Abstract: A method for removing crude oil, or other oil products, from an aqueous environment is provided. A lipid composition is melted and applied to an aqueous medium containing oil. The melted lipid composition initially mingles with the oil and later cools to form a solidifed mass. When the solidified mass is removed, a substantial portion of the oil initially present in the aqueous medium is also removed. The lipid composition comprises at least 65 percent lipid component, by total weight of composition, and at least 35 percent, by weight, of the lipid component is saturated fatty acids. Preferably, the lipid composition is selected from the group consisting of dairy butter, shortening, and mixtures thereof.