I recently shared an article about AI. The comments that came in genuinely made my day, because it tells me someone is actually reading what I’m putting out there. 😊
The responses were thoughtful. Some people shared that AI feels intimidating, while others raised a very real concern: what this technology could mean for our environment.
So I did a little more digging. I wanted to better understand the potential environmental impact of AI, and more importantly, what we can control as salon owners and beauty professionals. That’s what led me to look at practical ways we can run our businesses a little greener, without sacrificing cleanliness, quality, or profit.
Before I go any further, I want to thank Adrienne from Lush Nail Lounge for bringing to my attention that there are ways we can help. And that as beauty professionals, we actually have more influence than we think.
There’s a lot of technical talk out there about energy and water usage, data centers, and infrastructure. But here’s the simple version: there are ways to reduce the strain these facilities put on the environment. Some companies are already using better systems, and I believe more will follow because that’s what tends to happen with new technology. It’s rarely perfect in the beginning, but improvements come as people pay attention, ask questions, and demand better.
The beauty industry is built on making people feel good, and that can include feeling good about the choices we make behind the scenes. The truth is, salons create a lot of waste: single-use items, chemical containers, laundry loads, shipping materials, and energy use day after day.
The good news? Becoming a green salon doesn’t mean becoming a “granola salon.” It means making smarter decisions that reduce waste, protect indoor air quality, and often save money over time. Here’s how salon owners and technicians can contribute in a real, practical way…starting now!
Start with the “Big 3” Green Wins: Waste, Water, Energy
If you do nothing else, focus here first. These changes make the biggest impact with the least disruption.
Waste
- Stop automatic single-use. If a service doesn’t truly require disposable, don’t default to it.
- Switch to refillable where you can. Hand soap, surface disinfection bottles, retail bag alternatives, laundry detergent.
- Set up a real recycling station. One bin isn’t a system. Clearly label: paper/cardboard, plastics, trash.
Water
- Laundry is a water hog. Reduce towel use by:
- Using client-sized towels (hand towels), not oversized ones.
- Assigning one-two towel per service step (instead of “grab another”).
- Using quick-dry microfiber for certain tasks.
- Check your faucets. Low-flow aerators are inexpensive and make a big difference.
Energy
- LED lighting + motion sensors in back rooms = easy savings.
- Smart thermostat to manage heat/AC around business hours.
- Turn off what doesn’t need to run (wax warmers, towel warmers, display lighting) when not in use.
Clean Up Your “Back Bar” Without Losing Performance
Green isn’t about sacrificing results, it’s about choosing products thoughtfully and reducing unnecessary exposure.
Look for:
- Concentrates (less packaging, less shipping weight)
- Refill programs
- Low-odor / lower-VOC formulas where possible
- Professional-sized packaging you actually finish (less waste than half-used bottles being tossed)
Use what you already have.
- Train your team on proper dispensing (pumps, measured caps). Overuse doesn’t equal better service…it equals wasted product and higher costs.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
“Green salon” also means healthier for the people inside it all day.
- Ventilation is non-negotiable. If you offer nail services, consider:
- Local source capture at the table (nail dust collectors)
- Air purifiers with true HEPA
- Regular HVAC filter changes (set a recurring schedule)
- Choose low-odor options when possible and keep lids closed between uses.
- Store chemicals properly (sealed, labeled, away from heat). This reduces fumes and extends product life.
Better air quality can mean fewer headaches, less fatigue, and happier techs…plus a better client experience for your clients.
Make Your Pedicure Room Greener
Foot care can absolutely be green and hygienic at the same time.
- Use disposables only where required for safety. Otherwise:
- Choose washable, disinfect-able tools and follow your state guidelines.
- Control how much product is used. Pre-measure so you don’t throw away half a bowl of scrub or soak every service.
- Reduce plastic liners when possible (depending on your tub system and regulations). If liners are required, use the correct size and avoid double-lining.
Retail and Packaging: Small Shifts Clients Notice
Clients love sustainability when it feels easy and not preachy.
- Offer paper bags or “no bag” default (ask: “Would you like a bag?”)
- Use minimal packaging for gift sets
- Switch to recyclable shipping materials (if you ship product)
- Add a small sign at checkout:
- “We’re working to reduce waste. Thank you for choosing minimal packaging when possible.”
This builds brand trust without sounding like a lecture.
Create a Team Culture
A green salon isn’t a one-time makeover, it’s a system.
Try this simple approach:
- Pick one green goal per month
- Assign one person as the “green lead” (rotate quarterly)
- Track progress with something visible:
- “We reduced laundry loads by 12 this month.”
- “We eliminated 300 plastic bags in 90 days.”
People support what they can see.
Market It the Right Way
You don’t need to claim you’re saving the planet single-handedly. Clients can smell “green-washing” a mile away.
Instead, share:
- What you’re doing
- Why it matters
- What’s next
Example language:
- “We’re reducing single-use waste and improving air quality because we care about our team and clients.”
- “This month we switched to refillable back-bar bottles and added better recycling.”
Keep it simple. Keep it honest.
A Simple “Green Salon” Starter Checklist
If you want a quick place to begin, do these five things first:
- Set up a labeled recycling station (front + back).
- Switch to LED bulbs and a smart thermostat schedule.
- Reduce towel use and improve laundry efficiency.
- Add true HEPA filtration or improve ventilation.
- Choose at least one refillable/concentrated back-bar product.
That’s it. Five real steps. No overwhelm.
Adrienne does much of the above and also tells me she uses bamboo tissue for “toe rope”, offers small hand towels for her clients to dry their hands in place of paper towels. She also uses a smaller pedicure tub when she isn’t doing a dry pedicure and uses eco-friendly cleansers and disinfection products. Small changes with big results. 
Saving the earth isn’t one giant action. It’s thousands of small decisions made consistently. Salons are powerful community spaces. When you change what’s normal in your salon, it changes what clients expect everywhere else.
At Centre for Beauty, we do offer eco-freindly brands such as Micrylium, our cleaning and disinfection solutions.
- BioSon is a Universal detergent effective for use in an ultra-sonic cleaner as well as your laundry detergent. It is non-toxic, contains natural source biodegradable surfactants and complies with all sewer regulations. In addition, it is Eco-friendly disposal and any excess solution can be used in drains to reduce microbes and unpleasant odors.
- BioSurf is a 1-step hard surface and instrument disinfection product. It is Faster, Safer, Kinder. BioSurf is made with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients making it Environmentally friendly. The ingredients are Certified USP Pharma grade and/or food grade quality and it has recyclable packaging. It is non-carcinogenic.
- We also partner with a local Company where we re-purpose their packaging materials. It’s a win win for both of us and a win for our environment.
