One surprising hero in the fight against pollution is hair—yes, human hair. This natural, biodegradable resource is proving to be an effective tool in cleaning up oil spills. At Green Salon Collective, we are passionate about turning waste into valuable resources, and hair is one such incredible asset.
How Does Hair Help?
Human hair has a unique structure that makes it exceptionally good at adsorbing oil. When hair is used to combat oil spills, it can adsorb large amounts of oil, effectively reducing the spread of the pollutant and aiding in the clean-up process.
Using hair to clean up oil spills is not only effective but also highly sustainable. Hair is a renewable resource; we all produce it naturally and regularly, and salons generate a significant amount of it as waste. By collecting and repurposing hair clippings from salons, we can divert waste from landfills and contribute to environmental protection efforts.
At Green Salon Collective, we are committed to sustainability and finding innovative ways to repurpose salon waste. Our Hair Recycling Programme collects hair clippings from salons across the UK and Ireland. These clippings are then transformed into hair mats and booms used in oil spill clean-up efforts. By participating in our programme, salons can ensure their waste hair is put to good use, supporting environmental initiatives and reducing their carbon footprint.
Real-World Impact
The use of hair in oil spill clean-ups is not just theoretical. It has been successfully employed in various oil spill incidents worldwide. For example, during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, volunteers used hair booms to help contain the spread of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. More recently, hair mats have been used to clean up smaller spills in harbours and marinas, showcasing their versatility and effectiveness
If you're interested in learning more about our Hair Recycling Programme or getting involved, please get in touch here. Let's turn waste into a resource and protect our planet, one strand at a time.