The beauty industry is one of the top offenders when it comes to environmental pollution, producing at least 120 billion pieces of disposable packaging each year. Since 95 percent of cosmetic packaging is disposed of and many clinics use such disposable products, the aesthetics industry needs to make a change in this regard, which has become of utmost importance. It has become vital for aesthetic clinics to ponder their environmental impact and explore ways and means of enhancing sustainability.
Health clinics, including those in the aesthetics industry, generate a lot of plastic and paper waste, use huge quantities of cleaning products, and utilize a lot of electricity.
Reducing carbon footprint
Reducing one’s carbon footprint and becoming more environmentally sustainable may seem like an overwhelming idea at first, but it’s an area with much scope for improvement. Going green is a concept that holds a lot of promise for the environment while being a sound business idea too, as more consumers become green-conscious. More people are now aware of the dangers posed by global warming and strive to make climate-conscious decisions.
A sustainable approach can attract ‘green’ clients who want to ensure that their treatment choices do not affect the environment negatively and align with the ethics they value. They are prepared to pay more for treatments that claim ‘free from’ unethically sourced ingredients and hold transparency and accountability.
Sustainability and environmental concerns are expected to gain even more prominence in marketing a business in the next five years. The younger generation is especially more conscious of environmental problems and would be prepared to go the extra mile to connect with a practice that is more aligned with their choices. Thus, it will be a win-win situation for all.
Here are five ways aesthetics providers can make their business more sustainable:
- Going digital – Going paperless is one of the simplest ways toward sustainability. Many solutions enable providers to manage patient data, conduct marketing campaigns, create e-signatures, and process payments without using paper.
- Using more eco-friendly, recyclable products, such as cloth gowns instead of those made of polythene and plastic, bed rolls, and ‘green’ cleaning products, can make a huge difference in reducing your clinic’s environmental footprint.
- Opting for sustainable skincare. Organic, eco-friendly products and sustainably sourced ingredients from plants, fruits, and botanicals are becoming popular largely thanks to the awareness of reducing one’s carbon footprint. Choosing products with clean ingredients and free from harmful chemicals, artificial preservatives, and synthetic fragrances points to a larger cultural shift towards wellness and mindfulness, where total body health and harmony are taken into account.
- Taking note of your energy efficiency – The rising electricity, oil, and gas prices have resulted in higher energy costs for aesthetic practices. Focusing on energy efficiency will help you reduce your carbon footprint and save on operational costs. It’s wise to consider energy usage ratings when buying aesthetic equipment. Practitioners can also save substantial amounts by optimising their premises’ heating and cooling systems.
- Contacting suppliers regarding recyclable packaging materials. Demand for such recyclable products may ensure that suppliers try to provide them. It will contribute significantly to the reduction of waste from a practice.
Recyclable products in refillable packaging
Patients should also be encouraged to use recyclable products in refillable packaging to minimize the negative consequences on the environment. Sustainability should be a keyword in a practice that should be inculcated into all operations, including patient education, where it should be considered a priority. Promoting eco-friendly beauty habits and encouraging the proper disposal of used products should be a vital part of patient education.
Collaborating with suppliers with a reputation for sustainable products and services and environmental-conscious operations will take your practice a long way too. The reputation you gain as an eco-friendly practice will earn valuable points in the eyes of a clientele prepared to invest more in principles they value. It could also help practitioners tap into new markets and gain a diverse range of patients they may not have reached otherwise.
It’s not difficult to adopt sustainability habits in your aesthetics practice, and they won’t negatively affect your business. In fact, it can boost a practice by attracting eco-aware clients and placing your practice in a niche market. Small changes and focusing on energy efficiency can significantly reduce practitioners’ carbon footprint and lead to a greener future.