Green icons: kevin murphy gives back

Published 03rd Jun 2011 by rachael
Green icons: kevin murphy gives back KM Profile shot.JPG
Hairdresser Kevin Murphy works with the Al Gore 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. 


We spoke to Kevin about his green credentials and company goals...


What is the Al Gore Climate Project?
 
The Climate Project was founded in 2006 and is a non-profit organisation dedicated to educating the public about the harmful effects of climate change. Earlier this year, I was one of 350 participants selected to attend the Climate Project's 2011 Asia-Pacific Summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia. 


Why was it important for you to get involved?
 
Environmental awareness among consumers is growing significantly, fuelling demand for more environmentally-friendly products. It was important for me to get involved because as a company KEVIN.MURPHY is constantly researching initiatives to meet that demand and reduce its carbon footprint and impact on the environment.    


What does your role as a Climate Connector involve?


I'm responsible for communicating climate control messages to a broad network of hairdressers, stylists and consumers. It will also give me the opportunity to be personally trained by Al Gore, which I regard as a great privilege. 


I'm really excited about being able to bring his advice about how to become more environmentally aware and adopt sustainable measures to the stylist community, which will make a difference and help to preserve the planet for future generations.  


Why is it important for salons to get involved with green initiatives?
 
Salons simply can't afford to ignore green issues! Consumers are becoming increasingly carbon-conscious and as a result are looking for solutions.  


Taking the right approach to environmental issues can benefit your business. It will improve your reputation with clients, staff and suppliers, and investing in areas such as recycling, water and energy-saving technologies can actually save you money in the longer term.     


How does KEVIN.MURPHY the brand make a difference?
 
Reducing the company's carbon footprint and environmental impact has always been a priority. We strive to balance green credentials with product performance and our aim is to create exceptional products with an environmental conscience.  


All KEVIN.MURPHY products include naturally-derived ingredients that have been carefully selected for their specific styling, moisturising and cleansing characteristics and which are sourced from companies that use small-scale cultivation, organic growing practices and/or wild harvesting techniques to minimise environmental impact.  


Additionally KEVIN.MURPHY packaging is created with sustainable practices in mind and is 100% recyclable. Noted for their interesting square shapes, each bottle actually saves up to 40% plastic when compared with rounded bottles. All our paper packaging is made from post-consumer waste too. 


Finally, to offset aerosol product emissions KEVIN.MURPHY makes an annual cash donation to the Australian Conservation Foundation to reduce the company's global carbon footprint.   


What advice would you give to salons thinking of switching to an eco-friendly range? 


Do your research! Talk to your clients and find out what they want. Evaluate their response and your needs as a business and then match with the right brand. 


Make sure you communicate the eco-values and benefits of the brand to your clients and a wider audience.  Be clear about your message, keep it simple and don't over promise: you can do your bit but you can't save the planet! 


What smell steps can salons take to be more environmentally-aware? 
 
Again, do your research - there are some really informative websites that will guide you through the maze, explain the jargon and help you to make informed decisions about the product ranges you use and retail as well as suggesting ways to reduce your carbon footprint as a business.  


Working with an eco-friendly product company is an obvious place to start. Other simple steps include using natural tools such as wooden combs and bristle brushes and offering Fair Trade tea and coffee to your clients.  


Set examples and encourage staff to make suggestions and adopt eco-conscious habits in and out of the salon - for example the way you all travel to work. 


On a bigger scale, check to see if there are any grants available to help you fund the installation of equipment that will improve your consumption, save money and help preserve the environment. 


When buying furniture consider where it comes from (if it's travelled far that's notching up your carbon footprint!) and what it's made from - reclaimed materials are good. Look at things like solar power and incorporating jetting nozzles at the backwash, which can help to reduce water consumption by up to 60%.         






rachael

rachael

Published 03rd Jun 2011

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