We often hear people talk about sustainability, but this is not enough. It is necessary to understand what it means to be sustainable and what we can do in our daily lives to respect the environment. Sustainability means living in harmony with nature. Finding a balance between what we give and what we ask of nature and this path requires time and perseverance. This philosophy is also called green thinking and can be used in many different areas, even in beauty salons.
Sustainability & Cosmetics:
The beauty industry still has a lot to learn about sustainability. In fact, according to a BBC Blue Planet II documentary, since the 1950s, this industry has produced more than 8.3 billion tons of plastic and 60% of that has ended up in landfills or in the environment. The cosmetics industry is among the most polluting with its packaging that is not always recyclable.
However, it must be said that there are many examples, from big labels to small businesses, of brands that have reversed course.
Towards greener cosmetics:
Some of the things a beauty salon can focus on include:
The use of reusable products. For example, not the classic disposable cotton, and where it is not possible, a careful choice of materials and conscious recycling.
The inclusion of plants within salons is another good practice, not only for the production of oxygen but also to make up for the large production of carbon dioxide. According to research by LifeGate, we know that an average salon releases 18,500 kg of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in one year.
Italian-style Green Beauty and Relaxation:
Among the salons, under the banner of sustainability, we find Lepri Lifestyle Salon & Spa, opened a few years ago by Aveda. This space in the heart of Milan is cared for down to the smallest detail, from the furnishings made from sustainable materials such as bamboo and rice paper to the treatments offered for the face and body.
Contesta Rock Hair, a group with salons in Florence, Rome, and other cities around the world is also going in the same direction. In addition to paying attention to everyday choices, the group has also joined the Impatto Zero project of LifeGate. The project designed for companies is committed to achieving carbon neutrality, but how? By planting trees in order to create new forests to offset carbon dioxide emissions.
Another example of an Italian salon that operates under the green thinking philosophy is Santini Salon Hair & Beauty. This salon has had a partnership with Davines, a B Corp company based in Parma, for more than 10 years. Davines’ vision, which is also shared by Santini Salon Hair and Beauty, fits perfectly with the idea of a sustainable salon: “To be the best for the world, creators of a good life for all, through beauty, ethics, and sustainability”.
Finally, the Hair Boutique in the heart of Bologna is another excellent example of a green business. In this salon, the packaging and materials used are chosen to have a minimal environmental impact. The selected products also have a high percentage of botanical active ingredients. The owner of the salon has followed a biodynamic and natural philosophy with great attention to the individual client.
