Merton salon launches 'bring your own towel' scheme

Kartee M Salon, located on Colliers Wood High Street, launched the scheme in a bid to cut down on water and electricity wastage.

The salon, which already recycles foils and hair clippings, wanted to go the extra mile after becoming concerned about the environmental footprint of the hairdressing industry.

See more: Colliers Wood salon mark reopening with bride as first client

The UK’s £6.2bn hairdressing industry has a huge environmental impact, through its use of water, energy and chemicals, reported Her Eco Hair and Beauty project.

ITV film workers at Kartee M Salon

Salon owner Kartee Munusamy said he had already halved his wash load in just the first week of introducing the scheme.

Speaking to Wimbledon times, he said: "As a father of two, I am very conscious of the environment, and what kind of planet we are leaving for future generations.

"I was inspired by Sir David Attenborough and am always looking at ways to make my business more environmentally friendly.

"We already bring our own shopping bags to the supermarket and our own cups to the coffee shop so this feels like the next step.

"Local salons could and should do more to bring sustainability to the industry without making clients feel like they are compromising on style.

Kartee M Hair Salon welcomed a bride as their first client on reopening day ( April 12)

"Even simple changes like encouraging people to bring in their own towels shows that it can be done and your hair style doesn't need to cost the earth to the client or the business.

With concerns about the pandemic, the move has been popular.

"We are used to bringing our own masks so bringing your own towels makes good sense for health as well as sustainability," he added.

"These small changes can make a big difference to the environment.

"Bringing in your own towels also makes good sense with the pandemic."

Does your business have a unique way of helping the environment? Get in touch at monica.charsley@newsquest.co.uk.