Strands for Sustainability

At Strands for Sustainability, we turn waste into a resource and empower the next generation of environmental leaders. Our mission is simple yet impactful: to repurpose hair waste from salons and use it for environmental good. We believe that with the right tools and support, youth can lead the way in creating a more sustainable future. Each year, millions of pounds of hair end up in landfills, contributing to the growing problem of organic waste. Hair takes a long time to decompose and, in the process, releases harmful methane gases. Strands for Sustainability aims to change this by collecting and repurposing hair waste for eco-friendly applications, such as cleaning up oil spills and soil remediation. We partner with organizations like Matter of Trust, which specializes in using hair to create sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. At the heart of our initiative is the Youth Ambassador Program. We empower middle and high school students with the knowledge and resources they need to collect hair from local salons and send it to our partner organizations. Ambassadors gain valuable community service hours, develop leadership skills, and become part of a network of passionate environmentalists. By involving youth, we ensure that the next generation is equipped to tackle environmental issues head-on. Students sign up to become Youth Ambassadors through our website. Ambassadors follow our step-by-step instructions to collect, package, and send the collected hair to our partners to be used for various environmental applications. Since our inception, Strands for Sustainability has collected and donated over 700 inches of hair. Our efforts have not only reduced waste but also provided a valuable resource for environmental cleanup and restoration projects. We are proud to be building a community of eco-conscious youth who are making a real difference.