Aveda offers natural hair products, natural make up, skin care products, and other cosmetic products for men and women while being environmentally safe. As a manufacturer of plant-based hair, skin, body, aroma, make-up and lifestyle products, Aveda stakes its long-term business model on safe and all natural alternatives to the chemical laced products which many other beauty product companies use. All of the Aveda shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, make-up and skin care products are made from natural plant-based ingredients. The Aveda Corporation was founded in 1978 by Horst Rechelbacher. He was on a missions to provide the hair and beauty industry with natural products from sustainable resources that gave the high quality results demanded by hair and beauty professionals. As such, it was one of Avedas top priorities to incorporate nature and the environment into their products and business model. Aveda take their commitment to the environment very seriously as is demonstrated my their mission statement, "To care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world." While leading the way in the struggle to protect the environment Aveda took another major step joining forces with UNESCO and The United Nations Foundation in order to help protect and conserve some of the worlds most important places and resources. This story of their search for a source of the essential oil sandalwood typifies the ethos of the company. Most sandalwood available on the market has been poached in India, sometimes by organized gangs who also poach elephants. Like most essential oils traded on international markets, sandalwood oil is often adulterated with petrochemical oils. Aveda's quest for the Earth's purest, finest organic sandalwood oil that can be traceably sourced, sustainably harvested and where the oil extraction process uses steam instead of petrochemical solvents took them to the Aboriginal People of Australia. Until recently, the Aboriginal Peoples who have harvested sandalwood from their lands have received a very small percentage of the profits from the final harvest. Aveda's partnership with communities of Mardu Peoples of Kuktabubba assures responsible sourcing and harvesting practices. . For the Mardu Peoples, the harvesting of sandalwood provides a sustainable economic base for its people. As partners with Aveda, the Aboriginal Peoples receive fair payment for their sandalwood harvest, creating a business where all parties benefit. The difference in quality and sustainability benefits beauty professionals, consumers, indigenous communities and the Earth. The company is not just about selling products. It takes it's mission to a much deeper lever in the provision of beauty products and experiences for its customers. These include Lifestyle Salons/Spas: These salons and spas are committed to the philosophy of connecting beauty, wellness and care for the environment. They offer fantastic experiences as well as well as the full range of Aveda products. Concept Salons/Spas: These salons and spas offer a customers a caring and relaxing experience using hair care, skin care and face color exclusively from Aveda. Experience Centres: These retails stores are located in many large shopping malls and city centres. They stock the complete line of Aveda products. Destination Spas: These are to be found around the world with each one created for the sole purpose of providing complete relaxation for the body and total escape for the mind. They offer luxury facilities and the full menu of treatments in a specially designed atmosphere. With more and more people wanting do take care of the planet Aveda is all set to be able to provide men and women with the products they want whilst giving them the knowledge and comfort that they are making a real difference to the environment.