The first “sustainably different hair salon” project in Victoria.

Not to take away from some of the eco friendly efforts of other salons but we were the first to initiate a fully sustainable approach. This started with choosing a product line that would support these efforts and be inline with local sustainability.

Naturally we approached Davines, who’s motto is “Sustainable Beauty” Davines’ mission is to be the most sustainable eco friendly product on the planet which even makes its packaging reusable and food grade safe.

We then sought a reclaimed historical building with sustainable approaches and found The Hudson who uses geo-thermal heating and supports a full recycling program. We then located the building supplies and contracted Cleanline Construction to locate as many up-cycled building materials as possible.

We also invested in LED lighting and tv’s, light sensors, non-detergent laundry ball that has no negative environmental impact, sensor high efficiency washer and dryer, and wash with only cold water.

We are now able, through the help of Green Circle Salons, to properly recycle all of our salon related waste. We recycle the hair to turn it into oil booms that would be used to clean up a BC oil spills, properly separate the plastic from the chemical residues, collect excess colour and chemical waste, and of course all paper, cardboard, and metals. The important aspect of this is that in the past the chemical residues in all the bottles and the excess colour would be rinsed down the sink. But now it is recycled in a fully sustainable machine that use the sludge it creates to fuel the continued recycling process for other chemical waste.

We also do not use foils but rather a re-useable and biodegradable version. Once we opened we branded a salon pedal bike to influence others to drive less and asked the city to instal bike rakes on Fisgard St in front of designHouse. We had asked for 2 designated stalls for hybrids or smart cars but unfortunately it was denied by the city.

We are proudly part of the Bullfrog Power, a CO2 compensation program, which we pay a premium to ensure that our energy consumption is offset by sustainable sources such as wind and hydro.

designHouse Salon’s “sustainably different hair salon” project was unique and innovative for Victoria.

The innovation of our project was that we were trying to do the right thing for the right reason and influence a shift of mentality towards waste reduction in the salon industry.

We view waste reduction as a responsibility not a luxury and we believe it is our duty to transform the local cosmetology industry.

Typically in Victoria thousands of pounds of chemical residues in plastic salon product bottles and excess colour are washed down the drain every month. The same amount of foils and metal colour tubes are thrown into the trash which, in most cases, take thousands of years to breakdown in a landfill and the chemical residues leach into the soil. Thousands of hair salon product containers sold are disposed of in the same manner. We eliminate all of that, refuse to buy non-recyclable products, and developed programs to get our clients engaged in the sustainable movement.

Our 8 foot by 6 foot living wall!! Our favorite addition. It not only feeds off our CO2 emissions and provides fresh oxygen but also is a dynamic re-enforcement of our projects mission to positively contribute to the stewardship of the sustainable symbiotic relationship of plants and humans.

We are currently engaging with local environmental engineers to develop a system that separates chemicals from the water that goes down the sink in order to recollect and safely dispose of the chemicals rather then being introduced into the cities drainage system.

Every year we participate in Davines Sustainability Day which requests over 80 salons in North America to make a pledge to raise money to plant fruit trees in impoverished villages in Brazil to offset our carbon footprint and engage the local community in a movement of sustainable participation.

So far since initiating the recycling program with Green Circle Salons in November of 2012 we have diverted 70.53 lbs of hair, 43.75 lbs of metal, 77.78 lbs of paper, 57.83 lbs of plastic, and 19.23 lbs of chemicals from landfills and water streams.

The “sustainably different hair salon” project is transferable to any hair salon and most industries that have an industry related recycling program and a passion to make a sustainable waste reduction difference.

Sustainability partners:

 

They recycle & repurpose our hair, foils, colour-tubes, papers and plastics AND divert excess hair chemicals that would have otherwise been rinsed down the drain.

Synergy turns great companies into green companies. They help businesses who want to be leaders in sustainability measure environmental performance, reduce impact, and communicate their results.

 

 

FED’s vision is to create a district in downtown Victoria that celebrates food and sustainability. By fostering community green spaces and showcasing restaurants committed to reducing their ecological footprint, we hope to increase food awareness and community engagement.

Interior Renovations
+ Exterior Finishing

Transform your indoor or outdoor space with Cleanline Construction. Their experienced team will help bring your vision to life

With Bullfrog Power, you can reduce your emissions footprint and support the growth of renewable energy in Canada.

“BY CREATING BEAUTY SUSTAINABLY, WE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES, OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH WE LIVE & WORK, OF THE THINGS THEY LOVE.

 

The Vancouver Island Green Business Certification was built to recognize the efforts of local businesses that are reducing their environmental impact.