Five Tips for Salons and Spas Trying to “Go Green”

July 6, 2009 - PRLog -- In light of recent trends toward becoming more environmentally friendly across every industry, TheGiftCardCafe.com today released a survey of salon and spa owners nationwide that showed 82 percent consider going “green” a high or medium priority for their business in 2009. To help them in this cause, the company released the following five tips:

1.   Say yes to non-toxic - Some salons, particularly those who offer nail services, traditionally used a number of toxic products because they were the only choice on the market.  This is no longer the case.  A number of new products offer non-toxic options that pay off for the environment as well as manicurists, who can now avoid coughing, itchiness, and rashes that came with the old way of doing things.
2.   Use organic -  Research has shown that people will pay more for organic foods, cosmetics, and other healthcare products that consumers use regularly.  Therefore, seeing organic products used at their favorite salon and spa will add to their feeling of satisfaction when they are receiving their treatment.  It is a value-adding detail that may cost a few cents more for salon and spa owners, but will ultimately have a huge return in client loyalty and is good for the earth.
3.   Wash what you can -  Paper towels, disposable head rest covers, and paper robes are all convenient, sanitary, and inexpensive.  However, they have a large carbon footprint, not only from disposing of them, but also making them in the first place.  Washable towels, covers, sheets, robes, and other items make much more sense from an environmental point-of-view, especially when using a non-toxic detergent that works in cold water.  They also provide an element of luxury for the consumer.
4.   Light up the atmosphere -  Moving to environmentally-friendly light bulbs is going to be the only option in a few years as government regulations take effect.  So why not get started now?  Today, it is easy to find alternative lighting solutions that offer the calming atmosphere most spas and salons strive to create.
5.   Go paperless -  Saving paper is one of the easiest things a salon and spa can do – especially when it comes to gift certificates.  Moving the whole process online so that clients can print them out at home only when they are ready to use them can save salon owners significant energy and cost in printing, packaging, and postage.

Many salon and spa owners are already making big changes according to the anonymous survey:

“I have already taken my business very close to all green by having client records computerized.  We only have one Earth, and I want my child and grandchildren to have a home as beautiful in 50 years as it is now.”

“In society we are overusing, and not replenishing, and what we use is proven to do more harm than good. My business is about healing and building a better future.”

“We have total commitment to becoming as green as finances allow.“

Complete survey results and interviews with salon and spa owners can be obtained by contacting Gregg Gottschling at 800-410-8103 ext. 1  or gregg@thegiftcardcafe.com

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About TheGiftCardCafe.com
TheGiftCardCafe.com was built on the idea that online commerce should be easy. By developing cutting edge automated e-commerce technology that can be used by independent retailers such as day spas, salons, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and boutiques, the company has been able to offer revenue generating solutions with no upfront investment. For more information, visit http://www.TheGiftCardCafe.com.