How to Help the Gulf
In the wake of the catastrophic oil spill, we identified six ways to help right now—from volunteering time, to giving to effective non-profits, to donating human hair to sop up the oil. Find out more!
AP Photo
In the wake of the catastrophic oil spill, we identified six ways to help right now—from volunteering time, to giving to effective wildlife non-profits, to donating human hair to sop up the oil. Find out more! Plus: Click here to see stunning photographs of Gulf animals under attack, and here to read the best local blog posts and tweets from the Gulf region. Join our Facebook group on the Gulf catastrophe here.
• Matter of Trust is collecting hair from barbershops and salons, as well as old pantyhose, to create booms that absorb oil, preventing it from reaching the shore. Find out how to donate here.
• The National Wildlife Federation has sent a team of wildlife experts to assess the devastating impact of this unfolding tragedy on the region’s communities, wildlife, marshes, and wetlands. They are taking donations to help rescue otters, loggerhead sea turtles, brown pelicans, and 400 other species that live in the region.
Click Here to See Volunteers at Work in The Gulf
• Tri-State Bird and Rescue is overseeing the wildlife rehabilitation response along the Gulf Coast and working closely with many collaborating organizations. Call 1-800-557-1401 to report oiled or injured wildlife. People are urged not to attempt to help injured or oiled animals, but to report any sightings via the toll-free number. Learn more about volunteering here, and donate here.
• The Deepwater Horizon Response Volunteer Request Line has been established to organize and inform volunteers who want to help clean up beaches. If you can donate time or use of a vessel or equipment, call 1-866-448-5816.
• The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers for a variety of jobs, from oiled wildlife recovery to monitoring and photographing oil movement. Anyone with experience in dealing with wildlife handling, rehabilitation, or hazardous materials clean up is strongly encouraged to register as a volunteer here. Donate to the coalition here.
• Mobile Baykeeper is an environmental group focused on mitigating the spill’s impact in the Mobile, Alabama area. Email info@mobilebaykeeper.org if you can volunteer time or access to a boat. Donate to the group’s spill relief efforts here.