9 Tips for Creating a Green Team

Now is the time to renew your commitment to green! Earth Day, like New Year’s, is a day people tend to make resolutions—like being more green—but often that heartfelt commitment falls by the wayside when people simply don’t know where to start.

“More importantly,” points out Tamara Jercha, president of the National Association of Eco-Friendly Salons and Spa. “If you’re trying to make changes in everyday operations without incorporating the help of those around you, you may be making a big mistake.” For that reason, the NAEFSS offers the following nine steps to forming your own eco-team.

1. Develop a green mission statement — Post it where everyone will see it, staff as well as guests.

2. Develop a sustainability plan — Measure present water and energy usage and set goals for reducing those amounts using specific numbers and timelines. Remember it’s important to know what you are using now; you cannot improve on something that is not measured.

3. Put someone in charge — You will need someone to spearhead the salon/spa efforts to be green. A sustainability officer if you will, who is capable of being the water & energy monitor as well as the green cheerleader. This person can be the salon/spa owner, or manager or someone else you feel will share your passion for running an environmentally responsible business. Progress reports should be discussed at monthly staff meeting to make sure your business is on track to meet its goals.

4. Engage your staff — The best way to keep the excitement going is to get everyone involved. Encourage ideas and suggestions from staff. Post a Green Employee of the Month based on the level of commitment to the goals set forth.

5. Get noticed — A message board in your salon labeled "One Green Thing" is a great place to showcase your green business strategies. Each month list one thing you are doing to be a greener salon/spa, and include the impact, that one thing, will have on the environment.

6. Encourage your guests to be involved — Develop an incentive program or contest if you will. Ask each guest if they would like to participate in "Project Green" (or whatever name you would like to use). Have them state one thing they do personally to improve the environment on a piece of paper and place it in a bowl. Each month draw a name from that bowl and award your winner with a gift. The gift could be a reusable bag displaying your salon/spa logo filled with organic Products, biodegradable files, bamboo brushes, etc.

7. Don’t forget your suppliers — Your carbon footprint reaches beyond the walls of your business. Make sure you are doing business with suppliers who share your commitment to the environment and have sustainability plans of their own. By doing this, you will be encouraging others to join your cause, as well as reinforce your image as an environmentally responsible member of the community.

8. Let your community know — Local newspaper editors are always looking for stories of interest and anything eco-friendly is hot right now. You may even get one to do a feature article on how your salon/spa is engaging staff, guests and suppliers to do everything they can to improve their environment and their community.

9. Be transparent — Remember the old saying “Honesty is the best policy.” Everyone is jumping on the green bandwagon. And with the new urgency to be green comes the prospect of "greenwashing." People are slowly becoming leery of false marketing claims that are not backed up by truthful documentation. You will experience setbacks as well as successes. It is important to post information regarding what you are doing now and what your goals are, what you are doing well and what areas need improvement. Your guests as well as the rest of the community will respect your efforts and honesty.

For more information about creating a green salon or spa or to sign up for the organization’s free green tips, contact naefss.org.