GRANVILLE — The Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program is recognizing October’s National Energy Awareness Month by highlighting the indispensability of petroleum-based products to the high quality of life enjoyed by many Americans.
Throughout October, OOGEEP’s efforts will emphasize how crude oil and natural gas based products have transformed modern life and enabled significant advancements in safety, health, transportation and overall quality of life.
"National Energy Awareness Month has special significance in Ohio due to the enormous impact of our state’s oil and natural gas industry," said OOGEEP Executive Director Rhonda Reda. "We look forward to discussing the amazing advancements our society has made thanks to the innovative contributions of this industry."
OOGEEP will engage Ohioans through educational programing, media outreach and social media.
Elementary, middle school and high school science teachers across Ohio have been invited to participate in OOGEEP-sponsored challenges and other educational activities designed to supplement STEM classroom learning.
Ohioans wishing to test their energy knowledge can take the online Olympic Energy Challenge Quiz.
Over 6,000 products are made from refined crude oil and natural gas. These include:
• 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 and artificial hearts;
• Medicines such as aspirin, antihistamines, Vaseline, alcohol, antibiotics and antiseptics;
• Synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyester, spandex 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; and
• Waxes used to make candy, gum, candles, crayons and soap.
"Our nation is safer and healthier because of these products and our quality of life has never been higher," said Reda. "And, for over 150 years, this industry has been a reliable economic engine moving our state forward."
The U.S. Department of Energy designated October as National Energy Awareness Month in an effort to emphasize the importance of energy and energy production to U.S. national economic prosperity, security and quality of life.