Is it possible to have a sustainable salon?

Sustainability means meeting our needs today without compromising future generations – but how far away are we from achieving this in the hairdressing industry?

There are many bad habits that build up in salons due to there simply being no other way to get rid of rubbish or unwanted items.

Throwing chemicals down the sink, chucking plastic bottles contaminated with peroxide away and not to mention putting metal tubes of permanent tint in the bin!

Just recently, our local council has started recycling waste from local shops.

Help from the experts

We are now able to recycle more than ever before, which has to be a good thing, but we do still need to go further.

A company called The Green Salon Collective have got a team together from salons and industry experts and formed a company that advises salons on how to recycle.

Everything from plastic to hair – yes, hair can be used for many things, including mopping up oil spills and composting.

The Green Salon Collective could prevent all salon waste from going to landfill, which is quite remarkable considering what salons throw away in a normal bin.

Chemicals can be recycled to provide energy, which is encouraged to avoid contaminating landfill sites.

PPE can be burned to provide energy.

Small steps, big impact

Here at 77 The Hill, we are acutely aware of the need to do more, however we do our best.

Amongst other things, we use disposable towels and recycle them and we use eco-friendly shower heads at the backwash to save water.

We sell brushes made from recycled straw, which are really good de-tanglers.

It is clear there is so much more that can be done to be truly sustainable, but the future looks bright for recycling, and we will continue to do as much as we can whilst taking advice from experts.