Massage, Holistic Therapies and the Environment

As World Environment Day approaches (June 5th) I find myself once again taking stock of where else my business can take steps to reduce it's impact upon the environment.

​Let's face it, in my line of work I do A LOT of laundry! And the hot water washes, lots of rinsing and the energy of drying are not environmentally friendly. I use to have a clothes line outside and loved the smell of the freshly hung sheets as they were unfolded onto the Massage table. Unfortunately I don't have that clothes line any longer.

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There are a number of steps I've taken in recent years though, to lighten my business footprint. They include:

• Going paperless. Having clients complete any intake forms online as well as issuing all receipts by email have reduced what was a big use of paper to zero.
• Using environmentally friendly skin products that contain natural ingredients, are organic (where possible) and not tested on animals. I really love that whatever product I put on a client's skin is good for their skin and good for the environment.
• While I use a sanitizer/disinfectant that is approved by Health Canada I also managed to find one with more natural cleaning and disinfecting ingredients (Thyme Oil). And because of the products it contains it doesn't have to be washed off (less hot water or paper towel use). 
• Lowering the lights! Clients prefer to not have bright lights shining in their eyes so it is easy to use those that consume less energy. 
• Using up any leftover business cards and pamphlets with a goal to going completely online with advertising and promotion rather than paper. Through Social Media, this website and a monthly enewsletter as avenues to let clients know what's going on, what's new and any changes happening the need for paper forms of advertising has diminished considerably. I have no plans to print anymore, but instead to encourage clients to use the online formats available to them.
• I wash my hands a lot! Using environmentally friendly hand soap is not only better for my skin but reduces the impact on nature. The same goes for the soap I use to wash out oil containers between clients.

These are just a few of the steps I've taken and I'm hoping to find more all the time. When you come for your sessions with me, if you have suggestions, I would really love to hear them.