REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE. These are the 3 most important R’s in a Salon, especially a sustainable one. If you’re new to The Salon Movement or your salon needs a bump in the right direction, read up. We’ve got some easy but very important tips you can incorporate starting now.
REDUCE
Let’s face it, a lot of waste can come out of a salon! Tons of water and other resources can get burned up quickly. To be honest, you’ll likely never get your waste down to 0%, but you can try! It’s a fun way to see how low you can go. However, there are a few things you can do to significantly reduce it.
Buy In Bulk
Buying in bulk reduces the amount of packaging that comes into your salon. Boxes within boxes and excess plastic creates a lot of unnecessary waste.
Watch Your water
We’ve talked before about one of our amazing partners, ECOHEADS, and how their products can make your salon significantly more sustainable. You can also instill special rules to make your salon more efficient water-wise. For instance, only run washers for a full load and use eco settings whenever possible.
Be Window-Wise
Making sure your windows are properly sealed will help keep the space warm in the winter, keeping your heating bills down. And tinting your windows, especially the ones that get direct sunlight, will keep your rooms cooler in the summertime.
Be Energy Smart
Reassess your lighting and power options. Choose better bulbs and make sure to turn off all lights, computers and machines when they’re not in use. Install fans to keep the air moving.
Think Twice About Paper & Don’t Print Unless You Have To
In this age of technology, most people actually appreciate getting their appointment reminders via text or email. There’s no need to have those paper cards that usually get tossed in the bottom of bags then likely lost.
Receipts and correspondence can often be more efficiently transferred using electronic means rather than printing out on paper — using ink, paper and energy. If you must print out a memo, reuse old memos and letters by printing on the back side. This way you won’t feel quite as guilty when you must print.
REUSE
Take a look around and imagine how many things you throw out or even recycle which could be reused at least one more time before tossing it out.
Get Creative
Empty bottles can not only be recycled, but they can be reused as holders for a variety of objects like floral arrangements, pens and utensils. If you have more than you can use, pass them along to a daycare or seniors center for art projects.
Compost
If you don’t already have a compost system set up, do it now. Check with your town to get the rules of what can be included in your compost. Most food, some paper, and even occasionally hair can be included. Some communities will even offer you compost bins to get you started.
Curbside pickup is often an option as most towns will use the compost collected for their own use. You can also use it for your own flower pots or garden if you have a green thumb.
RECYCLE
You should already have a recycling system set up in your business. If you don’t, get on it. If you do, amp it up and challenge your staff to recycle even more.
Get Bins To Make It Easy
Visit your city’s main website to see what can and can’t be recycled. Much like with compost, most communities will offer you separate bins to sort your recycling into proper categories. Otherwise, set up a system for yourself.
Pick Your Plastics
If you’re not already using products with recyclable plastic, look into switching to companies that incorporate sustainability, such as Davines.
At The Salon Movement, we’re passionate about making your salon run as smoothly and sustainably as possible. Sustainable beauty and sustainable fashion are HUGE these days and this will only expand in the next few years. People will be looking for YOUR business and we can help them find you. Join us today!
