Bach Hair, a hair salon in Red Hill run by owners Peter and Lee Hanmer, is strongly committed to the local environment. It recycles nearly all materials, including cutting hair into special booms to clean up ocean oil spills through a partnership with Sustainable Salons.
Read: Sustainable Partnership
Co-owners Peter and Lee Hanmer established their first Brisbane salon back in 1983. Peter Hanmer explained that about 15 years ago, he recognised the need for businesses to consider their impact on the planet. This led Bach Hair to partner with Sustainable Salons, an organisation within the hairdressing industry designed to help salons operate more sustainably. Hanmer noted that this partnership makes it very easy for his team of 15 staff to practise sustainability daily. He believes that wanting to be sustainable and having an easy way to do it has been crucial to their success. To support the program, clients pay a small “green fee” added to their service cost, which funds consultancy, training, and Sustainable Salons’ regular collection of materials. Through the partnership, Bach Hair recycles almost all its waste. Hanmer detailed that materials, including metals like aluminium foil, plastics, paper, cardboard, cut hair, and even used chemicals are sent to Sustainable Salons. These materials are then either repurposed or managed carefully to reduce environmental harm. For instance, the large amounts of used aluminium foil collected each week earn the salon credits towards buying back cleaned, repurposed foil. Sustainable Salons sells collected plastics to be made into durable items like park benches, breaks down chemicals into water suitable for construction sites, and repurposes cut hair into sausage-like ‘booms’ used to soak up oil spills in the ocean. Bach Hair’s commitment extends to resource management within the salon. Peter and Lee Hanmer installed 15 watts of solar panels on the salon roof. This system allows the Red Hill business to operate almost off-grid during winter and covers most of its energy needs, including air-conditioning, in summer. Hanmer also mentioned a recent improvement where newly installed tap heads have successfully cut the salon’s water usage in half, showing their continuous effort to find better, more efficient ways to operate. The positive impact reaches beyond the environment. Sustainable Salons uses its profits to support food relief charities OzHarvest and Kiwi Harvest, helping people in need within the wider community. Having been part of the Brisbane business scene since 1983, Bach Hair has seen the city evolve. Hanmer expressed his fondness for Brisbane, stating it has grown from a ‘big country town’ into a fashionable, modern city suitable for running an effective business like theirs. Source 2 also highlights the salon’s focus on providing a luxury experience, drawing on decades of wisdom and a diverse team ready to help clients achieve their hair goals. Peter Hanmer strongly believes that businesses should be open about their sustainability efforts. He advises other businesses not to be quiet about going green, suggesting that telling people about these efforts can increase business because customers are interested. He feels that being a modern, effective business involves communicating these positive actions and believes promoting their sustainable practices has attracted customers to Bach Hair in Red Hill. Published Date 14-April-2025
Recycling Efforts
Energy and Water Savings
Community Connection
Promoting Green Business
