As part of an international day of action, we hosted a protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) this week. DAPL is an underground pipeline that is currently under construction in North Dakota. The pipeline threatens the water supply in the region, disregards treaty agreements with Native American Tribes, and furthers our dependence on fossil fuel. The protest was one of many across the nation calling the halt of construction on the pipeline. Construction has been paused - but it has not been canceled.
We had a huge turnout here in St. Augustine and covered the Bridge of Lions as we marched across it and into the square downtown. All walks of life joined together for this common cause, a truly beautiful sight. Thank you to First Coast News and News4Jax for covering our march and shining light on our peaceful protest.
The protest is a great way to get people talking and to raise our voice to the government and people at large, but there is much more to be done. I've included four ways to protest the DAPL in your every day life. Anything to add? Please share.
1.) Switch your money to a local credit union
Many of the big banks (Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citi, Chase to name a few) invested in the DAPL (and other pipelines). If your bank is invested - switch to a local credit union. We did this last week and our only regret is that we didn't do it sooner.
2.) Reduce your dependency on fossil fuel
The DAPL has gotten a lot of attention, which is AMAZING. But it's far from the only pipeline in the works right now. The Sabal Trail Pipeline is being built right here in Florida. One big way, probably the biggest way, to combat this is to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel. Riding a bike as often as possible. Car-pooling, always. Shopping local (less fuel used in transport of goods). These are all ways we can 'put our money where out mouth is' - and prove that we do not need nor desire our lives be run, and earth be ruined, by this industry.
3.) Write and call government officials
Let them know you want this project stopped, not just postponed. We can't let this pause come back to bite us in the bottom by us becoming disengaged.
4.) Share with your friends and family about DAPL
In person and online - make sure your loved ones know about the threats these pipelines introduce. Knowledge is power and awareness is the first step towards progress.
Images from the #NoDAPL protest in St. Augustine, FL
Images sent in from various participants.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a success!
