If you're concerned about how the nail industry affects the environment, you'll be glad to know that "greening" your salon is easier than you think. Try these eco-friendly ideas to help you offset you carbon footprint.
Consider replacing all of your salon's conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs).They use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Remember to turn off break room and bathroom lights when not in use; remembering to shut down and even unplug computers and other equipment at the end of the day will save a lot of energy too.
Upgrading HVAC (heating-ventilation-air conditioning) systems saves energy and money. Energy Star-qualified programmable thermostats make it easy to automatically adjust temperature settings and save energy when your salon is closed.
Use eco-conscious materials and products in your salon decor and remodeling projects. If you're repainting or doing touch-ups, look for low- or zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints. As a bonus, these environmentally friendly paints are also low-odor. Another idea for healthy and sustainable building and remodeling is installing floors and countertops made from composite materials like post-consumer recycled paper or plastic resins. These formaldehyde-free products mimic the look of conventional materials but don't release harmful levels of VOCs into the atmosphere.
Setting up a recycling program for old magazines, glass, plastic, cardboard, and other paper items is one of the easiest ways to green your salon. Contact the company that handles your trash pick-up and ask about recycling options. You may need to explore your recycling options for other salon items, such as partially full polish bottles, batteries, and e-waste.
Finally, it's important to educate employees and share your knowledge with other nail techs. The Salon & Spa Sustainability Guidebook is available from The National Association of Eco-Friendly Salons & Spas (www.naefss.org). This guide helps take the mystery out of terms such as sustainability, eco-friendly, green, and eco-consciousness.
Look for paper towels that contain recycled or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified fiber, or use cloth towels to eliminate paper waste. Use recycled paper for salon menus and fliers, and post your menu on your website. Replace bottled water with filtered water, and offer your clients beverages in glass and ceramic instead of wasting plastic cups or water bottles. Switch to free trade and/or non-toxic cleaning products such as Simple Green. Look for "formaldehyde-free" and "paraben-free" on the labels.
You can also help make changes to the environment just by changing your clothes. The fashion industry leaves a hefty carbon footprint, using more water than any other aside from agriculture, and it uses at least 8,000 different chemicals to convert raw materials to synthetic textiles. When purchasing salon uniforms and aprons, look for natural, organic fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and even seaweed.
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