The interest in eco-friendly products and services is taking the world of beauty by storm, leading manufacturers, retailers and beauty professionals to focus their efforts on clean and sustainable processes. Between beauty packaging, unused or excess product, foils, color tubes, hair, and more, salons in the US and Canada produce over 400,000 pounds of waste in ONE DAY. If these items are improperly recycled, they will ultimately end up in landfills creating a threat to the environment and contributing to climate change. As a result, modern salons and spas are rising to the challenge to meet consumer’s expectations and proving that sustainability in beauty is the latest trend.
The path to being green often begins with small steps. Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once – start with what seems attainable and move your way up to better and more eco-conscious practices and product choices. Here are 6 steps salons are taking to go green:
Education
Modern salon owners know this is an ongoing commitment devoting time to continuing education and learning new skills. Educating both your team and your customers about the significance of eco-friendly practices and brands will elevate the differential value of your business and create trust and fidelity within your customers.
Eco-friendly Products
When you use products that are non-toxic and more sustainable, you are not only creating a safer space for your employees and your customers, but you are helping the planet by reducing unnecessary waste. Eco-friendly products have a lower life-cycle impact on the environment – from the raw materials used in their manufacturing, to their design, transport to the end-user, their length of use and their capacity to be recycled.
Sustainable Salon Supplies
Items like biodegradable gloves. trash bags, and paper towels (if you can’t use cloth) allow you to extend your earth-conscious message beyond your styling station. Your entire salon can be a representation of your dedication to sustainability.
Water Conservation
Invest in a shower head that is designed to reduce water consumption and avoid letting the water run between washes. This will not only keep water in our ecosystems where it is desperately needed for wetland habitats with animals like otters, herons and fish, but it will also keep your water costs down making your business more sustainable. Another way to conserve water is to utilize microfiber cloths and non-toxic cleaning products that don’t require an extra rinse.
Reducing Single-Use Items
This can be as simple as cleaning up your coffee area to create a sustainable statement! Minimize disposable cups by offering clients a mug or interesting tumbler (this can be a great conversation starter as well!) or encourage them to bring their own to try your latest brew. Bonus eco-points for adding reusable coffee pods or recycling Keurig K-Cup Pods through their K-Cycle program.
Handle the Hard-to-Recycle
Hair sprays, perfumes, nail polish, body spray and other chemicals are often flammable making them harder to dispose of properly. Pay special attention to these items and utilize a simple solution that keeps them out of the landfill. Flammable items can still be repurposed providing you with peace of mind knowing you’re doing all you can to reduce your salon’s impact on the environment.
You can Recycle Beautifully too!
The impact of the beauty industry and cosmetic ingredients on the planet is immense and cannot be ignored. As salons are claiming their spot in the sustainability spectrum, specialized recycling companies are going the extra mile to help beauty professionals go green.
GLO™ Salon Recycling, powered by g2 revolution®, collects beauty waste across the United States while empowering beauty professionals to embrace sustainability in their workplaces. GLO™ offers affordable and customizable recycling programs that take a wide range of beauty items and divert them from landfills:
- Hair Recycling: Whether virgin or chemically treated, GLO™ takes your hair trimmings.
- Mixed Recycling: From bobby pins to mixing bowls, foils, electronics – we’ve got you covered.
- Aerosol Recycling: No more concerns about disposing of aerosol cans. We take hairsprays, cleansing foams, body sprays, and we handle them responsibly.
- Beauty Bucket for flammable items like perfumes, nail polish, nail polish remover – we ensure they’re transported with precaution.
Maximizing g2®’s industry knowledge and long standing relationships with multinational beauty retailers and cosmetic manufacturers, GLO™ gives salon waste a second life.
Are you ready to recycle beautifully with GLO™?
To learn more about GLO™ Recycling, and how our services can help your business maximize its environmental and social impact, contact us or get started by registering for your FREE account today!
