World Environment Day: your guide to salon sustainability

Consumer demand for sustainable salon services has never been higher. Clients are looking for services and salons that are actively working to reduce their environmental impact. Working towards more sustainable practices in your salon can help reduce your environmental footprint, cut down on energy use, avoid overstocking, and so much more. As well as differentiating yourself from competitors, paying extra attention to the resources your salon uses can often lead to cost savings. 

With World Environment Day coming up on June 5th, take the opportunity to plan how you’ll make your business more efficient, reduce waste, and create an eco-friendly salon brand your clients will love. Read on for our top eight salon sustainability tips.

Go paperless with an online booking system

Taking your day-to-day business management online with a booking platform is a solid first step towards sustainability. Using a digital calendar and client database to cut down your paper usage means saving more trees, and minimising your paper waste reduces your salon’s impact on local landfills.

Optimise your inventory management

Overstocking on products doesn’t just lead to wasted materials – it also means wasted revenue. Use an inventory management system that lets you track your stock levels in real time, so you can order the exact amount of supplies you need, when you need them. Less frequent deliveries mean less carbon emissions from suppliers, and less product wastage from your salon; all while helping you save on delivery costs.

Switch to eco-friendly products

Choosing products made from non-toxic ingredients both helps the environment and ensures your clients aren't exposed to harmful chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, all of which can be dangerous to marine life when washed down the drain. Make sure to check the ingredients before you buy, and look for products that are cruelty-free and vegan. 

Products like biodegradable hair nets, bamboo hair brushes, and organic hair dyes are your friends. Shampoos and conditioners that come in refillable containers or solid bars reduce plastic waste, and towels made from organic, sustainably-produced cotton can reduce your salon's environmental footprint.

Use energy-efficient equipment

Carbon emissions from energy usage are one of the biggest contributors to climate change, and energy bills are one of the biggest costs your salon can face. Tackle both of these at once by switching to energy-efficient equipment; including energy and water utilities, and the tools you use during treatments.

Swap your lighting for LED light bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy than traditional halogen bulbs. You can also find eco-friendly hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons that heat up fast and retain heat for longer. Consider getting a smart thermostat that adjusts the temperature automatically based on your opening hours, so you can avoid wasting energy when your salon is closed. 

Recycle and compost as much waste as possible

Set up recycling and composting bins in your salon, and make it easy for your staff and clients to separate recyclables like plastic, paper, and aluminium cans from non-recyclable waste by using clear labelling. Compost organic materials like hair clippings, coffee grounds, and fruit peels – they make great fertiliser for gardening, which you can use in your salon’s own green space or offer to staff members and clients who garden.

Conserve water

Water is one of the most important utilities for a salon, and often one of the biggest costs, so take every step you can to avoid wasting water. Fix any pesky leaks, and invest in low-flow taps and showerheads – these can save you gallons of water per minute. Ask staff to be mindful of their water usage and turn off taps when they’re not being used between rinses or while shampooing. You can even go the extra mile by collecting rainwater and using it for cleaning or watering plants.

Decorate with sustainable furniture

Choose sustainable salon furniture made in an eco-friendly way with materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled plastic. Each of these materials has a distinct look that can add character to your salon space, while fitting with your current interior design. Sustainable furniture also tends to outlast conventional furniture, so you’ll spend less money replacing it. 

Find sustainable suppliers 

Remember, your carbon footprint goes beyond your day-to-day energy usage: if your suppliers use non-renewable resources or create lots of waste, these impact your salon's own sustainability efforts. Choose eco-friendly suppliers that share your commitment to sustainability, to make sure your business isn’t indirectly contributing to any harmful practices.

Start your salon’s sustainability journey this World Environment Day

The sooner you kick off your salon’s sustainability practices, the sooner you’ll start enjoying the cost savings that come with going green. Your clients will love knowing their treatments are eco-friendly and safe for the planet; most importantly, you’ll make a positive impact on the planet. 

Get started by going paperless with an online booking platform like Fresha. Signing up is 100% free, so you can take the first step to sustainability right away.