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Easy Being Green

[Tue 15/11/2011 09:25:54]

Recently appointed Climate Presenter for the Al Gore Climate Project, Kevin Murphy talks to Styleicons about his new role and the importance of going green.

Kevin Murphy

Tell us about 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 invited to attend The Climate Project 2011 Asia-Pacific Summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia. As head speaker, Al Gore offered advice regarding environmentally friendly initiatives and solutions that businesses can implement to help avoid dangerous climate change. Summit participants listened to relevant science about land use issues and the trajectories of pollution and timeframes around the impacts of climate change.

Kevin Murphy's online Green Project

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 our carbon footprint and impact on the environment.

By getting involved in the Climate Project, we send a powerful message to both stylists and consumers that if they buy into KEVIN.MUPRHY they are collectively helping to reduce our global carbon footprint. Indirectly they’re also supporting the Australian Conservation Foundation, a non-profit organisation that we support, which works with the community, business and government to protect, restore and sustain the environment.

What does your role as a Climate Presenter 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.

How would you explain to salons why this is an important issue for them?
Salons can’t afford to ignore green issues. Consumers are becoming increasingly carbon conscious and as a result are looking for solutions that make them feel they’re playing their part in reducing any damaging impact that their beauty habits and buying decisions may have on the planet. 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 like recycling, water and energy-saving technologies can actually save you money in the longer term.

What advice would you give to salons that are just starting to think about going green?
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 to green 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 per cent.

Learn more about Kevin Murphy’s Green Salon Project by visiting www.kevinmurphy.com.au/greensalon