Going Green?
Who would have guessed a few years back that we’d go from wondering if “global warming” was fact or fiction to “green” being the hottest social movement to hit the country in perhaps decades. And if the industry’s trade magazines are any indication, this trend has not escaped the attention of salons - or at least many of the big businesses that sell products and services to salons.
So what’s it all really mean - all this talk about saving the planet (from us!)? We’ll admit that we occasionally sort plastic and paper, and have bought some of the new long lasting light bulbs (but are waiting for the short lasting ones to burn out before replacing them - is that eco-correct or not?? Hmmmm…). But in the bigger scheme of things we must admit that we’ve yet to rally to the cause in spite of being deeply bothered by corporate polluters, gas guzzling SUV drivers, and the government bureaucracy.
So how about you? What’s your take on going green - at home or in the salon? Are you changing your habits - and whether you are or are not, do you think doing so can make a difference? We want to know what you think!
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February 11th, 2008 at 10:52 am
It is not just light bulbs, and petroleum burning. It is an entire life style. % out of the 6 of us at work have decide not to have children. there are just too many humans on this planet. The needs per human are astonding. Take this test to see where what you are doing to the planet.http://www.myfootprint.org/
February 11th, 2008 at 11:36 am
In my salon, we recycle all plastic bags, cans, and paper. We have purchased a water cooler to replace the water bottles we had been purchasing. I have researched cleaning products and we are using one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things”. It is Get Clean. The products are ultra-concentrated (replaces at least 10 products you have under your sink), biodegradable, nontoxic, natural, etc. Shaklee is the first company to be certified Climate Neutral. For information and purchase go to www.shaklee.net/jerelynschmidt.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
I Have recently opened a Salon in San Francisco and have done so as “GREEN” as possible! We used eco-paint, nontoxic plastics that can be recycled, furniture with sustainably harvested wood.lots of re-use items. All cleaning supplies,laundry soap,backbar and station products are eco-friendly.Reusable hand towels,we recycle.Living with a conscious mind!
February 12th, 2008 at 9:45 am
i’m so grateful that you’re addressing this in today’s blog–and by the three fantastic comments i see here, it validates that there is lots of green love going on…(great color for cleansing, calming and opening the heart chakra by the way!)
My experiences in teaching in this beautiful profession validates that we want to do the right thing…and connect to our wholeness in mind, body, spirit and environment. it takes our attention and intention to truly “jack up” the committment level to live as organically and sustainably as possible. but if we’re passionate about going green, then we do this joyfully. Mahatma Gandhi said “we must become the change we want to see…” going green, becoming sustainable, living organically…this begins with each one of us on a very personal level. We understand that organic, sustainable living is about the flow of the life force energy through us and around us, and if we do things that blunt the flow of this life force energy, this “prana,” in any way, then we’re setting ourselves and our environment up for dis-ease. We must be passionate about and connected to what this means. This can only happen when we’re mindful of our choices. Mindfulness is a practice. with the modern din of life, it’s very easy to become distracted and disconnected from what our divine sense is trying to tell us. Meditation and yoga are quite valuable in this regard. In the eight-limbed path to yoga, we think about “ahimsa,” the principle of non-violence. now as green living goes, i believe that none of us are actively dumping dioxin into rivers or otherwise behaving in a blatantly violent way toward the environment, but are there smaller ways in which we do more harm to the planet than we’d like? There is also “aparigraha,” or greedlessness.
Are you using more than your share of the earth’s resources? (it’s said that we need 5.4 planets to support the world’s population if everyone lives as Americans do!) Are you doing what benefits you without regard for others? It reminds us to respect others rights to share a clean environment. And think about “satya,” or truthfulness. Are you honestly doing all that you can do, or are you doing only what’s convenient for you? Can you make a deeper commitment? I’m fond of saying “think globally, act locally,” and “pollution begins at home.” If you do whatever you can in your own little microcosm of the world, then you are creating a ripple affect. Because your positive energy will truly vibrate out toward others and affect them on a positive level. I could keep going here, but in essence “be here now,” practice being present with yourself as much as you can, and know that you’re the choicemaker. You can make life affirming choices or ones that are depletive of your well-being–your wholeness–which includes the environment. Practice dropping in on your consciousness…your attention…over the course of your day, and make sure that you’re staying the course with your sustainable, green living intention.
If you would like to hear more please come to the salon sustainability summit at Americas Beauty Show in Chicago. it’s Saturday afternoon, March 1, 12:00-4:30 – and even includes lunch in compostable materials, no less! I’ll also be doing a business class on the subject of “greening” your business. Read more about this (and sign up!) at americasbeautyshow.com. As the blog states…greening our lives is truly becoming one of the largest social movements of our time. organically yours! mary beth janssen
February 12th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
As I educate myself on this topic, I find I get more passionate about it. A movement such as the “green” and “sustainability” one, which will not be going away, is one the salon industry must get behind. It is our responsiblity to wake up and be willing to change our ways. We produce a lot of waste, use toxic chemicals and think nothing of throwing Barbecide down the drain.
Education is the key to success. We need to address the current issues of waste production, and use of resources.
I realize people are slow to change. And recycling seems like it should be under our belt already. Just yesterday in the salon, I needed to remind somebody as they tossed their cottage cheese container in the trash, that the ocntainer was recyclable.
As slow as progress seems to be, we must continue to trailblaze. Think of the potential if even half the salons in the ocuntry began to make changes.
I agree, it requires a lifestyle change.
February 13th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I think it’s important to realize that much of what we can all do will also save the salon money! Using less hot water, remembering to turn off lights when not in use, using energy efficient lighting and more all save us money - and help save our planet too! Here’s a coolnew website that is all about going green - http://greenopolis.com
February 21st, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Going “green” is right on.The mass media has finally chosen to indoctrinate the masses with enough truth to evoke action.Protecting the planetary resources is nearly as important as protecting human resources.When will the mass media begin to address the need for humans to be protected?