Green – your colour of choice this Christmas?

It may be a time for giving, but think of the planet this festive season, when you’re bedecking spaces, planning parties, and adding sparkle on the daily. Lorraine Naughton, owner of OB-1 Hair, and winner of the Most Wanted 2023 Sustainability Hero award, believes in making merriment but with a watchful eye on extravagance and excess 

As the festive season draws near, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation. The feelings of joy are contagious, and I can’t help but get caught up in the festivities; I really am a big kid at heart. But there’s something that weighs heavily on my heart during this time – the need for sustainability. You see, I’m a salon owner and the holiday season is when our salon comes alive with clients looking to get their perfect holiday looks. It’s a time of glamour, celebration, and happiness, but I believe it’s also a time when we should put sustainability at the forefront of our minds. It’s not just a trend; it’s a responsibility.

More than just a place for beauty, I want our salon to be an embodiment of sustainability – to create an eco-friendly ambiance. I find immense joy in transforming our space into a sustainable wonderland. We adorn it with natural and reusable decorations like pinecones, fresh greenery, and repurposed ornaments. We switch to energy-efficient LED lights and use timers to reduce energy consumption, not only for the environment but to save costs as well. And I believe in the beauty of renting or buying second-hand decorations instead of buying new ones each year.

It’s from the heart that I advocate for sustainable, zero-waste gifts as party favours. When we offer items like reusable shopping bags, bamboo toothbrushes or small potted plants, we’re not just giving a gift; we’re sharing our commitment to sustainability. To me, it’s about leaving a lasting impression on our clients and fostering a sense of responsibility that goes beyond the holiday season. And I’ve learned sometimes, the most meaningful experiences come in the form of gift vouchers or shared moments rather than extravagant physical items. Imagine the joy on your loved one’s face when you give them the gift of an uninterrupted day with you (well, I hope it’s joyful!)

It’s essential to embrace green gift-wrapping. Reusable bags, mason jars and eco-friendly wrapping paper are my go-to choices. They not only reduce waste but also inspire our clients to think about the environment. I encourage them to reuse gift wrap or recycle it after the unwrapping frenzy.

Our clients seek unique treatments and products during the festive season, and I believe it’s our duty to offer them eco-friendly alternatives. We actively promote sustainable brands and educate our clients about the benefits of choosing products that are kind to both their hair and the environment. Encouraging the use of refillable bottles is a better choice in my eyes (at OB-1 Hair we sweeten the deal by offering a 25 per cent discount when clients refill with us).

It’s time to embrace digital invitations. In this digital age, I find paper invitations to be outdated. Sending e-invitations not only reduces paper waste but also saves on postage and reduces our carbon footprint. Of course, if paper invites are necessary, I suggest using recycled paper and encouraging clients to recycle them afterwards.

Our salon serves refreshments during the festive season, but I believe in sourcing locally or choosing organic foods. To minimize single-use plastics, we provide reusable utensils and clearly marked bins for waste separation. Careful meal planning helps us avoid overbuying food and saves money. And let’s not forget about composting food scraps – it’s a small step that can have a big impact. Offering vegetarian or plant-based meal options is a choice that aligns with my values. I’ve found that plant-based milk is not only environmentally friendly but also delicious.

Lowering energy costs is a goal for any business, but it’s also a responsibility we should all take seriously. I use smart thermostats and energy-efficient lighting to reduce our salon’s electricity consumption. Harnessing natural light during the daytime is another practice close to my heart. And simple habits like turning off lights at the end of the day have become part of our routine.

The festive season provides an opportunity to educate clients about sustainability. It’s about encouraging them to adopt more sustainable hair routines that extend beyond the holiday season. I believe that awareness and education are powerful tools for change.

Offsetting our carbon emissions is a practice I wholeheartedly support. It’s not just about demonstrating our commitment to the environment; it’s about actively contributing to a greener world. For my business, it’s a responsible choice. We offset any carbon footprint that we cannot reduce.

Our sustainability efforts shouldn’t remain hidden. I want to shout about sustainability from the rooftops – and I do, on any occasion I get. Through social media, we highlight our salon’s commitment to sustainability as a way to celebrate the fusion of beauty and environmental responsibility. By showcasing our eco-friendly decorations, zero-waste gifts and green initiatives, we aim to inspire others. We’ve welcomed new clients who discovered our sustainable ethos through social media and it’s a platform that can attract team members who share our values.

When shopping for gifts or food during the festive season, we should support local and sustainable businesses. I prioritise products with minimal packaging and opt for items made from eco-friendly materials. As salon owners, the choices we make can have such a positive ripple effect on the community.

In the true spirit of the season, I believe in giving back. Throughout the year, our salon supports charitable organisations and local initiatives. But during the festive season, we go the extra mile to help those in need. To me, it’s a beautiful way to spread the holiday spirit and make a difference in our community.

In conclusion, my heart is deeply invested in the idea that embracing sustainability during the festive season (and the rest of the year) is not just good for the planet; it’s also a smart business move. Clients increasingly seek eco-conscious businesses and by incorporating sustainable practices into our salon celebrations, we can all set a positive example and make a meaningful contribution to a greener, more beautiful world. So, let this festive season be a time for beautiful hair and a celebration of sustainability in your workspace.

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