Are you or your pet in need of some grooming?  If so, you could help save many plants and animal lives along the Gulf of Mexico.

     A donation effort of human hair, pet fur, and bird feathers is currently being coordinated by the ecological charity ... "Matter of Trust", in response to the recent oil spill in the Gulf.  

     Hundreds of thousands of pounds of donated hair, fur, and feathers are being collected in the Gulf Coast states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida, where volunteers are in turn making "booms"  ... stuffed nylon stockings that get doubled-up and tied together. 

     These booms are then used to surround, soak up, or contain the BP oil spill.  Volunteers unbelievably are packing about a mile of boom per session, according to a "Matter of Trust" spokesperson.

     As of this writing, oil was still gushing from the underwater well that ruptured about 3 weeks ago.  Approximately 3.5 million gallons of oil has already escaped as a result, leaving the marshes, wildlife, and human population along the Gulf Coast exposed and vulnerable to horrific damage.  

     Environmentalist and ecologists fear that oil-soaked animals and vegetation will be terribly weakened, and the entire ecosystem along the coastal areas could be fundamentally changed as a result of this spill. Plants that are coated with heavy oil essentially lose their ability to "breathe" and the marshes could quite literally suffocate.  Roots of plants would be killed as well, causing erosion of the soil back into the Gulf waters ... a serious problem along the entire coast, but most specifically in Louisiana.

     If the plants and organisms living in the soil are killed, there is a deadly trickle-down effect to fish and birds.  Humans will also be greatly effected in both a direct and indirect way ... if the oil is not stopped ahead of reaching the marshes, wetlands, and coast.

    That is where we all can help ... by getting a simple haircut or pet grooming at a participating business you can participate and make a difference regarding this cause.  So easily done! 

     Salons and groomers can offer to help by signing-up at Matter of Trust's website: www.matteroftrust.org.   PLEASE ASK YOUR SALON OR PET GROOMER TO TAKE PART in this very important cause.  Have them contact "Matter of Trust" today.   

     Help beautiful yourself, your pet, and keep the Gulf Coast safe and healthy all at the same time!