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With public uncertainty about the viability of green technology and alternative fuels, Desert Whale Jojoba Company thought it would be worth remembering a small success story.

Just 24 years ago Sperm Whales were hunted legally for their spermaceti oil which was used in lubricants, personal care products, and a wide variety of additional applications. It is estimated that 770,000 sperm whales were slaughtered between 1946 and 1980. It was not until viable alternatives were found that Sperm Whales were protected legally.

In 1971, a desert shrub called jojoba was discovered to function as a natural substitute for spermaceti oil. Shortly thereafter, three avid members of the Save the Whales campaign began to promote jojoba in order to protect sperm whales and in 1978 Desert Whale Jojoba was formed. In 1986 Sperm Whales were finally protected legally and today are rarely hunted. However, Desert Whale still believes it is still important to educate their industry about products such as jojoba, not only about their cosmetic benefits but the positive effect they may have on the environment or an entire species.

Desert Whale is confident that businesses and organizations will succeed if they continue to educate consumers about viable, natural alternatives. Once the battle of public opinion is won and people start believing in and fighting for alternatives, positive outcomes will follow. After all, who would have thought that a shrub in the Sonoran Desert could replace the oil found in the head of a sperm whale?