The Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia (IOGAWV) and Energy Speaks, along with oil and gas organizations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky, are coming together during the month of October to celebrate National Energy Awareness Month and highlight the thousands of products made from refined or processed crude oil and natural gas. As part of the awareness effort, the groups also are issuing an “American Energy Challenge” on social media to encourage citizens in each state to try and plan a day without the modern benefits of petroleum-based products.
IOGAWV and Energy Speaks will engage West Virginians by highlighting how these products have improved safety and security, modern medicine and public health, transportation and overall quality of life.
West Virginia residents are encouraged to participate in the American Energy Challenge on social media and post their results using the hashtag #AmericanEnergyChallenge.
“Modern life is nearly impossible without the everyday products made from petrochemicals,” said Charlie Burd, executive director of IOGAWV. “Fuels, toothpaste, aspirin, shampoo, shoes, cleaning products, batteries, cosmetics and plastics are just some of the necessities made in part from refined or processed crude oil and natural gas.”
“National Energy Awareness Month and the American Energy Challenge are focused on bringing attention to the many parts of life impacted by the American oil and natural gas industry,” said Burd. “It’s more than just gas for our vehicles. That’s merely the surface. This industry does so much more than that and is essential to life as we know it.”
There are more than 6,000 products made from refined oil and natural gas, including:
- Cosmetics such as soaps, cleansing creams, toothpaste, shampoo, hair spray, lotion, cologne, baby oil, lipstick, lip balm, nail polish, hand cream, shaving cream and suntan lotion.
- Plastics used in sporting equipment, storage containers, toys, toothbrushes, artificial hearts, etc.
- Medicines such as aspirin, antihistamines, Vaseline, alcohol, ammonia, antibiotics and antiseptics.
- Synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyester and popular dri-fit athletic clothing.
- Synthetic rubber used in gloves, shoes, boots, tires, hoses, belts and balloons.
- Carbon black used in paints, ink, cements, batteries, televisions, radios and computers.
- Waxes used to make candy, gum, candles, crayons and soap.
To follow activities in West Virginia throughout National Energy Awareness month and learn more, visit www.EnergySpeaksWV.com and follow Energy Speaks on Facebook and Twitter.
