The term “going green” can sound a little intimidating as a business owner. It raises some immediate questions: How much will it cost to transition to earth-conscious options? How difficult will it be for your staff to implement, and will your clients value the effort? Is it a bunch of hype or can we really help preserve our planet with a few conscious choices?
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The term “going green” can sound a little intimidating as a business owner. It raises some immediate questions: How much will it cost to transition to earth-conscious options? How difficult will it be for your staff to implement, and will your clients value the effort? Is it a bunch of hype or can we really help preserve our planet with a few conscious choices?
While it’s natural to keep your bottom line in mind, making greener choices in your spa can actually save you money in the long run. It can also be easier than you think for employees and clientele to make the transition with the proper education, notification and signage.
You can make a big impact on our environment and make it a healthier place for future generations. You may be surprised by how much your clientele values your efforts, and in turn, their loyalty to your brand will increase.
There are lots of ways to “go green” without going into the red. Let’s look at a few simple options that can be easily implemented and make a big impact for your business and the environment.
1. Lose Disposable Wipes
Replacing single-use paper towels and cleaning wipes can make a big difference fast. Most cleaning wipes are not biodegradable, and even those that are made of plant-based fibers need specific conditions to biodegrade properly.
Most of the messes we clean on a regular basis in the spa environment do not need to be separated from our other spa linens, so try replacing your cleaning wipes and paper towels with a cloth alternative, aka reusable paper towels. You can use such fabric towels with a spray disinfecting solution as needed, or pre-soak them in a cleaning solution to save time. Depending on your preference, towels can even double as decoration and be a conversation starter for your employees to educate clients on your green initiative.
There are many brands to choose from when it comes to paper replacement products. Find a brand that resonates with your business or is local to your area.
If you have a prominent retail space, consider using a brand that also has retail packaging options. It may surprise you how many clients will also want to swap to greener options after seeing and experiencing how easy it is in your spa.
2. Eliminate Plastics
Eliminate single-use plastics and prepare yourself for massive savings. These purchases can add up fast and create a large amount of waste.
Some of the of the most popular single-use plastic items in spas are refreshment cups for drinks and snacks, cups for pre-portioning supplies and single-use toiletries. Luckily, reusable replacements for these items both save you money and improve your brand.
Permanent drinking glasses and serving containers are luxury details that elevate your aesthetic and the client experience. If there are spa spaces where you do not want glass, opt for other sustainable materials such as wood, metal, and recycled reusable plastic containers that are BPA free and dishwasher safe.
Instead of pre-portioning spa supplies, you can keep reusable cups and jars to portion out supplies as needed for sessions. Store reusable scoops inside of backbar containers.
This can help keep supplies fresh and your storage space tidy. Most reusable containers and scoops can be washed in a dishwasher alongside other spa items to properly clean and sanitize them between uses.
Plenty of companies sell bulk and concentrated toiletry items such as hand soap, shampoo, body wash and other personal hygiene products. Using large dispensers rather than individual personal-sized ones can eliminate waste from half full containers being thrown away. This is a great way to save space in smaller spas, as well as a retail opportunity to help clients establish a self-care routine that reminds them of their time with you.
Related: The Gap Between Green Say and Green Do
3. Choose Cleaning Concentrates
Create cleaning solutions from concentrates rather than purchasing small retail containers. Most cleaners contain a high percentage of water—consider the amount of water in hand soap, disinfecting spray, stain remover, laundry detergent, window cleaning solutions and all-purpose cleaners. This takes up a lot of space, and you also end up paying a premium for a resource you already have access to.
Many brands carry a variety of products in concentrated liquid or powder form, which can save on storage space as well as the cost of goods. You can also continue to reuse the same dispensing container as you refill products, reducing your use of plastics such as laundry detergent containers and cleaner bottles.
Most of these brands are also very particular with their ingredients, which can be comforting for clients with sensitivities and allergies. Plus, promoting such cleaning solutions can provide a safer working environment for your employees and give them a space they are proud to call their own and assist in maintaining.
I prefer to use Truly Free’s dishwasher powdered detergent, oxi-boost laundry powder, laundry rinse and laundry detergent. The brand has several items available in a light scent or unscented, which gives you options that work for all clients in your spa. This has been one of the biggest savings I have experienced in my own business, and it conserves storage space in compact areas, too.
4. Go Digital
Create virtual intake paperwork. There are a lot of software systems and add-on software programs that can provide a virtual option for all of your paperwork needs.
Having virtual forms for things like interviews, client intakes and waivers not only reduces your paper consumption, but it can help you retrieve pertinent information in a more timely manner. In cases where you do need a printout, printing on both sides of the paper helps reduce the storage space needed for forms and makes retrieving client data easier.
Encourage clients to complete their paperwork before arriving, which also helps minimize the number of last-minute cancellations due to health contraindications or unwillingness to sign and comply with company policies.
I hope you have some fresh ideas on how you can transition your spa to be more earth friendly. It isn’t as expensive as most people think it will be. These simple steps can make a huge impact toward protecting our planet and help you act as a good steward of the resources you use on a regular basis.
Make the switch to greener spa options and watch your business blossom!
Alexandria Fairbairn, LMT, MTI, CEP, is the owner of Sacred Oasis Massage in Fort Worth, Texas. She has a passion for education and helping others, and she enjoys helping businesses across the globe create thriving health and wellness practices.
