How to Recycle Dog, Cat, and Human Hair

If you are like me and are trying to keep from throwing anything away, you probably come across some items sometimes that do not seem recyclable. Pet hair is one of those items that stumped me for years. It seems so wasteful just to throw it out. Even human hair must have some type of use. Instead of getting rid of all that shed hair, put it to good use by recycling it and reusing it for these neat crafts.

Long, soft dog and cat hairs can be spun into a very silky angora-type yarn. Even if you do not spin yarn yourself, there are people all over the country who do it as a hobby. You could make some money by saving the shed hairs from your long-haired cat or dog and selling it to a spinner. Be sure that your pet is clean as dirty hairs will not be of much use to the spinner. It might be a neat idea to commission a sweater or some other item from your pet's hair. If you cannot sell it, try giving it away for free. Someone is bound to want it.

Pet hair and human hair can be used to keep pests out of your garden. Leave shed hair and hair clippings around your garden to deter skunks, rats, rabbits, deer, and raccoons.

Pet hair and human hair was once saved to stuff things such as pin cushions, seat cushions, and pet toys. Making small stuffed items from used hair is a great way to use it without having to buy new materials that are made from petroleum.

Birds love using tufts of pet hair to line and soften their nests. You may not want to offer your own hair, however. There is an old superstition that if a bird makes a nest from your hair, you will have bad luck.

To provide pet hair to birds, make a small cage from chicken wire or other metal wire that is about three to five inches long. Each time you pull pet hair from the brush, stuff it into the holes in your nest building supplies cage. Hang the little cage outside of a window and watch the little birds visit all day long as they gather little tufts of hair to build their homes.

Pet hair and human hair is completely organic and can be composted. Toss it into the compost heap in your garden. Not only does it break down quickly, it also provides proteins and calcium for your garden plants.

There are lots of great uses for pet hair and human hair. Next time, instead of throwing it away, see if you can put it to good use around your home. It can be used again for your pets, made into clothing, and even provides soft bedding and shelter for our feathered friends.