Plastic Free July seems like the distant past so we expect by now you have all cut out the nasty fossil fuelly stuff 100%. But it’s not that easy, is it?

 

The good news is that there is major interest from some manufacturers in switching from plastic to aluminium for containers and bottles. As I expect you know, aluminium is almost 100% recyclable, although it is very energy intensive to manufacture and the open cast bauxite mines where it originates are not great for nature and local people’s human rights. Here we feature our good friend Jessica Parrish who explains why her brand Shedid & Parrish, has dumped plastic for aluminium. 

And in more good news, the U.K. is set to implement a deposit return scheme for drinks containers from October 2027. (why so long?) This will apply to containers made from plastic, steel and aluminium. There may be exemptions for some small business and two years is plenty of time for push back from vested interests. Cynical, who, us? Fingers crossed. 

 

But the bad news is that in August, the United Nations treaty on plastic pollution did not end in agreement. Unfortunately some of the world’s big fossil fuel producers (most plastic is made from oil, gas and coal as I’m sure you know) declined to sign up for a reduction in plastic production, preferring an emphasis on recycling. Which countries you ask? Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, U.S.A. etc. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the United States has usually withdrawn from international negotiations and commitments, particularly around climate. But they were very much involved in this one, lobbying other countries to oppose any plans to reduce plastic production.

 

While here Professor Martin Attrill argues that the big challenge facing the oceans is not plastic but industrial fishing! What do you think?  

 

The British Beauty Council’s Sustainable Beauty Coalition is doing important work for our industry on waste and particularly plastic pollution. Find out more here. 

 

What can we do as hairdressers, or salon/space owners? Reduce what you consume or produce. The 3 Rs “Reduce, re-use, recycle”, in that order. Can you cut out plastic from your work and personal life? Do your suppliers use plastic in their containers and packaging? Is it all really needed? Tell them what you think about it, because as a customer, your opinion carries weight. 

 

And in hot off the press, last minute news, we hear that your hair can be made into toothpaste from boffins at Kings College London. Of course, Anne has been flossing with her own hair for years. 

 

Finally, if by some chance you don’t have our sustainable hairdressing tool kits, then here they are just for you. Salon Re:Source Freelance RE:Source.