Eco-Friendly Renew Hair and Skin Salon Provides Serene Oasis in New York City Near Times Square and Broadway; Limits its Impact on the Environment

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 28, 2007 -- Entrepreneur Jim Gaylord opened Renew Salon to put into action his belief that each of us can make a difference in the future of the planet. His goal for Renew was to provide high quality services to clients while reducing the effects of the business's operation on the environment (http://www.renew-salon.com). Renew is located at 368 West 46th Street, close to New York City's Times Square (http://www.renew-salon.com) and Broadway (http://www.renew-salon.com) theatre district.

"For years, I've worked in salons that had no consciousness about the waste of energy, water and products that occurred every single day," said Gaylord. "Waste is not only harmful to the environment, but also not cost effective. When I decided to open my own place," he continued, "it meant more than doing great cuts and color. It meant running a business that would reduce harm and offer a less toxic atmosphere."

Gaylord, who has been a [hair (http://www.renew-salon.com) stylist for more than 30 years, has done some very famous heads -- James Gandolfini, Anthony LaPaglia, Blythe Danner, Marisa Tomei, Kate Burton and more. He has also styled for numerous Broadway productions, including Entertaining Mr. Sloane (Alec Baldwin) and Twelve Angry Men. Cast members of Avenue Q and Beauty and the Beast are regular clients.

Gaylord became environmentally aware after he moved to New York City (http://www.renew-salon.com) from Florida. "I was part of a like-minded group of people," he said, "who regularly talked about how to bring our environmental concerns into the workplace. Renew grew out of these discussions."

As he contemplated opening his own salon, it was essential that it reflect this value system. It took Gaylord a full year to develop the business plan, which a bank approved in a month. It took another 14 months to find a site and build the salon.

Throughout the building process, Gaylord attempted to use as many sustainable non-toxic, ecological (http://www.renew-salon.com) elements as possible:

* Bamboo flooring

* Cotton insulation

* Natural building products instead of plastics

* Paint without vocs (toxic emissions)

Daily operations achieve Renew's mission by:

* recycling (http://www.renew-salon.com) of paper and foil used for highlights;

* limiting waste (fewer towels, reduction of color products washed down the drain);

* conserving water using new technology that reduces water flow without reducing effectiveness; dual-flush toilets in bathrooms;

* using organic (http://www.renew-salon.com) products, where possible; and,

* buying from eco-friendly vendors.

"It's a work in progress," Gaylord explains. "At this early stage, it is not economically viable to have a totally 'do no harm' operation. We're at the first level and as the business grows, we will attempt to reach even higher standards of ecological compliance. For now, though, 'do less harm' seems achievable."

The salon's environment reflects Gaylord's temperament. All the staff is helpful and friendly. There's no loud music, and customers can sip organic tea or water while having their hair cut or colored.

Clients have responded with rave reviews about the salon and its mission:

* "Mellow + pleasant ambiance, commitment to eco-friendliness, skill of staff?Too bad there aren't more locations in Manhattan (http://www.renew-salon.com)!"

* "Its top-notch service/products and a 100% commitment to eco-friendliness (not just organic products but also procedures that limit waste, etc.)"

* "I highly recommend the whole salon and experience!

Many people place a high value on companies that are socially-responsible (http://www.renew-salon.com) even if their products/services are more costly.

At Renew, clients patronize an environmentally-conscious salon with high quality services at reasonable prices. Men's haircuts are priced from just $45, women's cuts from $70, color from $70. Waxing services start at $15 with facials ranging from $85 (an hour) - $95 (75 minutes).

Renew is a beautiful 1200 square-foot salon (with a wonderful backyard garden). The space offers a relaxing escape from the pressures of New York, superior services and a commitment to the future of the planet.

To visit Renew, view photos or interview Jim Gaylord, contact:

Leslie J. Yerman, 212-327-2107.

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