Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/271273
164 | NAILS MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 As long as you're following your state board's guidelines for cleaning implements and other regulated items, you can switch to non-toxic cleaning products such as Simple Green. Look for paper towels that contain recycled or Forest Steward- ship Council (FSC)-certifi ed fi ber. Use recycled paper for salon menus and fl iers, and post your menu on your website, making sure it's available as an e-mailable PDF. Replace bottled water with fi ltered water, and offer your clients beverages in dishwasher-friendly glass or disposable plastic cups. If your salon serves coffee or juices, choose Rainforest Alliance Certifi ed-beverages. These come from farms that have met rigorous standards for the conservation of wildlife and the welfare of local communities. Nail products themselves can be problematic. Conventional nail polish and nail care products still contain a host of chemicals — such as acetone, toluene, ethyl acetate, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and formaldehyde — that are known environmental pollutants and can be a health hazard when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. But many nail care products are now labeled as water- or plant-based or low-VOC, and are safer for the environment and human health. Sheila Garrison and Kristin Heaton- Peabody, co-founders of Hiatus Spa + Retreat, with locations in Dallas, Austin, and Plano, Texas, utilize a holistic approach and are aware of the impact that products have on our bodies and on the earth. "Our most requested nail treatment, the Mani-Pedi Retreat, is an 80-minute service that incorporates SpaRitual, an eco-friendly vegan nail care line," says Garrison. "This treatment features rituals that restore the health of our guest's nails with certifi ed organic ingredients. Additionally, we opted for Orly's Eco-Gel alternative. The wear-ability of the Eco Gel is the same as other gel-polish, but is free of harsh chemicals and nourishes the guest's hands with vitamins A, E, and B5." The textile products you purchase are also important — you can help make changes to the environment just by changing your clothes. It may come as a surprise that the fashion industry leaves a hefty carbon foot- print, using more water than any other aside from agriculture. It also uses at least 8,000 different chemicals to convert raw materials to synthetic textiles. When purchasing salon uniforms and aprons, look for fabrics that come from natural, organic sources rather than synthetic ones. Some options to consider are organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and even seaweed. Monique Mathieu Uniforms uses 100% non-GMO organic cotton grown mostly in Texas to produce fashionable salon and spa wear. It's then exported to Japan, where it is converted to fabric via environmen- tally responsible processes. The fabrics are free of contaminants such as nickel, lead, formaldehyde, amines, pesticides, and heavy metals. "People with allergies and chemical sensitivities benefi t from organic clothing," says owner Monique Mathieu. "Even if someone doesn't have sensitive skin, organic cotton feels better than synthetic clothing. And uniforms made from it are naturally resistant to odors, mildew, and dust mites." Custom Uniform Company also produces a line of green garments and uniforms made from natural fabrics such as 100% organic cotton, converted soybean, bamboo, and hemp. Hemp especially is extremely durable; it is also naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-static. P ROD UC TS Posh! Nail Company, Dublin, Ohio The fi rst eco-friendly nail salon in Ohio, Posh! is committed to of ering non-toxic, or- ganic products and high-end services in an environmentally conscious atmosphere. Owners Servet Nguyen and Nick Do had the salon furniture manufactured from recycled plywood; each nail desk is self-ventilated and has built-in LED lights. Only energy- ef cient light bulbs illuminate the interior, and technicians use washable hand towels and recyclable or glass cups rather than paper. Nail polish is three-free, and the salon makes its own organic custom blend of sugar scrubs. Posh! also has a private, ventilated room for enhancement services to ensure the main area of the salon remains odor free. E A R T H D A Y H O N O R R O L L >>> n a 0 4 1 4 e c o . i n d d 1 6 4 na0414eco.indd 164 2 / 2 5 / 1 4 3 : 5 9 P M 2/25/14 3:59 PM