The Greening of the Spa
With news reports of global climate change, the world’s water shortage, chemical-laden crops and a lack of sustainable resources, the environment has jumped to the forefront of the business industry this year, and spas are on the leading edge of going green. Organic ingredients, products and treatments are more and more becoming the norm, with offerings such as vegan manicure and pedicures and indigenous-ingredient body treatments popping up in many facilities nationwide. Green spa design, which includes the incorporation of recyclable building materials and systems that conserve water and energy, also has become a hot trend, as well as the purchasing of carbon offsetO methods used to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. And organizations, such as Green Spa Network, are working to develop and help businesses implement more environmentally friendly practices, including how to sustain staff and business resources.
What Constitutes a Green Spa?
According to the Green Spa Network, a group of spa professionals in a quest to:
- Bring sustainable operating practices to the spa industry, and
- Promote the natural connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability, and the health of the planet.
There are several areas in which spas can have a positive impact on the environment:
- Energy usage
- Reduced water usage
- Recycling of paper, plastic, aluminum and glass
- Use of Energy Star rated appliances
- Using post consumer recycled paper and soy ink in printed collateral material
- Building the physical space using reclaimed building materials and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) products in finishes such as paint, flooring and adhesives
- Implementation of green cleaning guidelines including healthy procedures and green cleaning products
- Using toilet paper, paper towels and trash receptacle liners made with recycled content
- Use of HEPA vacuum systems that reduce building contaminants and minimize environmental impact
- Recycling of “grey” water to be used in toilets. Grey water is water that has been used in sinks. It is diverted to a storage tank which is plumed into toilet lines reducing the need for using fresh water in toilets.
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