The strange creations are made by stuffing hair into recycled nylons.

The hair booms are used to absorb oil left behind from oil spills.

One Clearfield County woman is doing her part to help in the cleanup efforts.

Melinda Hughes-Wert donated hair left over from a recent trim in Clearfield.

Hughes-Wert runs a environmental group based in Clearfield County, called Nature Abounds.

One group, Matter of Trust, is collecting hair to use in the Gulf of Mexico.

They're looking for donations from salons across the country.

The idea is even generating some interest in salons in Clearfield County.

The following are just a few things Melinda Hughes-Wert said residents can do to help efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Let your government officials know your feelings about oil and other natural resource extraction, and that if they’re going to allow it, then it must be done responsibly and with proper oversight. You can do this by making a call or writing a letter. You can also make a difference by writing to your local newspaper.

Donate money. If you choose to donate money to a larger nonprofit thinking that they’re working on the ground in the Gulf, unfortunately this is not often the case and the money actually goes to their general fund. If you prefer, you can send donations to Nature Abounds (online at www.natureabounds.org or mail to P.O. Box 241, Clearfield PA 16830). The donations will then be funneled to groups that we know are truly working on the ground such as Save Our Seabirds or the Audubon National Zoo and Aquarium in New Orleans.

DONATE SUPPLIES. Some groups working on the ground are looking for supplies. For example, Matter of Trust is asking for nylons as well as hair and fur clippings to use in hair booms to soak up oil. Save Our Seabirds are requesting a variety of supplies from ink cartridges to crayons to gift cards."