The Gordon, in partnership with Sustainable Salons Australia, has identified products that can be recycled within a beauty salon and has also invested in more sustainable methods and materials.
About the initiative
The Gordon was the first Victorian TAFE to initiate the 'Sustainable Salons Program' in their hairdressing salon, which has since extended into including beauty therapy.
In partnership with Sustainable Salons Australia, the hair and beauty team recycles all used foil, paper, plastic and hair. All proceeds raised are donated to OzHarvest (Australia's leading food rescue organisation) which provide meals for disadvantaged people. Hair that is 15 cm or longer is donated to make ponytail wigs for children with alopecia, while the rest is transformed into hair booms to help contain and absorb oil spills in oceans and waterways across the world. Any oil that is trapped in the hair boom is then extracted and sold back to the oil refineries.
Additionally, in partnership with Sustainable Salons Australia, the hair and beauty team has also invested in more sustainable methods and materials. They have installed and been using water saving heads on wash basins, which reduce water and energy usage by up to 65%. The team also opts for sustainable, Australian-owned O&M (Original & Mineral) hair products that are chemical free. Unused chemical/colour products are collected, neutralised and converted back to water.
Outcomes and next steps
Since its inception in 2016, The Gordon's partnership with Sustainable Salons Australia has been steadfast and ongoing.
Each year, The Gordon receives a Certificate of Positive Impact, that shows the amount of recycling the area has achieved for the year and includes achievements from the program across many states and countries since its inception.
The partnership offers 2 significant benefits to the hair and beauty therapy team:
- Earning points to purchase recycled foil and compostable gloves
- Educating students on sustainability/circular economy practices that can be passed on to the businesses where they are employed.
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