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Business | Energy tips

Joanna Reeves provides an introduction to the abundance of energy-saving options available

for budding green therapists

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Do you have a green tip that you would like to share with other members? Email jreeves@fht.org.uk with ‘Green therapist’ in the subject box.

16 Issue 93 July 2010 INTERNATIONAL THERAPIST www.fht.org.uk

A deeper shade of green

Over the past few years, news about climate change and global warming will

have caused most therapists at some point to consider how their practice could be more energy ef� cient, environmentally friendly, or economical. Assumed expense, or a lack of time or knowledge may have prevented these thoughts from becoming actions, but from light bulbs to heating systems, recyclable packaging to organic therapy supplies it is possible to go one shade greener.

Therapy practiceWhether you are a re� exologist working from a treatment room at home, a sports therapist at a health centre, or a practice manager overseeing a team of beauty therapists at a large salon, a few small changes could result in a signi� cant improvement to bills, environmental impact and your reputation.

Monitor energy use with regular meter readings to identify possible areas of change, from diligently switching off all equipment and lighting, to replacing standard light bulbs with energy-ef� cient substitutes, or installing motion sensors in toilets, or rooms rarely used, which automatically turn on lights only when people are in the area.

To reduce energy consumption and maximise power ef� ciency, turn off radiators in unused areas and keep heating at the minimum level in therapy rooms without compromising client comfort. Buy draught excluders for windows and external doors – installation costs can be recovered within two years – and ensure therapy couches do not obstruct radiators. Check thermostats are set at the optimum temperature and are properly positioned – not in draughts or direct sunlight – to avoid inaccurate readings causing over- or under-heated areas.

Society and Vegan Society accredit products. However, be cautious about buying products on the basis of a hallmark’s assumed credibility; be sure that you fully understand the standards, principles and guidelines behind the certi� cation body before making any decisions.

Beware of misleading marketing claims, as a moisturiser may be labelled as ‘organic’, when it contains only one organic ingredient. Check for the certi� cation body symbol or number, which organic products sold in the UK must by law display to indicate that they meet minimum UK government standards. Similarly, ensure that products marketed as ‘natural’ meet your own standards. For example, you might wish to ensure the product has no synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and chemicals; that the manufacturer uses only natural raw material and sustainable ingredients; or that the product’s ecological impact is prioritised.

There are some suppliers of eco-friendly therapy uniforms and towels made from sustainable sources and biodegradable materials, such as bamboo � bre. Opting for organic or natural versions may also reduce skin sensitivity. Also, establish whether the textile manufacturing production involves chemicals, pesticides, or environmentally harmful processes.

Check that the product manufacturer’s environmental and social principles complement your own, whether that be policies for recyclable containers, environmentally-friendly packaging, and protecting environment habitats, or strategies that prioritise renewable resources, minimise pollution, and involve ecologically responsible production chains.

There are so many ways to improve the environmental impact of your own practice; if every therapist made one small change; this could result in one huge difference in the long run.

REFERENCES & FURTHER INFORMATION

Business Link: grants and support directory

● www.businesslink.gov.uk ● T. 0845 600 9 006.

NetRegs: free environmental guidance for UK

businesses ● www.netregs.gov.uk

● T. 08708 506 506.

Soil Association ● www.soilassociation.org

● T. 0117 314 5000.

The Carbon Trust: free advice to businesses on

saving money through energy ef� ciency

● www.carbontrust.co.uk ● T. 0800 085 2005.

The Energy Saving Trust: free and impartial advice

on how to stop wasting energy

● www.energysavingtrust.org.uk ● T. 020 7222 0101.

The Natural Beauty Yearbook 2009, Diversi� ed

Business Communications UK Ltd.

If you have the time and means, consider implementing more extensive changes, which, despite the one-off initial cost, can save energy and reduce fuel costs in the longer term. Replace old heating systems with energy-ef� cient substitutes and make sure boilers are well ventilated and insulated. Regular maintenance will ensure boilers retain a high level of ef� cency while meeting air emission standards. Check that your practice is adequately insulated, particularly windows, doors, and pipe work, and install energy-saving glazing in therapy rooms to minimise heat loss and maximise savings.

When buying equipment, such as washing machines, opt for the most energy-ef� cient option you can afford for the long-term bene� ts of lower energy costs. As part of the Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) scheme, you may be able to claim tax breaks when you buy certain types of low carbon, energy-saving equipment, including some boiler equipment, heating ventilation and air conditioning equipment.

Visit www.eca.gov.uk for further information about the ECA scheme and to check if you are eligible.

Therapy suppliesA wide range of therapy suppliers sell natural, organic, and eco-friendly ranges – from skincare lines, essential oils and massage mediums to therapy uniforms, towels and cleaning products.

There are several certi� cation bodies that can help you to ensure therapy products meet your own standards and criteria. The Soil Association, Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G) and Ecocert certify products as organic. The German BDIH Certi� ed Natural Cosmetics seal indicates products made from natural raw material, and the Vegetarian