Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/253819
For client safety—not to mention state board regulations—it is necessary for estheticians to use many supplies that are single- use only. Check with your state board for rules on disposable items. Using washable alternatives may spare you from throwing away thousands of cotton wipes, paper cups, and sponges each year. This also saves money and time spent on purchasing. When appropriate and allowed by your state board, washable microfiber cloths are great alternatives to cotton wipes and sponges. Some items you may currently be throwing away, such as plastic spatulas, can be disinfected and reused. Reducing the use of plastic is another key to helping your practice go green. Choose glass containers instead of plastic whenever possible, since glass can be recycled much more easily than plastic. Use towels instead of single-use, throw-away paper items. If it's possible to use fewer and/or smaller towels without sacrificing the quality of the service, this also saves water when doing laundry. For your spa décor and displays, be creative and purchase items you can reuse in different ways. As a side benefit, reducing clutter also frees up mental energy and room space, increasing creativity and clarity. Share Your Initiatives The greening process itself is a great promotional tool that builds loyalty and positive feedback, and gives you a chance to communicate meaningfully with clients. If you work with others, it's a team-building experience, too. Share and co-create your initiatives with your coworkers or employees, as well as with your clients. Then make sure your clients know what green practices you are using, and share your positive actions in your marketing and public relations. Going green in your business is sure to be an interesting story that can spark discussion in your community, so make the most of it—while it's in the works and when you proudly unveil your new green spa. Shelley Lotz is an esthetician, educator, and business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the spa and wellness industry. She is the author of Green Spas and Salons: How to Make Your Business Truly Sustainable (Sustainable Living Programs, 2013), from which some of the information in this article was taken, and is also a certified sustainable building advisor. Contact her through her website, www.greenspasandsalons.com. Get Rid of Unwanted Mail Unwanted mail creates a huge amount of paper waste. Catalogs, credit card offers, and other junk mail can be reduced or eliminated by opting out on both of the following websites, recommended by the Federal Trade Commission: www.optoutprescreen.com and www.dmachoice.org. Green Reading Did you know ASCP Skin Deep is available as a digital edition? You can choose to receive the magazine by mail, online, or both. Visit www.ascpskindeepdigital.com to view the current digital edition. If you would prefer to read it online only, contact Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) at 800-789-0411 or getconnected@ascpskincare.com to request removal from print mailings.