Few businesses are as well known as Aveda, maker of plant-derived beauty products, for connecting ecological sustainability and corporate success. In addition to their ecologically based salon and lifestyle products, their new institute on West Franklin Street is a veritable showplace of building products made with environmentally sustainable and recycled material. Buying products made from recycled material helps support recycling programs.
Upon entering the facility, one is not assaulted with the chemical blast common to hair and personal care salons. Karen Potter, Marketing and Events Coordinator for Aveda Institute Chapel Hill, relates what a healthy difference it makes to work in an enivironment that is not full of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), “It has really made me conscious of the smell of synthetics and aerosols.” Karen’s so inspired, she’s converted to non-toxic, aerosol and synthetic-free alternatives in her home. Pale wisps of laminated bamboo called Plyboo cover the reception desks and display counters. All bamboo used to make Plyboo comes from managed forests in China where it is harvested by hand, minimizing impact on the local environment.
“Dakota Burl” covers the countertop at the guest services’ station. The marble-looking material is made from sunflower seed hulls, a waste product of the sunflower seed processing industry in the Dakotas and northern Minnesota. Crushed hulls are bonded with a non-polluting urethane resin to form this durable, attractive countertop. The Infinity Modular carpet tiles in the foyer can be taken up, replaced piece by piece as needed and recycled again.
Marmoleum flooring swirls beneath the colmetology clinic and nail care area. It is an update of the old linoleum made from biodegradable, natural renewable products including jute, wood flour and limestone. A sealant hardens the Marmoleum, but leaves it with a slightly springy feel, making it more forgiving on employees’ feet than conventional flooring.
Last but not least, the confetti-looking flooring (ECOsurfaces) in the break room is made from recycled rubber tires and is in turn completely recyclable.Stroll into Aveda for a visual sampling of these great, environmentally sound products, especially if you have a building or remodeling project in mind. While here, notice the high indoor air quality as well, Buying recycled isn’t only for an upscale salon; these building materials and many others are available for building healthy homes and businesses.
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