The volunteers have been mobilized! Dee will bring a labeled and covered plastic bin (ex-kitty litter container) to the shelter tomorrow and people can contribute whatever animal or human hair they can make available. Dee will take responsibility for getting it where it needs to go. People with questions can email Dee at billanddee@clear.net
Current Affairs
05/17/2010
Cats contribute to Gulf Oil Spill clean up efforts!
How can cats help with the Gulf oil spill clean up effort?
Interesting that you should ask! The Oregonian recently ran an article describing how donated hair and fur from salons and pet groomers can be used to help clean up oil spills. This is done two different ways. One is to weave the hair and fur into mats which are used like sponges to mop up the oil by volunteers. The second way is to put hair and fur into nylons and use them as "booms" which are thrown into the water and soak up the oil, allowing water to filter through.
There is an organization called Matter of Trust that is organizing the donations of hair, fur, wool, and nylons for this project. The hair that is collected and not used for oil spill clean ups is used in organic gardening. Hair and fur is a natural method of preventing deer and other wild animals from munching on your crops. They don't like the smell of other animals and humans. The hair also biodegrades, providing nitrogen, proteins and other nutrients to vegetables and flower gardens.
Now there's a good reason to brush your kitties!
House of Dreams volunteers, especially those that groom the kitties at the shelter, can work together to start collecting fur for the cause. (but you don't have to go to this extreme!)
