Healthy Hair Care and the Environment

How Green is Your Salon?

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
REJOICE!

Salons are going green and it makes good sense. The average salon uses a range of chemicals and consumes important resources such as water and energy. There are a number of things to look for when selecting a salon that is environmentally conscious. If your salon is new to “green” practices you can encourage them to adopt healthier practices that can reduce costs and their environmental footprint. Enjoy the added benefits of knowing that your choices will not harm your body or the environment. These practices can make your salon experience a healthier, safer, happier one.

Does your salon do any of the following?

Reduce

Limit Chemical Exposure

Use less toxic, safer, natural products
Use pumps instead of aerosol containers
Use products with low volatile organic compound content
Use non-toxic products for disinfecting and cleaning

Conserve Water

Have a low-flow plumbing system
Reduce hot water usage, use warm or cool temperatures when possible
Turn off water when not in use
More information on ways to save water »

Minimize Waste

Use refillable containers for products
Use a dispensing system for shampoo and conditioners
Use products with packaging that uses less plastic and cardboard
Offer water in reusable cups or glasses, instead of plastic water bottle
More information on ways to minimize waste »

Conserve Energy

Use energy-efficient lights throughout the salon
Use Energy Star equipment

Reuse

Give used magazines to other organizations, friends and customers
Make empty containers and cardboard available to other businesses
Require suppliers to take back empty refillable containers

Recycle

Install recycling bins for office paper, cardboard, plastic, magazines

EPA has free voluntary partnership programs that can help salon owners reduce cost and their environmental impacts. More information on these programs »

For more information contact: