New Year’s Resolutions

“As a small, local, eco salon owner, it would be easy to think I can’t make an impact on environmental change. However, I believe I have a responsibility to challenge myself, my team members and my clients to improve our sustainability measures in 2025.

“Already a member of the GSC, we recycle hair, foils, colour tubes, and metal through them, and plastic, card, paper, glass, and soft plastics locally.”

For 2025:

• I will limit the amount of waste products we create by reusing containers in the salon where possible, such as giving clients product samples in empty product containers, rather than sachets, and using old bleach tubs for plant pots.
• My staff will be receiving a reusable water bottle for use in the salon, and I shall be discouraging them, and clients from bringing single use plastics into the salon at all.
• I will be promoting our refill service on shampoos and conditioners and solid shampoo bars and asking clients to bring their own reusable bags.
• I will reduce the number of journeys we all make by asking staff to adjust their rotas, so they work less days, but more hours on the days they do work.
• Finally, I will be investing in an eco-shower head to reduce water consumption, and energy use.

“The start of the year is always a good time to really analyse what sustainable practices you may be doing in your salon.

“You really need to get your team on board with whatever you decide to do sustainably. So have a meeting early Jan to make sure you’re all working to the same goals in the salon.

“We have reduced our water usage by using eco shower heads. These reduce the amount of water used. Also just shampoo once and keep the water temperature lower.

“Another great way to reduce water consumption is to switch to using disposable towels. Don’t forget to encourage your clients to take them home with them.”

For 2025:

• Reduce chemical waste. We use Vish [there are other companies who offer similar services]. This enables you to accurately measure the colour you use for each client and the quantities needed. This has massively reduced chemical waste in our salon.
• Make sure to always offer a refill service for shampoo and conditioners.
• Check out energy suppliers for renewable energy.
• Swap out lighting and use LEDs.
• Use Eco friendly cleaning products.

“Whatever you do, I would recommend that all New Year’s resolutions are planned before the new year so you’re organised and ready to go in 2025.”