It's an unusual and unlikely solution for the oil spill in the Gulf: human hair. It's being collected all over MidMichigan to sop up the spill. Even students are getting involved.
"Brendel Bulldogs Save the Sea," it's the motto, message, and motivation of Grand Blanc's Brendel Elementary.
The gym stage is now a salon, with hair hitting the floor.
First grader Maggie Jackson says, "I'm going cut off an inch of my hair to save the sea turtles because that's my mom's favorite animal."
Second grader Cody Burton says, "I'm going to get a mohawk.
Here's how it works, nylon material is collected, along with hair. Together, they make what's called a hair mat or boom, which sops up oil.
First grade teacher Tara Stimac, whose brother is volunteering for the cleanup effort, says "Greasy hair means that hair absorbs oil. That's why we shampoo."
Six hundred inches of hair is the goal. As of 10:00AM, it was up to 100 inches. Of 19 classes, there was still 17 more to go.
Those who donated hair received a certificate of appreciation and a one-day pass to the Genesys Athletic Club.
Someone anonymously donated the money to send the hair to the Gulf.
