The ocean needs us—and this time you can help in a very simple way. A hair drive will be held in Mexico City to help clean up the oil spill affecting the Gulf of Mexico.
The initiative is organized by various activist groups. Its goal is to collect human hair (and also pet hair) to make absorbent barriers that help remove oil from the water.
Yes, you read that right: that hair you usually throw away can become a key tool for saving ecosystems.
Why does hair help clean up oil?
Although it may sound surprising, hair is a highly effective material for absorbing hydrocarbons. Its structure allows it to trap oil without absorbing water, making it an ideal tool for cleaning up contaminated seas and coastlines.
In fact, 1 kilogram of hair can absorb up to 8 liters of oil, so even small donations can have a big impact on the recovery of affected ecosystems like those in the Gulf of Mexico.
This method has already been used in various parts of the world as a sustainable, accessible, and effective alternative for dealing with oil spills.
You can donate loose hair, hair from a haircut, or even your pets’ hair
One of the best things about this collection drive is that practically any type of hair works. You can bring:
- Loose hair
- Hair from a brush
- Hair from a haircut
- Braids
- Pet hair (clean and dry)
The hair must be clean and dry; any length works, and it doesn’t have to be tied up. It can be hair from your comb, but not from the shower or hair dryer.
You can drop off the hair in a plastic bag, box, or inside a mesh bag made from nylon stockings to save time.
Additionally, if you don’t have hair to donate, you can donate cleanup supplies such as : shovels, rakes, organic gas masks, rubber and industrial boots, nylon stockings, and jute mesh.
You can also support the effort with financial donations, which will be used to purchase materials for the cleanup process.
This initiative takes on even greater significance considering that, according to environmental organizations, the oil spill has impacted more than 630 kilometers of coastline in the Gulf of Mexico, affecting ecosystems and coastal communities.
The goal is to send all the collected material to Veracruz, one of the areas most affected by this environmental crisis.
📍Mexico City, southern zone: Pétalo 66, Col. El Reloj 04690, Coyoacán
📱Brenda Hernández (272 185 5954)
📅 March 30 and 31
⏰6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
📍Mexico City, northern area: Tezozómoc Park , Azcapotzalco
📱Francesca López (56 1155 7696)
📅 March 26, 27, and 28
⏰8:00–10:00 a.m.
