SE T TING THE STANDARD FOR SUSTAINABLE SALON E XCELLENCE In the picturesque streets of East Fremantle, a beacon of eco-conscious style stands tall—the illustrious George & Ivy. Crowned with the coveted ‘Best Eco Salon of the Year’ at the 2023 Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA), this salon is more than a haven for a great hair; it’s a testament to unwavering dedication to sustainability. Achieving the ‘Best Eco Salon of the Year’ wasn’t just a triumph; it was another significant milestone acknowledging George and Ivy’s tireless efforts in the realm of sustainable salon practices. As they say, the journey is just as important as the destination, and for George and Ivy, sustainability has been a continuous evolution since their establishment in 2018. The foundations of George and Ivy are rooted in principles of re-use and design. Housed within a Klopper building—a testament to Fremantle’s eco-architectural legacy—80% of the salon’s construction materials are recycled. The commitment to sustainability extends beyond the building’s structure to the interiors, where vintage and reclaimed furniture create a unique ambiance. A key feature of their green policy is the integration of solar panels, reducing energy consumption by a staggering 70%. The salon not only runs a company electric car solely off solar power but is also preparing to introduce a customer charging station. This significant shift to sustainable energy sources aligns with their dedication to reducing their carbon footprint. Water conservation is a priority at George and Ivy, exemplified by the installation of water-saving taps and a rainwater tank. The
emphasis on sustainability goes beyond their physical space, with a partnership with Carbon Neutral Australia to offset their carbon usage through the purchase of offsets. For George and Ivy, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s ingrained in every aspect of their operations. Their commitment to using certified organic hair care products led them to join hands with Organic Way, an Italian product line that embodies biodynamic principles. Beyond the exceptional quality of the products, the choice of Organic Way aligns with the salon’s commitment to sustainability. A standout initiative is the creation of a refill station, offering clients a 20% discount when topping up their shampoo and conditioner at the salon. This not only reduces packaging waste but encourages a sustainable consumer mindset, making the client an active participant in the salon’s eco-friendly practices. The evolution of George and Ivy’s relationship with Sustainable Salons Australia (SSA) is a testament to their dedication to recycling and waste reduction. An impressive 95% of the salon’s waste, including plastic, metals,
hair, paper, and chemical waste, is collected by SSA fortnightly. The transformation of this waste into reusable products, from wigs to compost to oil spill clean up, showcases a commitment to sustainability that goes beyond the salon’s immediate impact. The profits generated from SSA’s initiatives are channelled to OzHarvest, further contributing to the salon’s community and environmental impact. As a husband-and-wife-run salon, George and Ivy have the unique advantage of personally communicating their green policy to an open, curious, and like-minded clientele. Located in the quiet backstreets of East Fremantle, the salon thrives on word-of-mouth promotion, with clients serving as not just patrons but passionate advocates of George and Ivy’s sustainable ethos. The salon actively supports local businesses that align with their sustainability approach. Volunteer efforts at the ‘George Street Festival’ for waste recycling and management showcase their commitment to the local community. Their partnerships extend beyond local events; George and Ivy actively collaborate
