Helping the environment is a topic that has gained momentum over the years. With billions of people roaming the planet comes billions of pieces of waste that either take years to break down or never degrades at all. The collection of plastic, metal, treated wood, styrofoam, glass and other synthetic materials as well as hazardous chemicals pollutes our land, oceans and air. We are slowly killing our home.

As the human population continues to evolve and develop new technologies to move us into the future, we also leave behind a daunting task of eliminating decades of accumulated waste. We hurt ourselves, wildlife, ocean life and just life itself. So how do we attack this seemingly hopeless issue?

We must remember that every person’s contribution makes a difference. Doing your part may seem little, but it can inspire others to do the same and if it can save one animal, one plant or make any impact at all, then it’s well worth the effort. They say that good deeds often go unnoticed. But whether they are noticed or not, do you need someone to pat you on the back to do the right thing? The effort needs to come from your heart space and for the simple thought that you want to help.

So as a hair professional, what can you do to do your part? Hair professionals have a unique lifestyle in that they use certain chemicals and tools on a daily basis. Whether that’s shampoo, hair color, foil, scissors, razors, combs, brushes, blow dryers or extensions, these products are used on the regular. It’s important to recycle where you can, dispose products properly and buy consciously.

Let’s look at recycling. The good thing is that most tools used on a regular basis are not disposable. You use them for a long time. Scissors, brushes, blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, razors and clippers (among others) can be used for years. But when a blow dryer craps out or your clippers break, do you just throw them in the trash? It’s important that any electronic equipment gets taken to a proper electronic recycling center. It’s generally free to recycle them so be sure to check with your local city and see if there are any nearby recycling centers that will take your old electronics. If the equipment is still functioning but you just don’t want it anymore, perhaps try to sell it or give it to a friend. Someone else can benefit from the remaining life of the product.

If the product uses replaceable blades such as razors or clippers, be sure to recycle the blades. If the blade is made completely out of metal you can collect the blades in a provided container or sharps container and take it to a local pharmacy where they should be able to recycle it for you. You can also take it to a recycling center that accepts metal.

For wet good products like shampoo, conditioner, hair dye, toner and other liquids you might use, try to buy the bulk containers so you can minimize your plastic use. Then you can keep a smaller bottle to refill as needed. Reducing the number of containers you use minimizes the number of plastic bottles that get trapped forever in our oceans. You can also do your best to use products that use recyclable plastic. Believe it or not, not all plastic is recyclable. Be sure to check the bottom of the plastic for the triangle recycle sign. For liquids you can also try to use chemicals that are not only healthier for the client but healthier for the environment. Reducing the use of toxic chemicals can reduce the amount of toxins that get in our water or soil.

Outside of the salon or shop, we also have normal daily life activities. Carpool if possible to reduce gas usage and air pollution, bring your own reusable grocery bags to the market, buy eco-friendly products when available, donate old clothing and shoes to the needy for further use, recycle paper, use your old food waste as compost for a garden and use your own water bottle. Be mindful of what kind of consumer you are because paying attention to how our lives impact the environment is important to creating awareness within yourself.

So for this Earth Day, we challenge you to identify at least one new habit that you can implement and maintain in your daily life that can help the environment. If you can do more, that’s great, but take the thought and turn it into action. We all have a part to play so let’s give back to Mother Earth and show her how grateful we are to have such a beautiful place to live.