Transforming Trash: The Power of Repurposing Organic Waste: Video

Our planet faces numerous environmental challenges, but innovative solutions can make a real difference. One such solution is the repurposing of organic waste materials that are often discarded without a second thought.

In this presentation, ReWild Summer Program Student Organizer Dora Fields explores how organic waste, particularly human hair, can be transformed into valuable resources that contribute to sustainability efforts. Human hair, instead of ending up in landfills, can be repurposed to clean up oil spills, remediate contaminated soil, and more. This not only reduces waste but also helps protect our environment.

Through the Strands for Sustainability initiative founded by Dora, youth ambassadors to collect hair from local salons and send it to organizations that repurpose it for environmental benefits. This grassroots effort not only fosters environmental stewardship but also offers young people a hands-on opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Strands for Sustainability was founded by Dora Fields, an avid environmentalist with a passion for hair. After regularly donating her hair to various organizations from the age of five, she began to wonder how anyone could let the valuable organic material of cut hair go to waste. As she got more involved in environmental issues, she began to see its uses and its potential to make a big impact in how we fight climate change. Dora is currently a junior in high school in New York.