Going green: companies give back

Going green is a global goal and, while every small contribution to the cause helps, some forward-thinking companies go further than recycling and offering organic ranges by giving back to nature on a larger scale. 

Aveda raises consciousness of green issues each April through Earth Month. What started as a one-day event has now grown to a month-long international effort, which sees staff and clients working together to raise funds and awareness. The company is the first in the beauty industry to offer aerosols that have no impact on the Earth's climate - all the carbon dioxide associated with the manufacture and transportation of aerosol hairspray is offset through the funding of renewable energy. Aveda also uses wind power to generate the electricity used at its headquarters.

 

Through an ongoing partnership with American Forests' Global ReLeaf programme, Paul Mitchell funds the planting of enough trees to offset all of the carbon emissions produced in the manufacture and distribution of its Tea Tree range, with more than 150,000 trees planted in the last four years.

The company's flagship school in Costa Mesa, California, recently reopened following a green makeover. The Paul Mitchell motto of  'reduce, reuse, recycle and respect' is followed at the school, which recycles water from backwash sinks and washing machines, saving more than 400,000 gallons of water a year. 

Known for its organic ingredients and Choose Cruelty Free status, Organic Colour Systems has also implemented a number of green initiatives. Its Hampshire factory uses shredding from the office as packaging material and shredded cardboard boxes in place of bubble wrap.

The company has also implemented a 'Leave your car at home' scheme, with points available for staff who find alternative ways to commute. Points can then be converted into gift vouchers for an array of stores and experiences.

Since 2000, the company that owns Goldwell and KMS has been responsible for a programme dedicated to preserving the natural environment. Kao Creating Forests for Everyone provides support to non-profit organisations engaged in the protection and expansion of green areas - over the past decade about 98,000 seedlings have been planted.  

Joico's parent company, Zotos, has marked 2011 as Earth Year, which aims to completely neutralise the company's carbon footprint over the next 12 months - but a number of other schemes look set to increase its green status further. On-site wind turbines will produce enough green power to meet 50% of the organisation's electricity, while new packaging created from a mix of recycled materials and plant starch will cut its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 75%.  

Boutique salon brand Privé uses environmentally sound packaging that can be reused, refilled and recycled. The one-way valve on the packaging ensures there is no chance of contamination so clients can return empties to the salon to be sanitised and refilled. 

Water use is one of the biggest environmental impacts of a salon, which is why Pureology is focusing its charitable efforts around the issue of water conservation. The company has a global partnership with Green Cross International, a charity encouraging sustainable practices and environmental challenges. Most recently, the partners have worked together on a project in Ghana harvesting rainwater to supply to schools in river basin areas.

The Matrix Green Charter outlines the company's environmental policy, including favouring recycled packaging and paraben, and synthetic-dye free formulas where possible. The company's Biolage oil range contains organic and fairtrade Argan oil, created in association with the Targanine co-operative of Morocco, a project that brings together local women to improve their social and economic situation. 

Hairdresser Kevin Murphy works with the Climate Project giving advice as a 'climate connector' to a broad network of hairdressers, stylists and consumers on how to become more environmentally aware and adopt sustainable measures. Kevin's company also boasts green credentials, balancing eco-integrity with product performance. Reducing the company's carbon footprint and environmental impact is a priority, and all products include carefully selected naturally derived ingredients sourced from companies that use small-scale cultivation, organic growing practices and/or wild harvesting techniques to help minimise the environmental impact.  

The Série Nature range from L'Oréal Professionnel not only uses naturally sourced ingredients and recyclable packaging, but also incorporates natural colourants and fragrances with all packaging and point-of-sale items produced using vegetable inks and carefully sourced paper. 

All products in the range are made at the L'Oréal Professionnel green factory in Burgos, Spain, which L'Oréal plans to make carbon neutral by 2015 through a combination of solar power, biofuels and geothermal energy.

Davines works closely with LifeGate, Italy's leading supplier of renewable energy. Both the company headquarters and manufacturing plant get power from renewable sources including sun, wind and water. The partnership with LifeGate also leads to a carbon neutral policy for the Essential Haircare product line, ensuring all carbon dioxide emissions generated in production are offset by the reforestation and protection of nature reserves in Italy and Costa Rica.