Now this may seem unlikely but it is a real opportunity to help out!

The continuing undersea oil gusher in the Gulf of Mexico will do profound damage over a long period of time. That is unavoidable now. But, believe it or not, your hair can help.

Human and animal hair and fur absorb oil quite effectively, and hair donations are sought by an existing, reliable organization that makes oil-spill hair mats. Really.

The group is http://www.matteroftrust.org/

They can also use nylon donations - since that is part of the process.

Hair salons, schools, and individuals can all be a big help in this way. It takes a few moments to register at their site and get started. Well worth it.

Here are some sample instructions you will find on that site http://www.matteroftrust.org/ after you register. ( just to give you a little preview of how easy it is)

- NEXT, set aside a designated box (salons usually reuse a box in which shampoo was delivered)

- line the box with a plastic garbage bag so hair/fur can't slip out

- ideally, donate shampoed hair (but certainly don't include filthy hair / fur)

- any length is fine

- every type of hair is fine (straight, curly, all colors, dyed, permed, straightened...) but only HEAD hair, please!

- every type of fur / waste wool is fine

- sweep in all clippings, JUST HAIR, but please NO OTHER GARBAGE (gum, metal clips, paper cups, wrappers...)

- remember volunteers (sometimes young students) have to stuff this hair into booms and don't want to feel garbage or anything sharp

- tie the top of the bag and tape the box shut

- we also accept washed, used (even with runs) nylon stocking donations in a separate bag, please.

- we also accept other "natural fibers" horse hair, feathers... again, please, no other garbage or contaminants in with the hair/fur/ wool fibers...

- mark the boxes DEBRIS FREE HAIR / FUR or NYLONS

- mail boxes in to the address below:

Mailing address for hair clippings and nylon donations:

WE ARE CURRENTLY SENDING ALL DONATIONS TO THE GULF SPILL. ONCE YOU ARE ON EXCESS ACCESS YOU WILL RECEIVE ADDRESSES WHERE BOOMS ARE BEING MADE - FOLLOWING THE MOVEMENT OF THE CURRENTS CARRYING THE OIL.

Just check out the site, you will see what to do: http://www.matteroftrust.org/