A non-profit group in Taiwan is launching a drive to collect hair trimmings and tights for use as sorbents in the event of an oil spill, two legislators said Wednesday.
Hair salons and tights manufacturers are urged to join the drive, which will start Thursday, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Tang Hui-jane (???) said at a press conference.
In some other countries, people have been stuffing pantyhose with hair trimmings to make oil booms, Tang noted, adding that studies have shown 1 kilogram of human hair can absorb 8 kg of oil.
Oil spills are usually reported near Taiwan every year as a result of tanker ship accidents, while oil is also discharged into the sea from offshore installations and coastal refineries, she said.
The collection drive for hair trimmings and stockings will be launched on Sept. 1, ahead of World Cleanup Day on Sept. 17, which was started by the people of Estonia to tackle the waste problem and create a more sustainable environment, according to DPP lawmaker Lai Pin-yu (???).
In addition, an art exhibition will be held at Taipei Xin Zhong Shan Park from Sept. 29 to Oct. 10 to showcase art works made from discarded hair, said Lai, head of the non-profit Asian Arts & Cultural Creation Industry Development Association, which is one of the organizers of the collection drive.
World Cleanup Day is observed annually on the third Saturday in September.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel