As you may have read in my post last week, the non-profit organization Matter of Trust has been collecting donated hair to make hair mats and booms to aid oil spill cleanups. They've aided in cleanups off the Galapagos Islands, San Francisco Bay, and they're currently creating some for use in the Gulf Coast oil spill.
After the mats and booms are used to soak up the oil, they'll be properly cleaned so they can be safely composted.
Many salons in the Tampa Bay area have been getting on the bandwagon by collecting donated hair and nylons, which will then be sent out to be made into hair booms to aid in the oil spill cleanup. Participating salons include: Toni & Guy Salon in International Plaza Mall in Tampa, Kennedy Salon & Day Spa on Howard Avenue in Tampa, and the Aveda Institute in Downtown St. Petersburg. (If you know of any other salons accepting similar donations, please let us know in the comment box below.)
So what exactly is a hair boom and how is it made? Well, you're in luck because Matter of Trust has just released this hair boom 'how-to' video (below) with introduction by founder Lisa Gautier.
This article appears in May 5-11, 2010.