Although the oil spill in the gulf
isn’t exactly new news, the threat of another oil spill is omnipresent. Researchers in the state of Texas have found
that unprocessed cotton could possibly be an effective way to clean up an oil
spill. Not only is the cotton natural and eco-friendly, but it can also easily
absorb the crude oil. This could be a very effective way to clean up future oil
spills. The use of cotton would be cost effective for the U.S.; according to
the Nation Council of Cotton Texas alone produces on average over 6.2 million
bales of cotton. That’s equivalent to more than 3,100,000,000 pounds of cotton.
The U.S. has the resources, and if we were to use domestic cotton it would help
the national economy as well. Cotton is something that can be grown as needed,
and it would not produce any waste materials that other methods of clean up can
cause. The use of cotton as a means to clean up oil is all around a positive
discovery.Friday, August 9, 2013
Cotton for Clean Up
Although the oil spill in the gulf
isn’t exactly new news, the threat of another oil spill is omnipresent. Researchers in the state of Texas have found
that unprocessed cotton could possibly be an effective way to clean up an oil
spill. Not only is the cotton natural and eco-friendly, but it can also easily
absorb the crude oil. This could be a very effective way to clean up future oil
spills. The use of cotton would be cost effective for the U.S.; according to
the Nation Council of Cotton Texas alone produces on average over 6.2 million
bales of cotton. That’s equivalent to more than 3,100,000,000 pounds of cotton.
The U.S. has the resources, and if we were to use domestic cotton it would help
the national economy as well. Cotton is something that can be grown as needed,
and it would not produce any waste materials that other methods of clean up can
cause. The use of cotton as a means to clean up oil is all around a positive
discovery.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think its great that researchers have found a solution for the oil spills. I cant see why we wouldn't use this resource as it seems to be exactly what we need to clean up our mess.
ReplyDeleteI am relieved to hear that researchers have found a clean way to clean up oil spills. This is a game changer in the battle against such disasters. It is truly fascinating that one pound of cotton can absorb 30 pounds of crude oil! This new discovery is one that is more environmentally friendly than the present alternatives, which include synthetics that disperse the oil. Theses synthetics can be harmful to the surrounding environment. Using this cotton to clean up oil spills is all well and good, but the big question we should be asking ourselves is how the oil soaked cotton is disposed of? Is it burned, dumped or disposed of in other ways. We as a country have become extremely wasteful. Such questions as this should be asked because other harmful effects could follow if the cotton is not properly disposed of. If all factors of the equation are not fully met, then we could end up with a larger problem on our hands than we expected.
ReplyDeleteIt is fascinating that cotton can do such a thing. After years of being in the dark and allowing oil spills to spread and further pollute our lands, we are finally able to clean it up. It seems that this idea really wouldn't be much of a danger to the environment, as it IS cotton and the usage of cotton in this type of situation would not make cotton go "extinct" or anything. There is, of course, money involved in this problem, but I do not see it as any threat to cotton making companies, as cotton is easily growable. Hopefully, we will be able to keep our environment safe and clean with this solution.
ReplyDeleteI think the use of cotton for oil cleanup is a great idea. Cotton won't produce any waste and is readily available. It would also help out South Carolina's economy, as cotton is one of our biggest crops. This would help improve the United States economy overall and would have a huge positive effect.
ReplyDeleteI agree! One thing I really liked about this besides the environmental aspects were that it really can help the economy. Using cotton for oil spills "Kills to birds with one stone" so to speak. Oil spills are an international problem, not only a national problem, and other countries could use this resource as well and the export of the cotton would help with our economy tremendously.
Delete