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Writer's pictureFrances Yeager

šŸ—From Pipelines to Pumpkin Pie: How Oil Powers ThanksgivingšŸ›¢ļø

Updated: 10 minutes ago

Ah, Thanksgivingā€”the time of year when we gather with loved ones, overindulge in pie, and awkwardly explain to distant relatives what we actually doĀ in the petroleum industry. But hereā€™s a nugget to share at the dinner table: without petroleum, your turkey feast might look a lot different. Thatā€™s right, the oil and gas world plays a starring (though often behind-the-scenes) role in everything from farming to leftovers. Letā€™s gobble up some fun facts about how we help make Thanksgiving possible. šŸ¦ƒāœØ


1. Growing the Feast: Weā€™re in the Dirt!

You donā€™t need to be on a farm to know that feeding America starts with growing the goodsā€”and it's right there in the soil.

Illustration of a corn cob driving a tractor, thanking natural gas for producing fertilizers essential to agriculture and Thanksgiving harvests.

  • Natural Gas = Fertilizer Gold: The ammonia in fertilizers that helps grow corn, beans, and wheat? Thatā€™s straight from natural gas. Without it, those fields wouldnā€™t be so bountiful.

  • Diesel-Powered Harvests: Tractors, combines, and all the gear that keeps those crops coming? They guzzle diesel like your uncle guzzles gravy.


So next time someone digs into that basket of buttery rolls, remind them it started with petroleum helping farmers do their thing. šŸŒ½šŸšœ


2. Transporting the Thanksgiving Turkey: Pipelines to Plate

That turkey on the table didnā€™t just waddleĀ its way there. Getting Thanksgiving dinner from farm to grocery store takes serious logisticsā€”and our industry is powering every step.


Thanksgiving-themed fuel truck with a turkey mascot, highlighting the role of petroleum in holiday food logistics and transport.

  • Fueling the Supply Chain: Trucks, trains, and even ships depend on gasoline and diesel to move the goods. And pipelines? Theyā€™re the silent heroes delivering the fuel that keeps the system running smoothly. šŸš›

  • Cold Storage Superstars: Refrigerated trucks keeping those turkeys chilled? Petroleum byproducts are essential for insulation and coolant production.ā„ļø


Basically, without our industry, thereā€™d be a lot of hangry families out there. šŸ˜©


3. Leftovers? Thank Petroleum-based solutions!

Ah, the best part of Thanksgiving: leftovers. Whether itā€™s a turkey sandwich at midnight or pie for breakfast (no judgment), you can thank petrochemicals for keeping it all fresh.


Cartoon turkey wrapped in plastic, promoting the use of advanced materials to preserve Thanksgiving leftovers like pies and meals.

  • Plastic Containers & Wrap: Those trusty Tupperware lids and cling films are made with petroleum-based materials. Without them, your leftover game would be dry as an overcooked stuffing! šŸ˜ž

  • Can Linings & Food Packaging: Even the cans of cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie filling rely on petroleum-based coatings to keep things safe and tasty.

The unsung heroes of snack time. šŸ„§āœØ


4. Warm Homes and Cozy Vibes? Thatā€™s Us!

Thanksgiving isnā€™t just about the foodā€”itā€™s about the warmth, the ambiance, and the cozy family moments. And guess what? Petroleumā€™s got a hand in that, too.


Illustration of a family enjoying Thanksgiving by a fireplace, reflecting on how petroleum contributes to warmth, food, and decorations.

  • Home Heating: Whether itā€™s natural gas or heating oil, weā€™re keeping those special Thanksgiving dinners warm and toasty.

  • Candles & Decor: Those adorable pumpkin-scented candles? Made with paraffin wax, straight from petroleum.

  • Synthetic Sweaters & Tablecloths: All those festive touchesā€”from your favorite ugly sweater to the table runnerā€”often feature petroleum-derived synthetic fibers.

Weā€™re basically the elves of Thanksgiving comfort. šŸŽ„ (Oops, wrong holidayā€”but you get the idea.)


5. The Pipeline to Gratitude

Working in oil and gas, itā€™s easy to focus on the big stuffā€”pipelines, rigs, and refinery projects. But Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder of how our industry touches everyday life in ways most people donā€™t even realize.


Cartoon oil rig dressed as a turkey, symbolizing how petroleum contributes to the production and delivery of Thanksgiving dinner.

From farm fuel to leftovers, oil-derived resources are woven into the fabric of Thanksgiving and the whole holiday season. So when youā€™re carving that turkey or reheating those mashed potatoes, take a moment to feel proud. Youā€™re part of the industry that keeps the feast flowing.


Hereā€™s to You, Oil and Gas Heroes!

This Thanksgiving, as you gather with your crew (and maybe sneak in a second slice of pie, I will be šŸ˜‰), remember the role you play in fueling this holiday. From pipelines to pumpkin pie, our industry keeps Americaā€™s favorite traditions alive.

Happy Thanksgiving from one proud petroleum professional to another! šŸ¦ƒ


Illustration of a sad turkey with text highlighting the importance of advanced materials like plastic wrap and containers for preserving leftovers.
Without advanced materials like plastic wrap and storage containers, your leftovers wouldnā€™t stand a chanceā€”thanksgiving for technology

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