Make your Beauty Salon more Eco-Friendly!

First it is important to understand the two main type of waste generated by the beauty industry:

General Salon Waste

This is waste that salons produce excluding bodily fluids and sharp or infectious. So this can range from chemicals used in beauty procedures to plastic containers, general waste and so on. Please note that some chemicals can be dangerous so ensure you read the health and safety data sheet on how to dispose them responsibly. 

Clinical Salon Waste

Most of this waste can be hazardous as it consists of basically everything left over from a beauty procedure that contains germs and bodily fluids or potentially sharp and/or infectious. Examples of this include waxing strips, used face masks, gloves, cotton buds, needles, microblading pens and so on. 

It is important to keep separate bins (and labelled) from the regular waste bins and put any sharp items into a special box or container. 

With clinical waste, try contacting your local council to find out ways of disposing this type of waste responsibly. 

How can I make my salon more eco-friendly? 

As a beautician, you can start making some small changes in your salon that don't require any investment (or very low) such as:

• Reduce the use of plastics. Find some eco-friendly alternatives
• Go paper-free with bookings and pricelists
• Re-use where possible
• Use and sell products not tested on animals
• Have some "green touches" in your salon by having more plants (the real ones!). Plants produce oxygen helping to balance out carbon dioxide emissions.
• Offering clients hot or cold beverages in glass instead of in disposable cups. Plus you will add the benefit of giving your clients a classier experience which I am sure they will love!
• Wash in cold water (if possible) and wait until you have a full load. You could also think about using an eco-friendly washing powder/liquid. As you know many clients can have an allergy on chemicals (found in fragrances) so I find it beneficial using washing powders with neutral smell. 
• Adopt energy saving practices (unplug those electrical equipment when not in use or during the night!) and maybe replace your lighting for low consumption bulbs. How about your heating or cooling? Are they on high speed the whole day? A recent article published by Canstar Blue suggests that the standard air conditioner's temperature should be set to 25 to 27 degrees for cooling in summer, and around 18 to 20 degrees for heating in winter. This is to ensure maximum energy efficiency from your unit.
• Monitor your water consumption.
• Build sustainable partnerships. For example become a "Sustainable Salon" by getting involved with the ONG Sustainable Salons (just in case, I have no affiliation with them whatsoever) and show your clients how much you care for the environment!
• And don't forget to recycle!  

To finalize, it is important to look at your whole business holistically and look for those eco-friendly opportunities. While some things require a small initial investment, they will save you money overtime. 

Remember that your contribution (as little as it may be) it is much better than doing nothing at all!

If you like this blog article, leave us a comment below and share it with your colleagues!

With Love, Ari xx

Source: 

• What is your air con temperature setting costing you? https://www.canstarblue.com.au/electricity/air-con-temperature-costing/

• Complete guide to salon waste management in 2023. Bartek Kulasza. https://zolmi.com/salon-waste-management