Clean Wave Programme: Protecting Our Future

At UNDERFOUND, we are passionate about avoiding waste and strive to be as close to carbon neutral as possible. The Hair Matters Programme presents a perfect opportunity to reduce waste while contributing to the preservation of biodiversity within our oceans.

The Hair Matters Programme by Matter of Trust stands as a vital initiative dedicated to the protection of our oceans and the promotion of marine conservation on a global scale. As our planet faces environmental changes of unprecedented magnitude, the health of our oceans has never been more crucial. This programme unites experts, activists, and communities in a shared commitment to preserving marine life and addressing the numerous threats facing our seas.

Matter of Trust focuses on several key areas: education, conservation, and advocacy. By raising awareness about the significance of marine ecosystems, the programme empowers individuals and communities to take action. Through educational workshops, youth engagement projects, and public campaigns, Ocean Matters is inspiring a new generation of ocean stewards who are passionate about safeguarding marine life.

The 'Hair Matters Programme' is a stand out public campaign around this initiative. Ocean Matters collects hair, fur, wool, and fleece to create felted mats, which are then used to soak up petrochemicals in storm drains, wells, filtration systems, rivers, and oceans. But why hair...?

“Hair is adsorbent, not absorbent,” explains Matter of Trust, the founders of the Hair Matters Programme. “Hair doesn’t swell up like a sponge; instead, oil coats the entire surface area of the hair. Because of its sheer volume, hair is a highly efficient material for this purpose.”

A 2018 study conducted by researchers at the University of Technology Sydney found that booms made from untreated human hair were “significantly better” at collecting crude oil pollution from water compared to materials like cotton by-products and cellulose.

Conservation is at the heart of the Ocean Matters programme. It supports various projects aimed at protecting endangered species, restoring damaged coral reefs, and reducing plastic pollution. These efforts not only help preserve the rich biodiversity of our oceans but also contribute to the overall health of the planet, as oceans play a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate.

In a world where the health of our oceans is increasingly under threat, the Ocean Matters programme is making a tangible impact. It serves as a reminder that the wellbeing of our oceans is deeply intertwined with our own. By taking action today, we can ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come. UNDERFOUND share this ethos, and are proud to be a part of the Hair Matters Programme.