Teaching the next generation about oil spills and safety isn’t for the faint of heart. Children’s attention spans are generally focused on right now, which was true even before the Age of Screens. But one ecological nonprofit is turning this assumption on its well washed ear.

Matter of Trust.org is a group of eco enthusiasts focused on “man-made surplus, natural abundance, and eco-education.” Founder Lisa Gautier, a mother herself, delights in teaching the next generation about oil spill clean up through her Clean Wave of the Future program, whichteaches childrenhow to make natural fiber booms out of large-scale waste fiber recycling: clippings of hair from salons, fur from pet groomers, fleece and feathers from farmers, even laundry lint.

The program includes a class handout that begins with discussion:

• What are the sources of oil spills?
• What is their environmental impact?
• How are they cleaned up?
• What are the social, economic and logistical benefits of using natural fiber booms?

Divided into groups, each student group then creates a boom, tests its efficacy, and writes and presents a report of their methods and results. Pretty cool spill clean up training, isn’t it?

Eco Spill Clean Up for Everyone

At Impact Absorbents, we applaud Matter of Trust on their eco-education and renewables focus for future generations. We’ve also taken a non-toxic approach to creating spill containment and spill clean up products with future generations (of animals and plants, as well as people) in mind.

For instance,XSORB Select Oil Absorbent Bi-Boomis an oil spill clean up favorite. Itremoves all petroleum-based products in the marine environment, including waterways, holding ponds, boating areas, contaminated barrels, sumps, and more, leaving only clean water behind.It’s environmentally friendly, absorbs four times its weight, and is licensed as an oil spill cleanup agent by the California Department of Fish and Game.

Our XSORB and FiberDucksocksare similarly effective and eco-safe, as are ourFiberDuck Oil Absorbent Split Rolls. Whatever product you choose to keep our waterways healthy and safe this season (and for seasons to come), you’re making a safe, healthy decision for the environment, and for those who come after you.

As Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young sang, teach your children well. And they’ll make good spill cleanup and safety decisions when it’s their turn.