Melenie Tudor, owner of En Route Hair & Beauty, is dreaming of a green Christmas, asking salons to embrace sustainability and set green goals for 2025.
As the current Sustainable Salon of the Year, owner Melenie has long been committed to reducing her salon’s environmental impact while helping others do the same. This festive season, she’s sharing her expertise and practical tips to inspire salons to adopt greener practices during one of the busiest – and often most wasteful – times of the year.
“Christmas is a magical time, but it’s also a time when our industry can generate a lot of waste,” says Melenie. “From excess packaging to the increase in energy consumption, we have a responsibility to make choices that are kinder to the planet.”
Switch to Recyclable Wrapping & Decorations
Use recyclable or reusable materials for gift-wrapping products and vouchers. Try to avoid glitter and plastic decorations. Swap single-use tinsel for natural, biodegradable decorations such as dried orange slices, pinecones, or handmade paper garlands.
Mindful Energy Use
Switch to LED lighting and reduce your energy consumption. At En route, we shampoo once (only twice if necessary) and lower the temperature of our water. Use biodegradable towels to eliminate the need for washing and drying.
Green Stocking Fillers
Choose retail products that are eco-conscious, cruelty-free, and refillable. We partner with brands that align with our sustainability values. We also offer discounts for customers who refill their product bottles, reducing plastic waste.
Waste Management
Maximise your recycling efforts in this busy period by setting up clear recycling stations and educate your team about separating waste correctly. We have separate bins for hair, metals, plastics, soft plastics, general waste, paper, and chemicals.
Set Greener Goals for 2025
To carry this eco-conscious mindset into the new year, Melenie suggests salons set sustainable resolutions, such as:
- Make the switch to sustainable energy
- Introduce a refill station
- Pursue sustainable certifications
- Invest in team sustainability training
Melenie adds, “2025 can be the year we make our industry even more sustainable. It’s about progress, not perfection – every step we take helps create a better future for our planet.”
Listen to our recent podcast with Melanie HERE
For more of the latest industry news, click HERE.
________________________________
Respect is a hub for UK hairdressers of all ages and stages to find out what We Love, We Hear and We See as the best product launches, styling advice, hairtools, education training and seminars and hairshows! Sign up to our newsletter which is sent fortnightly direct to your email, so you stay up-to-date with salon styling information, trends in session work, advice on presenting on stage or progress in educating – whatever your interest, whether you’re a trainee or creative director, an educator or team leader, you’ll find all the opportunities and ideas on www.respectyou.me
