It seems as though Americans by and large are becoming more environmentally conscious. In fact in a 2012 survey, 59% of the survey respondents said their habits and behaviors had become more eco-friendly than in the previous five years. With society becoming more “green”, small businesses are changing in an attempt to help the environment and meet their customers’ expectations.
If you own a hair salon you can implement changes ranging from minor to major to make your business more environmentally friendly.
For example, you can use natural color and styling products, install low-flow plumbing, use Energy Star equipment, and commit to recycling paper, plastic, and glass. If you want to align your salon with modern attitudes toward the environment, but aren't sure if it's right for you check out these ways going green can make your business more profitable.
1. You Can Attract New Clients
Consumers who are dedicated to an eco-friendly lifestyle don’t want to compromise their beliefs. In addition, many hair dyes contain para-phenylenediamine, which can cause skin irritation and severe allergic reactions. Still, eco-conscious hair salons are few and far between.
As a result many people seek out hair salons that use products which are suitable for the environmentally conscious and those with sensitivity to chemicals. Offering these products and marketing this characteristic of your salon, may very well draw clients in who are not in your usual geographic, demographic, or economic market. With limited competition and an expanded prospect base, you may be able to make your salon more profitable.
2. In Some Ways You'll Save Money
If you decide to invest in green technology and equipment, you will receive positive reactions from customers, but you may also see positive consequences in your utility bills.
If you upgrade your appliances to energy-efficient versions, and install low-flow faucets and updated fixtures, you will save on water and power.
Other ways to save include adding modern lighting that emits little or no heat and upgrading your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system.
Lowering your utility bills is a great way to make your salon more profitable. Though this may not be your primary motive for investing in a greener business, it is certainly a welcome side-effect for most business owners.
The Investment
There will be an up-front investment required to transform your salon into an environmentally responsible business, but going green pays off in the long run. Not only can you make your salon more profitable by attracting new, environment-conscious clients and saving on your utility bills, you will also have peace of mind in knowing your business is eco-friendly.
