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May 1, 2009 5:56 pm US/Central
Salons Start Recycling Hair To Help Environment
(WCCO)
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Taj Salon owners got the idea for hair recycling from the Aveda Institute. Taj will even take clippings and foils from other salons for recycling.
CBS
Ever wonder what happens to all that hair left on the floor after you get a haircut?
Most of the time it goes nowhere but the landfill, but a salon in Brooklyn Park is trying to change that. The salon is recycling hair clippings and hair foils. The hair reuse may sound new, but it's actually a concept that's been around for decades.
Color is a big part of any hair salon, but at Taj Salon in Brooklyn Park, Minn., the color of choice is green.
"We already do our cardboard, paper, plastics. You name it, we recycle it. So, we're just trying to take it to the next level," said Tasia Ashton, co-owner of Taj Salon.
The salon is recycling hair foils. About 30 pieces of foil are used on each head of hair, but that's not all that's coming out in the wash -- all of the hair clippings collected at the salon also get recycled.
The owners of Taj said they are trying to set a trend.
"We cut about a pound of hair a day and there's 300,000 salons in the U.S.," said Andria Strandin, co-owner of Taj. "So, the more people that start doing recycling acts the better. We'll make a difference in the world."
Every other week, the salon sends the hair to an organization called Matters of Trust in San Francisco. They make the hair into mats used for picking up oil spills worldwide.
The idea first got started 20 years ago after the Exxon Valdez spill. Ashton said it makes sense to use hair for this purpose.
"The reason you shampoo your hair is because it gets oily and greasy. So, hair is really good at collecting oil off of surfaces, the air and water."
After they are used, the mats become compost, which becomes fertilizer.
The owners hope doing their part at the salon will help make permanent change. Customers also said it makes them feel good inside and out.
"I think it's a wonderful program. For as much hair as I have, I'd like to see it go somewhere where they could use it," said customer Mary Kashmark.
Taj Salon owners got the idea for hair recycling from the Aveda Institute. Taj will even take clippings and foils from other salons for recycling.
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