10 Tips for Creating a More Sustainable Massage Therapy Practice

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote environmental protection. This year's theme, Our Power, Our Planet™, is an important reminder that our actions can make a difference on Earth Day and every day.

Each year, Earth Day gains more recognition, and with it the global commitment to sustainability grows, with many businesses aligning their practices to support the planet. In anticipation of Earth Day, we're sharing ten simple strategies that massage therapists can implement to help promote a more sustainable practice.

10 Tips for Massage Therapists Looking to Enhance the Sustainability of Their Practice

1. Conserve resources by turning off lights and electronics when not in use.
   
   
2. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures.
   
   
3. Set up clear recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass.
   
   
4. Research local recycling options for massage products like lotion bottles and used towels.
   
   
5. Repurpose or donate used equipment.
   
   
6. Switch to eco-friendly cleaning and disinfectant products.
   
   
7. Find products that offer refillable or reusable options to actively promote waste reduction.
   
   
8. Consider products made with sustainable fibers when buying or replacing linens.
   
   
9. Train staff on new environmentally friendly strategies and techniques.
   
   
10. Use client communication material within your practice to share eco‑friendly practices to spread the word.

Massage therapists can not only build these sustainable strategies into their daily schedules but they can also share their efforts with employees and clients, too.

Remember, we are all in this together: your intentions and actions count—and a little can go a long way. Building a sustainable practice is good for your clients, the massage therapy community, and the Earth!

Explore Massage Therapy Journal’s article, “Sustainability Within the Massage Profession,” to learn how massage therapists and massage product manufacturers are working together to make the profession more eco-friendly.