Nonprofit Matter Of Trust Uses Donations Of Hair, Fur To Clean Up Gulf Oil Spill

One nonprofit has an innovative solution for cleaning up the massive oil spill on the Gulf Coast, using the ultimate renewable resource: human hair. Since its founding in 1998, Matter of Trust has collected donations of human hair and animal fur to clean up after the thousands of oil spills that happen each year. The hair and fur donations are made into mats and booms, which use old nylon stockings to keep clippings together.

Each day, 300,000 pounds of hair and fur are cut in hair salons across the United States. Unneeded hair and fur can be sent to Matter of Trust's headquarters to be assembled into resources that will help clean up Louisiana waters following the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Donations are pouring in from every state in the country to aid the clean up process.

Individuals can organize "hair-raising" events in their communities to collect donations or speak to locate hair stylists and pet groomers about sending in the leftover hair and fur.

A video from Matter of Trust explains how the process works:

Look for more ways to help with the clean up efforts on the Gulf Coast.