At Grade92, a barbershop in Bournemouth - we are trying so hard to make sure we are more eco-friendly, something which the wonderful city of Bournemouth is exemplifying at.
If you, like us, are wondering how to become more eco-friendly, while still providing an amazing service, keep on reading. Here are our surefire ways to make your barbershop more eco-friendly, without compromising on anything.
Let's dive right in.
Remember the Five R's
Do you remember learning about these in school? Refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle.
With your barbershop, you should use this as a rule of thumb. All of which can relate to your business.
For instance, when you are working with various vendors or wholesalers, you can refuse unnecessary products or packaging. Refuse is always the first step to waste management.
Reducing is obviously just being more mindful about how much you are using, and how you can cut that back. Are you sure you need to be using that must single-use plastic? How many products do you throw out every month?
Reuse challenges the "throwaway" culture that we live in. Perhaps you can implement more sustainable options for your barbershop. Likewise, repurposing is just another word for upcycling - could you try something really innovative in your shop.
Recycling, of course, is a big one, too. As a barbershop, you likely make your way through your fair share of products - make sure you aren't throwing them into the wrong bin.
Check your shower head
Yes, you read that right - your showerhead. You can actually purchase eco heads, which are friendlier to the environment.
Essentially, these filter the water to make it a little softer, which means you need less to make the shampoo lather.
This technology uses 65% less water than your standard showerhead, but you would never be able to tell the difference. How incredible is that?
You can find these on various sites, even Amazon.
Are you using renewable energy?
We know how much energy a barbershop takes to run - even from the little things like the lights, to all the appliances and items that constantly need to be switched on and plugged in. A great solution to this is to use renewable energy.
Of course, you could opt for solar panels - which should be seen as an investment.
However, there are also eco kettles, eco-friendly hair dryers, and clippers.
You could also opt for a more sustainable choice of energy - specifically from various energy companies, like Bulb, for example. They get their electricity from solar, hydro sources, and wind. It's not any more expensive than non-renewable companies, either. You just need to make a quick switch.
Switch to plastic-free
You're likely very aware of the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. So, it's time to make a few changes - specifically with the shampoo and conditioner that you're using.
Razors are also a big issue for the environment, did you know that they take 100 years to biodegrade? You can find plastic-free ones which decompose in 1-5 years.
If you're deadly serious about it, you can shop at zero-waste stores, and completely cut down on your plastics - this could become a selling point for your store, too.
Otherwise, just being more mindful and reducing will certainly suffice.
Also, be mindful of invisible plastics - these are the nano plastics and microplastics which many people don't even know exist. These will run off into sewers and oceans as you are washing gents' hair. Be careful that they're not in the products that you use.
Shop around for eco-friendly products - the safest bet is at zero waste stores; something that Bournemouth has - luckily for all the Bournemouth barbers.
Waste not, want not
Any products that may be going to waste - consider donating these to shelters in your community. This is fulfilling and a lot more worthwhile than simply throwing them out.
Some barbershops also collect their hair and send it to various charities. One of which is the Clean Wave Program, which makes hair boons from waste hair, and use it to soak up oil spills in the ocean. This is something to consider.
Go paper-free
This is actually easier with modern-day technology - you no longer need to send out paper flyers. Rather, you can communicate with your clients via social media and email.
Admin work (like bookings etc) can all be done electronically, as well.
Try to use as little paper as possible - if you really need to print something out, use recycled paper - just to soften the blow.
As we said, though, technology has made the need for paper correspondence or advertisement almost unnecessary now. Direct your focus to digital marketing.
Veganism
This isn't for everyone, but if you're serious about making your barbershop eco-friendly, you could ensure that everything is vegan.
This means, vegan products - so no honey, milk, or beeswax in your products. You could also offer vegan drinks and snacks.
As a business opportunity, this could be beneficial, too. The veganism movement is no longer seen as a fad or radical - it's actually being prioritised by many people, especially young people.
This could help your barbershop expand, all while keeping your loyal customers.
It's definitely something to consider, and showcase to your community - you might just find it benefits your barbershop and the environment.
PPE
In the current situation, it's vital that we also mention PPE. One-use masks are already proving to be quite damaging to the environment. This is definitely something to look out for.
Reusable/biodegradable masks, gowns, and gloves are worth looking into. Again, you could publicise this - just to make the more eco-conscious people feel more comfortable about coming to your barbershop.
Not exactly PPE, but still important, is hand sanitiser. Again, zero-waste shops are stocking no plastic hand sanitiser to communities.
Cleaning products are also worth looking into. While it's necessary to keep everything sterile, make sure the products that you use are not detrimental to the environment.
So, there you have it - our extensive guide on how to make your barbershop more eco friendly. Some steps are more extreme than others - our advice to you is to start small and slow, this way you won't feel overwhelmed.
Even the most eco-friendly of barbershops are still on a learning curve. These things take time, just start making simple switches today.
Grade92 is Bournemouth barbershop, if you want to book an appointment, give us a call on 01202 920364 for our Castlepoint Store or 01202 083038 for our Southbourne Store. Alternatively, click here.