U.S., Canadian Salons Produce Hair-Raising 877 Pounds of Waste Per Minute

Hair salons across the United States and Canada are increasingly adapting material recycling and sustainable practices. However, 70 percent of salon professionals are unaware of recycling streams and ways to reduce waste, according to a new study from Green Circle Salons.

The Certified B corporation released a report titled "The Circle of Impact," which detailed the state of the hair salon industry regarding environmental impact and the "attitudes" of salon professionals towards sustainability.

"When most people sit down in a stylist's chair, they're prepping for a relaxing experience that will leave them looking and feeling good. But neither they -- nor, often, the salon workers -- are thinking about the tremendous impact they have on the environment at that moment," commented Shane Price, CEO, Green Circle Salons. "But it's not their fault."

U.S. and Canadian salons generate 877 pounds of waste each minute, or 421,000 pounds per day. While recycling and waste reduction methods have existed in the industry, a lack of education about the environmental impacts in the industry have left salon professionals in the dark, Price said. 

As little as 14 percent of respondents that contributed their insight to the report via survey have attempted a beauty waste recycling program. In addition to lack of awareness about programs, costs also have stifled efforts to reduce waste in the salon industry, according to the report. 

Despite these factors, the report noted that 62 percent of salons now incorporate some material recycling, yet 74 percent have not adopted beauty waste recycling services.

"These results emphasize the pressing need for greater education and awareness about the environmental implications of the beauty industry," concluded Green Circle.

Other Key Report Findings: