Moberly hair helps efforts to contain gulf oil spill

Merrell University staff shows off the hair they have collected in the last few days that will go to form hair booms to help contain the oil spill on the Gulf coast. Staff is from left, Alisha Wiley, Nicole Kinghorn, Megan Shoop, Melinda Kerns and Lori Davidson.

The April 20 explosion of an oil rig in the Gulf is leaving people in a frenzy trying to determine the best way to contain the oil spill and save fragile life in the area.

An organization called Matter of Trust has found a way to help and give others throughout the country an opportunity to lend a hand, as well. The group is collecting hair and nylons, among other items, to make hair containment booms. These booms are used on the shore to attract the oil. The staff at Merrell University in Moberly is pitching in by collecting hair and sending it to be used in the cause.

“Hair absorbs oil,” said Marcy Oliva, director of education at Merrell University. “I think this is a cool, cool thing and I’m really excited about doing this.”

Saving the gulf shore is especially significant for Oliva because she is a native of Buloxi, Miss., which is a coastal community.

“That’s my home,” said Oliva. “A lot of people’s livelihood could be affected by this and if we can, we want to help take care of them.”

Collecting hair is a small thing for her business since it is something they have in abundance that is generally thrown away. When she heard what the people at Matter of Trust were doing she decided to sign up immediately. They have collected hair for a week and plan to do it as long as possible, according to Oliva.

“It just goes in the trash. Why not use it?” she asked. “I think this program is a fantastic thing.”