TATAMAGOUCHE – Two businesses in Tatamagouche want to raise awareness of environmental stewardship by incorporating as many eco-friendly practices in their daily operations as possible.
But greening traditional practices can have some added costs, so Holly (Nicholson) Tattrie, owner of Holly's Jazz N' Jewlz, and Kristen Munroe, owner of Pigtails Salon and Spa, have teamed up to host a fundraiser to help them convert some products and practices to better protect the environment.
"With all that's going on in our environment, we believe it is time for everyone to do their part in every way they can to be a little more green," said Munroe.
She said they already operate with a strong environmental conscience, but feel more could be done to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as switching hair styling products to more eco-friendly brands.
"They literally cost twice as much for the volume that I buy," she said. "I use them every day, all day, so that is a lot of product going down drains."
Both businesses have new clothing lines in stock and felt a fashion show would give them the opportunity to showcase what they have to offer, while promoting environmental awareness and raising funds needed to implement their green plans.
The Doll Me Up! Fashion Show will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Tatamagouche legion and will feature about 100 outfits, including more than 50 prom dresses, wedding dresses and other formal wear.
Munroe said funds raised will help cover the cost of investing in more energy efficient styling tools such as hairdryers, straighteners and curling irons, products in biodegradable or recycled packaging, bamboo brushes and combs.
Diverting waste from landfills is also as goal of the businesswomen.
"I plan to invest in a proper recycling system," said Tattrie.
She said some items arrive at her shop in three or more layers of packaging and it is important that as little as possible goes to landfills.
"One purse produces three (recyclable) items, so if there are 100 purses arriving and those items are not properly taken care of it will produce an enormous amount of waste.
"The amount of recyclable packaging I get here at the store is ridiculous."
The women also plan to invest funds raised at the event in energy efficient lighting, green cleaning supplies, along with recycled paper for printing promotional material.
Munroe will also soon begin a hair recycling program organized by Matter of Trust, which use the trimmings to produce mats and booms used to clean up oil spills.
Who: Holly's Jazz N' Jewlz and Pigtails Salon and Spa
What: Doll Me Up! Fashion Show, featuring new lines of designer clothing, hand-made fashions and jewelry.
Where: Tatamagouche legion, Tatamagouche
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Why: To raise funds to adopt more environmentally friendly practices and products at the two locations.
Cost: Tickets cost $5 for students and $7 for adults.
