Producing the most-desirable and highest-quality professional hair care products is simply not enough for John Paul Mitchell Systems. Founded in 1980 by two friends, John Paul DeJoria and Paul Mitchell, with only $700 to invest, a post office box, and an answering machine, throughout their history the company has been committed to caring for people and the planet on the whole. John Paul Mitchell Systems has been an ethical company from the very beginning, as they were the first professional beauty company to take a real stand against animal testing. They never have and never will. By the same token, they’re committed to making the world a more beautiful place by planting trees, preserving natural resources, and wildlife habitats. Moreover, John Paul Mitchell Systems joined forces with reforestAction to protect the environment and fight against deforestation. In 1983, while pursuing a lifestyle that was more connected to nature and more in tune with their beliefs, the co-founders purchased some land in Pa’auilo, Hawaii, that would become the Awapuhi Farm. Known for its pungent, pleasant aroma and beauty, Awapuhi (wild ginger) flowers produce a clear, sudsy juice which is excellent for softening and shining hair. After learning this from native Hawaiians, who had been using it for centuries in shampoos and fragrant soaps, the two men would organically-grow the plant on their farms and use it in their line of hair care products. As it is, the Awapuhi Farm and Nature Retreat operates in an entirely sustainable, off-the-grid manner. Meaning, their facilities are not connected to any public sources of power, water, and telephone. All power is produced through solar technology and overages are stored in batteries for later use, all appliances are powered by propane gas, and they collect rainwater in catchment tanks and store it for later use. In addition to all of their commendable environmental endeavors, John Paul Mitchell Systems is also involved in a number of highly-respectful charities including Baby2Baby, which provides low-income children 0-12 with diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child needs and deserves. Much in the same way, they support cancer awareness organizations like Bright Pink and Eyes On Cancer; as well as, sponsoring organic food drives and various proactive fund-raising activities. Whether it’s the company’s origins being founded-upon sustainable practices through-and-through, they’re firm stance against animal testing, or their charitable endeavors, John Paul Mitchell Systems is a true example of what it means to be a true corporate citizen and lead by example as it relates to ethical business.