This is how Mexico City uses tons of hair to clean its waters
Despite motorboats being prohibited in the famous canals of Xochimilco, in the southern part of Mexico City, the uncontrolled growth of the metropolis and human activities around it have caused an environmental crisis that threatens endemic species and compromises water quality.
TL;DR
- Xochimilco canals in Mexico City are suffering from an environmental crisis due to urban growth and human activities.
- The environmental organization Matter of Trust is using human hair to clean the polluted canals.
- Hair is effective at absorbing oil, grease, hydrocarbons, fecal coliforms, and heavy metals.
- After absorbing pollutants, the hair can be used as compost for chinampa farming, improving soil quality and reducing water usage.
- This initiative has united agricultural communities, environmentalists, and hairdressers, with one salon chain collecting 100 kilos of hair.