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The term “green” has become quite the buzz word recently. You see it in all kinds of places from grocery stores and shopping malls to spas and salons. And although many massage therapists, bodyworkers and other spa professionals have been ecologically conscious in some ways for a long time, a little review of how to work smarter and better is never a bad idea. Here are a few thoughts on how you can make your business  greener for the earth… and your bank account.

Use washable instead of disposable – Most massage practices use lots of linens and create a ton of laundry. But if you aren’t already using cloth face cradle covers instead of the kind you throw away, it is time to make a switch. I order all of mine at http://www.stacysystems.com, but they are available from a variety of companies and manufacturers. You can also use washable hand towels for your sink or bathroom (1 use per towel for sanitation reasons) and keep items like blankets and pillows cleaner longer by reducing direct client contact with them. You’ll spend less money over time and decrease your “contributions” to your local landfill.

Use products that are non-toxic to people and the environment – From your massage oil and body wrap products to the type of laundry detergent and hand soap you use, begin purchasing brands that are made by responsible corporate citizens that give back to the world by making safe products and charitable contributions. While these items may not save you any money and may even cost a little more than the more common items on the market, you can feel good about helping yourself, your clients and the planet to stay healthy.

Recycle - Let your clients know this is your practice by providing tasteful recycling cans for their use. You can also purchase office paper with recycled content, make 2-sided copies when feasible, and use waste paper to make your own scratch pads--reusing whatever you can before recycling. Be willing to go a little out of your way to recycle other items that don’t go in your regular bins or receptacles such as batteries, computers and even phone books.

Pre-cycle – Reduce waste before you buy. When purchasing items for your practice or home use, consider the packaging that comes with or around the product in determining your choice. (In some cases, but not all, it makes more sense to buy in bulk to eliminate some of the excess). And if you’re like me, once you begin doing this, you’ll become a lot more thoughtful about what you purchase and decide to recycle or toss later on.)

Eliminate plastic and paper gift cards - Provide your clients and customers with an online option for purchasing gift certificates for friends and family. Not only does this help automate your business and lighten your work load, it also helps to save trees and eliminate unnecessary waste generated by plastic and paper gift certificates. It also saves your clients time and money by being able to shop anytime from anywhere without using their day or gasoline to come into your business and make a purchase. Adding this service to your business and website is not only eco-friendly, it is also one that will increase your sales, profits and client satisfaction.

Whether you want to improve your own practice or make suggestions for change to the massage or wellness business you work in, take these suggestions to heart. As Jim Rohn said... “You can change all things for the better when you change yourself for the better."

Links and Resources
http://www.greenmassage.org
http://greenspanetwork.org
http://www.lohas.com
http://www.thegreenguide.com

Want to go green by adding online gift certificates to your website? Check out TheGiftCardCafe.com!