Environmentalism is near the top of the political agenda, these days. Just about everyone wants to be, or be seen to be, just a little bit greener. If you’re running a business and you’d like to appeal to the ecologically-minded, or you have a sincere personal interest in green issues, then there are a few ideas worth trying.
If you’re running a beauty salon, then you might be surprised at how much potential there is for unsustainable practices. By transitioning to greener ones, you might be able to distinguish yourself from the local competition while also helping the environment as you go. In an area like Brighton, where environmental awareness is high, you’ll need to move quickly to keep pace with the competition.
Offer vegan products
It isn’t just restaurants that need to cater to vegan diets. If your customers don’t want to eat a product that’s been created through the imprisonment (or worse) of an animal, then they won’t want to use animal-derived products to beautify themselves. Pick out products which offer great results, and don’t be shy about telling your customers about them. For example, Crazy Colour semi-permanent hair colour creams are vegan-friendly so you will be able to offer your clients gorgeous and fun new hair colours while also doing your bit for the environment.
If there’s a split among your customer base, then you might offer everyone a choice between products that have and have not been tested on animals. On the other hand, if you are more comfortable using only vegan-friendly products, it is easier now than ever to find cruelty-free alternatives and you can solely use those in your salon. Either way, you should let potential clients know via your marketing campaigns as you may find an influx of new customers!
Recycle your waste
Your beauty business will inevitably produce large amounts of waste, which can be used again – but only if you seek out specialist recycling services. Hair, oils, towels and metals can all be recycled with the help of initiatives like the Green Salon Collective, which will not only help you to make your business more sustainable but to attract new clients in the process.
Reduce your energy and water use
It’s important to be aware of how much energy you’re using. Since you’re going to be using your light bulbs for all hours of the day, especially during winter, it’s vital to swap them for the most efficient kind available. While the cost of manufacturing LED bulbs is high, the energy savings will tend to offset these one-off costs in the long term.
Limiting the amount of water you use can also make a big difference. Low-flow showerheads can shave a considerable amount from your water bill – as can installing low-flow flushes in the staff and customer toilets.
Of course, a sizeable portion of your business’s carbon footprint will come from heating – which is why it’s essential to keep the door closed and draughts excluded, especially when the weather is cold. Heating matters here, more than perhaps any other green consideration.
