It’s our time to help Japan. What will you do?

Japan’s nuclear disaster is one of those topics that is almost too painful to bear– one of those news stories that some people can’t even read about. Why? We are terrified? We are terrified for the people exposed to the nuclear radiation. We are terrified for the eco-systems and oceans. And we are terrified for our own safety.

It reminds me of the development of the green movement. At first, there was horrible, dooming news about the devastation of the planet earth, the hole in the ozone, dying plant and animal species. The reports were so alarming and terrifying we had to cover our eyes. But over time, we were able to look and then—act!

We joined non-profits dedicated to saving the environment. We donated money. We lobbied elected officials and we spoke with our pocketbook, buying products that supported our values.

This is what we can do with the nuclear and greater tragedy in Japan. Yes, it is frightening. But we can and we must act. We can send money, we can send prayers, we can lobby elected officials to protect against the threat of nuclear radiation in the United States.

I am currently looking for organizations in Japan to donate to. They need to be grass roots and directly related to the people. Please share any names of organizations, links or other information that you feel will be helpful. Also, please share what you will do to help?

The below photograph is of Mr. Yamazaki, our Japanese distributor. He is “camping” out at the Narita Airport in Tokyo, the night of the earthquake. He was on a trip to visit EO at the Natural Products Expo last weekend. He made it, although delayed. We’ve had a wonderful relationship with Mr. Yamazaki, as well as many stores and people in Japan for 8+ years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

The following is from Mr. Yamazaki:

On the date, March 11^th, Japan time, I was at the Narita airport to visit the United States.

While waiting for the checking in, the quake occurred but it was felt small so the people didn’t take it seriously.

As it became bigger, man was just being rocked up and down but nothing else, after a loud rumbling of the earth.

To make the matters worse, it lasted for a few minutes. That was just a scene from hell, away beyond expression.

When it weakened, the Narita airport announced an evacuation from all of the buildings and made people gather at the parking lots for safety.

Beneath cold sky, people were just praying for its end.

On that day, approx. 10,000 passengers stayed the whole night at the airport, with a bottle of water and a cracker rationings, since all the public transportations stopped. There were battles to get a sleeping bag, blanket and even card board to stay warm under the cutting cold wind.

There was no telephone communication with family members, any enough food / drink, not enough bed clothes. All people could do was struggle with a sense of fear.

Approx. 12 hours after dawn, the airport announced the embarkation under a number of continuing powerful aftershock conditions.

Even though me and my family luckily could stay alive, it’s very much heartbreaking for all our fellow people who got killed and disaster victims.