green tips - Ask a massage therapist

The following "Ask a Massage Therapist" question was answered in the August "AMTA student e-source." I thought I'd share it with you since it's directly related to what I want to do.

Ask A Massage Therapist (click to go directly to the article)

Question: I want to be environmentally conscious in my work. What are some tips for having a green practice?

Answer: As more and more consumers begin to seek out eco-friendly services, being conscious of the environmental impact you are making can really boost your credibility in the eyes of potential clients. There are a variety of things you can do, some small, some big, to take care of the environment while also taking care of your clients and business.

Being eco-friendly can mean a large investment of both time and resources. Starting small, however, doesn’t mean you are less dedicated to the cause. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Organic oils: These oils are made from plants that are grown without the use of chemical pesticides and so are easier on the environment. Locally harvested oils are ideal because they can be produced without requiring transportation, which cuts back on fuel consumption and gas emissions. Don’t be surprised by the price tag. Organic oils are going to cost more, but because they are so pure you can usually get more use from them.

Synthetic-chemical-free cleaners: When you wash your linens, choose a laundry detergent that doesn’t contain petroleum-based cleansers, or chlorine, artificial fragrances and dyes. You should look for products that are vegetable based, and are both nontoxic and biodegradable.

New lightbulbs: Perhaps the simplest change you can make is to replace your incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs). Though CFLs are going to cost more initially, in the end you’ll end up saving because these bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last up to 10 times longer.

When you’re ready to make some bigger changes, keep the following in mind:

Getting rid of carpeting: Many carpeting materials contain toxic chemicals, so you should consider laying down rugs made of natural fibers. If you have the ability and the resources to remove the carpeting completely, try installing sustainable bamboo or cork flooring.

Picking paint: When it is time to repaint your space, or if you are looking to add color to an existing wall, you should seriously consider using low- or no-VOC latex products. These paints are readily available these days, and worth the extra cost.

Buying a table: You shouldn’t throw out the table you may have already purchased in order to get a more eco-friendly version. If you are in the market for this equipment, however, look for manufacturers that use sustainable wood. Other things to look for include the lacquers and foams used during manufacturing.

Source: AMTA student e-source, August 2008