Celebrate Earth Day on April 22,2018 by taking small steps to reduce your salon's carbon footprint.

Going green can seem like a challenge at times and often the last item on a to-do list of a business owner. Here are some small and easy changes that will reduce your salons impact on the environment.

1. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.
   Energy efficient lighting like LED lights not only last longer than incandescent bulbs, but use five times less energy. Consider adding motion-sensor lighting in restrooms and break rooms eliminating the need to remind everyone to turn the lights off! A small change like switching light bulbs can be big savings on your electric bill.
   
   
2. Turn off equipment when not in use.
   Although they may be turned off, unplug all hot tools and salon equipment like curling irons, flat irons, hood dryers and lights when not being used.
   
   
3. Limit laundry loads.
   You probably already have an energy star efficient washing machine, so why not save on water usage as well! Wash towels and other salon laundry in cold water instead of hot water which requires more energy. If you absolutely need a hot water wash, set the rinse cycle on cold water. We know laundry can pile up fast, but it's best to wait a little longer until there is a full load of laundry before pressing start. Each individual wash cycle consumes between 32 to 59 gallons of water.
   
   
4. Evaluate your water heating system.
   If possible, look into replacing your old hot-water heater with an instant hot-water system that provides a never-ending supply of hot water when you need it. This way energy is not wasted on heating water that’s not in use. Be sure to take a look at any piping or faucets that could be leaking and fix them. A slow drip can waste anywhere from 150 to 300 gallons of water per month.

5. Cool it with the AC.
   Consider tinting windows to help block UV rays and keep your salon cooler in the warmer months. You can also save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling bills by lowering your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees. Another way to get more airflow in the salon is by installing ceiling fans to make sure your air conditioning system is not overworked or even turned on. Open the windows let the fresh air in!
   
   
6. Reach out to your energy supplier.
   Contact your existing electric company and ask if they have a renewable electricity program that allows you to purchase renewable electricity (hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar)  instead of non-renewable electricity (coal, petroleum, and natural gas).

7. Encourage your staff to carpool.
   A great way to bring employees together and reduce transportation costs and emissions is by carpooling to the salon! It is also a great way to hold each other accountable for being on time.
   
   
8. “Green” up your salon.
   Add some real greenery to your space with potted and hanging plants. Plants not only add a pop of color to your space but they also produce oxygen and help balance carbon dioxide emissions. Lastly, switch to eco-friendly cleaning products that are less ­­­harmful to the environment, your staff, and clients.
   
   
9. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
   There are so many ways you can make a difference in your salon with recycling: For starters, instead of offering clients water, coffee, and wine in disposable cups, enhance the value of your service with fancy glassware or a china tea cup. Switching to re-useable drink-ware is a simple way to go green and enhance the experience for your client at the same time. Step 2: Place recycling trashcans next to existing trashcans to encourage staff to recycle paper and plastic items. Step 3: Properly dispose of electronics like old computers, electronics, salon tools like clippers, and other rechargeable items. Reach out to your town or cities municipal offices to find out where to recycle these items correctly. Step 4: Save developer and shampoo bottles and buy gallon sized to refill backbar bottles instead of buying new ones.
   
   
10. Assign a green team leader.
    Each week/month appoint someone in the salon to be responsible for shutting the salon down entirely. Make an evening checklist to make sure computers, copy machines, coffee machines and any other electrical sources are turned off along with salon equipment and tools.

BONUS TIP! Ever wonder what else you could do with all that hair thats swept off the floor? Well, even hair can be recycled! MatterofTrust.org is an organization that collects hair, fur, and fleece from salons and pet groomers from all over the US and World to make special mats that collect and contain oil spills. These mats are used everywhere from storm drains in cities to large scale oil spills. Think about it ... hair absorbs oil!

In 1999, Matter of Trust founder Lisa Gautier  began a partnership with Phil McCrory, a hair stylist and inventor from Alabama. Years earlier, Phil had been washing an oily head of hair while watching CNN coverage of the famous Exxon Valdez accident in Alaska. It occurred to him that he was cutting fiber that could be used to soak up oil spills.

Click here to download a “green” checklist for your salon!