Detergent, Dollars, Hair: Ways to Lend The Gulf a Helping Hand

That river of oil just keeps pouring forth in the Gulf, and with it flows a whole bunch of bad news. It is hard not to feel helpless when watching the slow spreading of the slicks across the blue waters, the leading edge stretching ever closer to the shorelines of wildlife refuges and fishing ports. While none of us can go and plug the leak or sop up all that toxic goo, there are ways we can help.  So take a minute to put some of that frustration into action. Among others, a recent article in Yahoo news provides a good overview of how. Here's a quick breakdown:

1. For those who live in the Gulf: help report information on where and how the spill is affecting wildlife by sending in reports and photos through Networked Organisms And Habitats (NOAH).  And yes, there's an app for that.  You can also report oiled wildlife by calling the the Wildlife Reporting Hotline at 866-557-1401.

2. Also for local residents: you can volunteer to help clean up beaches or help with cleaning up wildlife (though don't do this without training) by registering with the Oil Spill Volunteer network. With thousands of people offering to volunteer their time and services, this is a great way to make sure your time and efforts will be coordinated and put to the best use.

3. For those not living near the Gulf: stay home.  Instead of spending money to travel to the site, you can donate that money to organizations already active in the region who have the knowledge and personnel on the ground ready to go and just need financial support.  These include: The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisianna, Mobile BayKeeper, Audubon Society, and the National Wildlife Federation.

4. Make a non-monetary donation. The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is looking for everything from linens to kennels to detergent. And speaking of detergent, Dawn will donate $1 to animal rescue organizations for every bottle purchased online (hey other brands out there—especially the environmental ones, you know who you are—why not get on board with this?)

5. Cut your hair, shave the poodle, trim the cat and save the trimmings. And then ship them to the Gulf stuffed in an old pair of nylons.  That's right, those luxurious locks are fantastic for wicking oil out of water, helping to filter the greasy grime before it collects on beaches.  The organization Matter of Trust is collecting human and animal hair to stuff into nylons and create giant barricades to place along the coast.  You can donate your hair or nylons, or if you live nearby, offer to help stuff.  Don't forget to pass the word to your local salon. SuperCuts to the rescue!

6.Put the pressure on politicians to ban offshore drilling once and for all.  President Obama has put a moratorium on future drilling, but it is still uncertain whether new projects may begin.  You can join the effort here and urge the President to lead the country into a new energy economy that is cleaner and safer for people and the planet.

Thanks for your help.

Photo credit: xJasonRogersx