gulf spill crisis continues and response supplies are tight, I’m proud that New Pig is able to say WE HAVE OIL BOOMS. Please click here or on the image to get more info OR call us at toll-free 1-800-HOT-HOGS® (468-4647).

On our web site now is the statement below, a brief summary of a tremendous amount of discussion, study, planning and activity both behind us and ahead of us. We’re all hopeful for success from the latest efforts to limit the damage in the Gulf region.

The oil spill in the Gulf region has potential for tragic environmental consequences. As a leader in leak and spill prevention and cleanup for over 25 years, New Pig Corporation is committed to doing everything in our power to assist in containing, controlling, and cleaning the oil-spill related problems. In addition to our Tipton, PA headquarters, New Pig Corp has a facility based in Mobile, AL, located less than four miles from the U.S. Coast Guard Unified Command Center that is coordinating spill response and recovery efforts. That means we have a team of over 65+ dedicated associates right in the heart of the recovery effort at all times.

We will continue to produce and supply a full range of absorbent booms, mats, and other products throughout this crisis. We are working hard to provide uninterrupted supply for our long-standing customers based on usual demand levels. In addition, New Pig has ramped up production of inventory of existing products to maximum levels and is developing new, targeted spill cleanup solutions that we can quickly make available in high volumes to aid in the cleanup effort.

While it may not be possible to immediately fulfill extraordinarily large product orders, we will make every effort to get the right products to the people and places that need them in the shortest possible time.

For orders, service and tech support, call 1-800-HOT-HOGS® (468-4647).

Click here to see New Pig in our local TV news, including the manufacturing of PIG® Spaghetti Booms, which are among the most effective ways to respond to oil spills on water.

The story mentions that spill response in the Gulf of Mexico could mean business for New Pig, but believe me, our first thought is how to help the people and the environment in this situation. When you see devastating photos of the fire at the drilling rig and of the oil spreading, and when you see people working so hard to contain the damage—it’s not about us, it’s about mourning the loss of human, animal and plant life, and it’s about protecting livelihoods in fishing, tourism and other industries.

It’s disturbing to see how quickly the oil spill is spreading in the Gulf of Mexico. 70 miles by 130 miles and growing. Our sympathies and best wishes go to the families of the workers killed in the initial explosion at the oil rig, and to those closest to the spill. Millions around the world are anxious about the extent of the damage.

New Pig and our subsidiary companies are supplying cleanup products and exploring other ways to help and learn. I expect to give new information about our efforts next week.

Coke is moving toward bottles made entirely from plant waste material. Plant bottles in bottling plants!

What may be the greenest material around? Steel. More is recycled than paper, plastic, glass, copper and aluminum combined. Steel is recycled from automobiles at a rate of 106% (because newer cars are lighter and use high-strength steel). See other impressive info here (opens a PDF).

Man trucks 400 miles with cardboard windshield.

Click here to see a TV clip in which a box of PIG® Wipers appears TWICE! Watch at least the first 38 seconds  : ) The video also gives interesting information on environmental efforts by NASCAR.

This appearance happened with the help of a friend from Safety-Kleen. Thanks, (name).

By the way, we also sell the type of  used oil storage tank being poured into below (in a screen shot from the video).