Hair, feathers used to soak up oil spill

? Volunteers in the Philippines are getting shorn to save the shore. The cast-off clippings of human hair are going to be used to help mop up oil from a disastrous spill that has fouled beaches, coral reefs and mangrove swamps.

Faced with its worst-ever oil spill and scant funds, the Philippines turned to the low-tech campaign after a tanker sank and began leaking bunker oil three weeks ago off Guimaras Island. The province is known for its beach resorts and pristine marine reserves.

The Southeast Asian nation plans to put cast-off clippings of human hair from salon owners and other volunteers in permeable sacks for use as improvised booms to contain the oil.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered a government task force to set up collection centers for hair and chicken feathers, which also are being used, along with straw and other natural materials.