Your Sustainable Salon Starts with You
By Graham Pollard @atelier29.london
Your Sustainable Salon Starts with You
Your sustainable salon starts with you. If you want a profitable, eco-friendly business, your personal choices must align with sustainability. Looking green in the salon but acting differently at home is called greenwashing.
It’s no surprise that McDonald’s removed its vegan burger in the USA and saw declining sales in Europe. Why would a vegan support a company responsible for the slaughter of millions of cows yearly?
Ask yourself: Am I greenwashing? Here’s how to recognize it and what steps to take.
Reduce Plastic Waste
Check your bathroom cabinet. How many beauty products are in plastic containers? Only 9% of plastic is recycled. Ignore packaging claims and instead:
- Choose glass or aluminum containers
- Use vegan products not tested on animals
- Support local start-up cosmetic brands
Buy Less, Choose Better
The average Brit buys 10 clothing items yearly and owns 118, with 30% unworn. Reduce waste and simplify your wardrobe:
- Own fewer than 33 essential pieces
- Buy fewer than five new items yearly
- Choose pre-loved clothes and natural fibers
- Invest in quality fashion that lasts
Drive Less, Travel Smarter
If you need a car, consider an electric vehicle. Used electric cars now cost about the same as gas-powered ones. You’ll save £500–800 yearly by charging instead of fueling. Try to:
- Walk or cycle to work
- Use public transportation when possible
Eat More Sustainably
Can you have a sustainable salon with vegan hair products but eat meat sandwiches at work? Not really. To align your lifestyle with your business:
- Eat vegetarian or vegan meals at work
- Reduce overall meat consumption
- Buy fresh, local produce in season
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Your home should reflect your commitment to sustainability. Choose natural, refillable, and non-toxic cleaning solutions. Try to:
- Buy bulk products and decant into glass bottles
- Use natural fiber cloths and brushes
- Install a washing machine filter to reduce microplastics
- Choose unbleached, recycled paper goods
Reduce Digital Waste
The cloud consumes massive energy. By 2025, 30% of Ireland’s electricity will power data centers. Small actions can make a difference:
- Delete 10 unnecessary photos from your phone daily
Give Back to Your Community
A sustainable economy thrives when people give as much as they take. Beyond a charity lottery ticket, you can:
- Volunteer locally
- Mentor apprentices
- Help neighbors with everyday tasks
- Train and support colleagues
Your sustainable salon starts with you. If you and your staff don’t reflect your brand’s values, your business may suffer. Align your actions with your message for a stronger, more successful future.
