Q. What does eye makeup, aspirin, your ski jacket, Halloween candy,
and water bottles all have in common?

A: Petroleum!

From deodorant to Red Hots to crayons and more, petroleum runs more than just your car. All of these items have significant components that are derived from the same stuff you fill up your car’s tank with. In fact, according to the US Energy Information Administration, one 42-gallon barrel of oil produces about 19 gallons of gasoline and 10 gallons of diesel. The rest – over 30% — winds up in everyday products you depend upon.

Take a look at some of these beneficial uses of petroleum:

  • Asphalt– The roads and highways you drive on are made, in part, from petroleum.
  • High-Tech Fabrics– From coats to panty hose, you are wearing oil around for both function and fashion.
  • Birthday Candles– Did you know you celebrate your kids’ birthdays by burning a petroleum product?
  • Deodorant– Many deodorants are derived from crude – for which we should all be thankful!
  • Makeup– Whether you are covering up a blemish or walking the stage like Katy Perry, much of the cosmetics you use come from underground.
  • Detergents– Clean, fresh laundry smell – brought to you by your nearest oil refinery.
  • Crayons– That big box of 64 crayons you used as a kid? You guess it – derived from oil.
  • Lubricants– All kinds of lubricants, including automotive oil and household penetrating oil, all come from petroleum.
  • Household Cleaners– Ammonia and isopropyl alcohol – among others – are derived from crude oil, making floors and kitchens sparkle everywhere.
  • Vinyl– Vinyl, which is used in products from records to house siding and from signs to flooring, is also a byproduct of petroleum.
  • Medicine– One of the most beneficial uses for petroleum is as a key component of many medicines and synthetic vitamins. It is also used extensively in the healthcare industry, from petroleum jelly to making up many of the instruments and even replacement body parts used by doctors.

This list goes on and on. In fact, it’s hard to find an area of society where petroleum does not play a vital role. So the next time someone talks about how important it is to be petroleum free, look them in the eye, smile, and say, “I really like your makeup.”