I am constantly working towards being more 'Eco Conscious', both at home and in my business. I feel that our actions have consequences and I am always looking for ways to improve how I live and work in a manner that supports the environment and our planet.
Environmental protection is very important to me, as is the desire to use products that are natural, clean and eco-friendly. This for me could be anything from skincare to cleaning and washing products and appliances.
With this in mind - the way forward for me is to try and apply this ethos to my Reflexology business. To do my best, where possible, to deliver an eco-friendly service alongside delivering an exceptional therapy service to my clients.
It's not perfect, I see it more as 'work in progress' - constantly evolving and adapting as more is learnt about our impact on our environment and the ways in which we can mitigate our own carbon footprint.
As a member of the Association of Reflexologists, I am really proud to be able to display the AoR 'Eco Friendly Therapist' logo badge on my website and socials.
This means that as an absolute minimum, I pledge to fulfil the following guidelines, wherever practicable within my therapy practice.
* Minimise unnecessary purchasing in my practice – I use up existing things before buying new ones, and reuse items where appropriate. I use high quality, long lasting cotton towels, flannels & mitts for all my treatments and do not use any disposable cloths or single use wipes. All are washed hygienically and re-used.
* Use paper only where necessary, and choose paper that is recycled/carbon balanced/ FSC or PEFC certified. I am currently working to reduce paper in my practice. I email out all invoices and payment receipts as necessary. I log any treatment notes and plans electronically , stored safely and securely. Paper used and printing is minimal.
* Ensure that any products I use are produced in an environmentally sustainable way (Eg: low volume organic production runs). I use only natural and organic products for my treatments and for my practice. I ensure that when choosing products ,that they are produced in a sustainable way and are able to be recycled effectively. I do my research on the brands and their ethos to check it aligns with mine. I use organic, ethically sourced products such as Songbird and Neal's Yard & brands like Flying Wild where a tree is planted with every order & some rurally handmade items in my locality. I use wooden biodegradable spatulas for the waxes and creams.
* Ensure that any chemicals used in my practice are not harmful to the environment. I use Neal's Yard Organic Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser as a hand cleanser and defence against bacteria in my cabin and on the go. My general cleaning products are non toxic and paraban free. I have switched to a cleaner brand of washing and cleaning product - sustainably packaged and that are better for us and our planet.
* Consider the carbon footprint of items and products used in my practice. I use low lighting, rechargeable batteries where I can and I have an energy efficient air conditioning and heating unit which is designed for low environmental impact, durable and with Smart controls to optimize performance in my cabin.
* Minimise the waste generated by my practice and make sure any waste generated is recyclable or compostable. Many of the products I use are fully recyclable or refillable and waste is kept to a minimum.
* Minimise the impact of my travel on the environment. I offer only a small number of mobile appointments per month. I walk to local clients homes where possible. Mobile appointments are only offered within a small radius of my home location.
I am always looking to update my practice as and when necessary to keep within these guidelines and pledges. It is never too late to rethink our ways of working and living. Making small changes can lead to big impacts and can also inspire others to follow suit. This is my commitment to myself, my clients and my environment and these pledges align perfectly with my green, sustainable and ethical values.