Janell Loving
Action expresses priorities ~ Gandhi
On April 20th, an explosion on a BP oil rig caused an underwater pipe to begin
gushing millions of gallons of crude oil into the Gulf Coast.The spill is developing into a national disaster of epic proportions. The best estimates are still, as of May 20
just that - estimates. This causes me great angst. I am intimately
familiar with the Gulf Coast area. I spent a very formative year in
Pensacola, Florida. During that year, I met an amazing community of
people, and they in turn helped me (an inexperienced, naïve, native
New Mexican) not only survive, but weather hurricane Ivan. That
experience fostered a better understanding for me of what it means to
be a part of a local/global community.
I
have been spending a lot of time watching, reading and absorbing all
of the information being released on everything related to the oil
spill and its effect on the Gulf Coast, all the while wondering what
I can do to help.
The
non-profit organization Matter
of Trust based
in San Francisco, in conjunction with salons across the country, is making it possible
for all of us to participate in the cleanup efforts underway in the
Gulf Coast. Salons can donate cut hair to be used as stuffing in
huge nylon booms. The stuffed booms will then be used to help soak up
the oil and act as barriers along the Gulf Coast shores.
I
got my hair cut today. I definitely needed the cut, a little overall
shaping and a quick pick-me-up for the summer. As my stylist was
finishing up, we began discussing the ripple effect this one small
action can have overall. It felt good knowing that I was
participating in efforts to protect the local landscape of the Gulf
Coast and beyond.
Check
with your local Joy
of Spa salon
member to see if they are participating in the Gulf Coast oil spill
clean up. It is an easy and effective way for each of us to
participate in our local community and effect change globally.
Sources:
NPR: Sopping Up An Oil Slick With Castaway Hair
Boston Herald: Spas donate hair to gulf oil cleanup
Matter of Trust
