Out of curiosity, I searched to know what recyclable materials humans produce. Many will know that human waste can be converted into biogas and plant manure, and there are many ways in which human hair can be recycled to produce different materials like artificial hair, bags, dresses etc,

But many would be surprised to know that human hair can be used as fertilizer for plants. After all human hair is organic!

Why Hair makes a Fertilizer? Hair is made up of keratin, a type of protein. When protein decomposes in soil or compost, it releases nitrogen, which is essential for the growth of plants. However hair decomposes very slowly. It takes about a month to decompose enough for plants to be able to use the nutrients. So it is good for plants like herbs and shrubs which grow slowly.

Simply bury some hair clippings loosely in pot or throw them in compost pile along with other organic garbage. It will decompose and make up the nitrogen content of compost. The healthier the hair, free from chemicals, the better the fertilizer.

Hair is used for recycling in Fashion and Cosmetics Industry for making Wigs, Hair Extensions, Eyelashes, Moustaches, Beards, Beauty Accessories, Cosmetic Brushes, in Agriculture as fertilizer, Pest Control, Reinforcement of Construction Materials,  Molded Furniture and objects, Oil-Water Separation and Oil Spill Remediation, Removing Phenols, Aldehydes, Dyes, and Heavy Metal Pollutants from Water, in Pharmaceuticals industry,  Hydrolyzed Hair Keratin, Suturing Material in Surgery etc.

Interesting fact: Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, the richest temple in India sells the annual hair offering from its devotees and raises  nearly 30 to 40 million US Dollars.