Salon owner Janene Hawkins-Bush shares her top tips for reducing plastic in the salon, as well as advice on how to become more sustainable this Plastic Free July…
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. Janene Hawkins-Bush, who owns four salons in Suffolk, is on a mission to help the hair and beauty industry to become more sustainable.
Janene says, “My salons are as committed to style as they are sustainability, offering high quality hair services while minimising our impact on the environment. Reducing our use of plastic is just one way that we approach this.”
Plastic Free Products
Our chosen product supplier is Davines. This is because the brand is plastic net zero. Not only does Davines use as little plastic as possible, which is recycled or biobased plastic, but for all the plastic they do use they partner with plastic bank to have plastic removed from the ocean. The brand also uses food and dishwasher safe containers that can be reused.
Refill Station
Across all our salons, we offer a refill service which gives clients 20% off if they reuse their old bottle rather than buying new every time. To reduce plastic even further, we use paper bags so clients can carry their products home.
Recycle
It’s simple but very impactful. We recycle every piece of rubbish to the correct bins and make sure that and plastic rubbish is disposed of in the most sustainable way to reduce its impact of the planet. We also use biodegradable Scrummi towels that go to local pig farmers.
Refreshments
Our in-salon refreshments are served on wooden or glass trays from recycled glass and FSC recycled wood. We use second hand China and glass all sourced from local charity shops or people’s unwanted items – all stylish of course! Our refreshments are ethical, vegan, and carefully selected from local suppliers if possible. Supporting local is key!
Alongside making sustainable changes in the salon, Janene also believes it is a great opportunity to help educate clients, which in turn will support the whole community to be more environmentally conscious.
Janene adds, “We aim to educate our clients on the importance of sustainable beauty and inspire change within our industry. It’s about taking the burden off the environment, yet still offering our customers the same level of service that our clients have always enjoyed. Our goal is to create a salon that benefits both our clients and the planet, leaving a positive impact on our community and beyond.”