In the Seattle-area, Gene Juarez Salons & Spas has taken on a leadership role in environmental preservation. Since 2015, the chain has made it a priority to focus on sustainability, recycling and reducing waste by 95%.

Today their environmental initiatives are still going strong, and all of the salon’s byproducts (hair clippings, plastic product bottles, and chemicals) are hand recycled and ultimately end up benefiting the environment.

How do they do this? Through their initiative, they use hair clippings to create oil booms, smelt aluminum and other metals to produce clean energy, process hair color in centrifuges to separate water from chemicals, and ensure the safe disposal of batteries, blow-dryers, and light bulbs.

Since there are unfortunately no public works programs that exist in the Seattle-area that allow for the safe and clean disposal of their service refuse, they sought out a third party to hand recycle all of their service waste. According to the salon, the cost of this endeavor is extremely high, so in order to absorb it as a cost of the business, they have added a small Environmental Stewardship fee of $1 (for services under $35) or $2 (for services $35 and over) to each ticket at checkout.

The salons share with their clients why they have the charge in place, and it’s been well-received. Gene Juarez salons believe it’s their responsibility to contribute to the protection of their beautiful Pacific Northwest home, and they want their clients to know their hard earned dollars are going for a good cause.

Do you believe in environmental sustainability? Is this a cause that's near and dear to your heart? Gene Juarez Salons and Spas is looking for people like you to work for them! For more information on how to apply, visit www.genejuarez.com/careers or email careers@genejuarez.com.

 

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