GEORGE & IVY

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR SUSTAINABLE SALON EXCELLENCE.

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 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 reuse 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 creates a unique ambience.

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 cleanup, 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 with SSA to provide free haircuts for the homeless, a demonstration of their dedication to using their skills for social and environmental good. As they continue to expand, this commitment is set to grow, with plans for even more community-focused initiatives in the coming years.

Reflecting on their journey, George and Ivy have achieved significant milestones. From the ‘Best Organic Way Salon Worldwide 2019’ award within their first months to being a finalist for ‘Best Salon Design’ at the Hair Expo awards, the salon’s success is a blend of organic growth and intentional sustainability practices.

The team has doubled since 2021, and the salon is now booked weeks in advance. The East Fremantle location has doubled in size, with a sister salon opening soon in the historic West End of Fremantle. The salon’s success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating a space where sustainability is instinctual and deeply embedded in every action.

Stepping into George and Ivy isn’t just a salon visit—it’s a journey into sustainable design excellence. The physical space is a carefully curated blend of reclaimed and recycled materials, vintage finds, and a touch of industrial chic. From the repurposed concrete laundry troughs used as basins to the vintage leather Chesterfield that welcomes visitors, every element tells a story of mindful choices and environmental responsibility.

The design ethos extends to every aspect of the salon—recycled timber shelves display their range of organic and biodynamic products, vintage Japanese barber chairs add a touch of timeless elegance, and the courtyard, overgrown with water-wise plants, serves as a sanctuary within the bustling salon.

While achieving sustainability within the salon is crucial, George and Ivy believe that true sustainability goes beyond environmental practices. It’s about fostering an inclusive and welcoming space that transcends societal norms.

The salon deliberately avoids creating a mono-follicle culture, offering a diverse range of styles that cater to everyone. As a reflection of their commitment to equality and inclusivity, George and Ivy ensures their space is non-discriminatory, welcoming all people and all types of hair. The salon’s success isn’t just in the accolades but in the confidence, clients feel when entering a space designed to make a difference.

Beyond traditional definitions of sustainability, George and Ivy sees sustainability in their industry as retaining clients. It’s about galvanizing a community that shares their values and supports their journey towards a sustainable business. The salon recognises that this may come at a cost, whether in the form of reducing water usage or choosing environmentally conscious products.

They believe in changing opinions through open discussions, emphasising the importance of working towards a better environment and workplace equality. If we don’t act now for the environment, equality, and overall well-being, what are we doing?

While they’ve achieved remarkable success, George and Ivy see it as a stepping stone for further improvements. Their goals include finding more sustainable ways to manage water, reducing waste, initiating communitydriven initiatives such as providing free haircuts for the homeless, and continuing to educate on sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

With an eye on the future, George and Ivy remains dedicated to being better, not just as hairdressers but as stewards of a sustainable future. The success they measure isn’t just in awards and accolades; it’s in the ability to do what they love, in a space they’re proud of, with a community that trusts and supports them.

To stay abreast of the latest in sustainability, George and Ivy rely on a network of informed partners. Organic Way and Sustainable Salons Australia (SSA) provide regular updates on industry-specific developments.

Living in a time where environmental concerns are at the forefront, the salon actively consumes information from various sources, be it email lists, dedicated sustainability advocates, newspapers, television, or social media. Their active participation in an informed and engaged community ensures that they stay ahead of the curve, informed not just by industry experts but also by their clientele who often work in related fields and contribute valuable insights.

In a world where sustainability is not just a trend, but a necessity, George and Ivy stand as a beacon of inspiration. The salon’s journey from a dream in 2018 to the ‘Best Eco Salon of the Year’ in 2019 when the AHIA first introduced the Best Eco Salon Category, then winning AHIA State Salon Business of the Year – WA/NT in 2022, and winning AHIA Best Eco Salon of the Year again in 2023 is a testament to the transformative power of sustainable practices, and their exceptional journey reflects not only the salon’s commitment to sustainability but also their excellence in every aspect of their business.

George and Ivy’s success story goes beyond industry recognition; it’s about creating a space where sustainability is not an obligation but a way of life. As they continue to evolve, inspire, and set new standards, George and Ivy remains a shining example of how style and sustainability can seamlessly coexist, proving that a green tomorrow begins today.

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