I have been an avid Aveda junkie since my college days (early 1990’s). Walking the occasionally not-so-fragrant streets of Manhattan, I would often venture into Aveda’s oasis to get my fix: my olfactory fix. Sampling the countless oils and lotions, I’d have a sensation of calm for my bustling walk home.
While I was getting my hair cut last week in Boca Raton, I spoke to my stylist about all the great earth friendly endeavors Aveda participates in. Little did I know, “In 1989, Aveda open(ed) its first free-standing Environmental Lifestyle Store on Madison Avenue in New York City. Aveda is first company to endorse and sign the CERES Principles (Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies)—which encourages higher corporate standards of corporate environmental performance and disclosure.” Wow! I knew they used only natural products and denounced animal testing; but I had no idea the depth and breadth of their eco-commitments.
Packaging, recycling, renewable energy and being socially responsible are all part of Aveda’s conscientious eco-mission. Aveda’s sleek packaging design is mindful of “minimizing packaging, maximizing the use of post-consumer recycled materials, using materials that can be and are recyclable, and by designing our packaging so that the individual parts can be separated for recycling.” This brings me to the recycling. Many people don’t realize that when you toss your water bottle, or any bottle for that matter, into the recycling bin, the caps are supposed to come off. This saves a crucial step for recyclers. Unfortunately, many recycling plants will just throw the capped bottle in with the regular garbage, thus meeting the fate of the landfill. These plastic toppers also litter our beaches and oceans. With the help of the Aveda salons and stores along with local schools, Aveda collects and sends the donated caps to their recycler to be made into new products. At Dorjon, an Aveda salon in Boca Raton, Florida there is an eclectic collection of bottles caps where you can drop your used caps off. They will ship them off to be recycled into new products. For more information concerning what types of caps Aveda collects, click here .
Aveda is also Green-e certified, which means “that the renewable energy (Aveda) purchases meets the strict environmental and consumer protection standards established by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions.” Aveda can proudly assert that they were the first beauty corporation to manufacture with 100% certified wind power. So what does this mean, exactly? It’s important to understand that electricity is one of the most significant contributors to carbon emissions. Wind generated power, then, protects the environment by reducing greenhouse gasses.
The social campaigns Aveda takes part in are admirable. Their annual month-long event, Earth Month begins in April. Each year focuses on a different clean water project. Aveda’s 2009 focus will be selling their exclusive Earth Month Candle where “100% of the proceeds will go to support Aveda’s earth month partner, Global Greengrants Fund, who provide grants for community-based water projects around the world.” This year’s Earth Month event also celebrates Aveda’s 30th anniversary. During the month of October, Aveda participates in a Breast Cancer Awareness. A significant portion of Aveda’s grant-making supports projects for indigenous cultures and community groups. “Grants are offered to programs that create sustainable economic activity and support the protection of cultural traditions, environmental quality and community health.”
For more information about the array of eco-responsibilities Aveda participates in, visit, the Aveda website.
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