What the Project Is
Green Salon Collective is a groundbreaking initiative with a key goal to recycle and reuse hairdressing salon waste, focusing on specialist items like hair and metal, so that each salon can transform into a more sustainable space. This project isn’t just about waste management – it’s a complete rethink of how raw resources, such as hair, used foils, empty colour tubes, chemicals, PPE, plastic, paper and even salon towels, can be given a new life. By channeling these materials through various innovative processes, the project ensures that none of the salon waste will end up in landfill. It’s impressive to see hair recycled in over 10 different ways – yes, over 10! – including its use in cleaning up oil spills, which for many is a delightful twist on what was once considered just a waste byproduct.
Main Benefit
Key figures and facts that highlight this project’s appeal include:
- Over 100 tons of hairdressing salon waste diverted from landfill or incineration
- Hair is used in more than 10 different ways, proving its versatility
- Profits from recycling metals are donated entirely to amazing causes
- Salon towels are responsibly composted
- Chemical waste and PPE contribute to energy generation for the national grid
- Offering sustainable solutions for hair, used foils, empty colour tubes, chemicals, PPE, plastic, paper, and more
- Bcorp score of 113.7 in the Hairdressing & other beauty services industry
Innovative Uses of Hair
One of the standout aspects of this project is the creative approach to hair recycling. Hair – often seen solely as a byproduct – is reimagined as a valuable resource. Whether it’s being used to absorb oil spills from waterways or added into gardener’s composting mixes, or even, if long enough, donated to wig-making charities, hair here is a true hero. It’s almost as if every lock of hair has a secret mission, contributing to a circular economy that turns waste into wonder. Casual chatter about hair booms and the endless possibilities of its reuse pepper the conversations around this project, making it both engaging and impactful.
Eco-Friendly Transformation of Salon Waste
Salon waste is sorted and transformed in a variety of ways, ensuring that every material finds its appropriate lifecycle. Materials that were once destined for disposal – such as used foils, empty colour tubes, chemicals, PPE, plastic, paper, and even salon towels – are subsequently composted, recycled, recovered, or employed in energy generation. The process isn’t only environmentally sound, but it also represents a significant stride in building a truly sustainable salon ecosystem. Each strategy is implemented with a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of salons everywhere, giving a thumbs up to nature…
Giving Back to the Community
A remarkable feature of the project is that 100% of any money raised from recycling raw materials or creating new products made from salon waste goes to support amazing causes. Every month, the profits are reinvested into charities and organisations that are close to many hearts, demonstrating a deep connection to community well-being and sustainability. This dedication to giving back reflects the ethos of a circular economy where benefits extend far beyond the immediate environment, reinforcing education and awareness around sustainable practices.
Project Impact
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – by generating energy from chemical waste and PPE
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through comprehensive recycling and reusing initiatives
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by diverting over 100 tons of waste from landfill, reducing emissions
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – through the use of hair to clean up oil spills and protect waterways
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by ensuring waste does not harm natural landscapes and promotes biodiverse practices
Transforming the Hairdressing Landscape
This project in the hairdressing and other beauty services industry is not just about recycling; it’s about rethinking resources and fostering a dynamic, circular economy that champions sustainability across multiple levels. By turning everyday salon waste into energy, compost, and valuable recycled products, the initiative has redefined industry standards. Its dynamic approach, peppered with innovative uses and a clear dedication to charitable causes, makes it a beacon for transformative change in environmental practices. There is a palpable sense of excitement and potential in the project – a promise that even the smallest resource, like a strand of hair, can play a part in something truly extraordinary.
