Green Spa Network will be at this year's ISPA conference www.experienceispa.com.

This is an exciting year for green spas as there are two full sessions devoted to spa greening, one hosted by Green Spa Network Board member Janice Gronvold:

Wednesday, Nov. 14
2:15 - 3:45 p.m.

Greening Your Spa by Implementing Sustainable Business Practices
Roberto Arjona, John Gray, Karen Ray, Elizabeth Snowden, Michael Stusser; Moderator: Janice Gronvold

*Increase awareness of the resources and services, which support sustainable business practices that are available for your spa.
*Determine how to introduce sustainability principles within your organization.
*Learn how to introduce manageable projects and create attainable successes for employees and departments before addressing more ambitious initiatives.
*Create master plan for identifying long-term objectives and benefits of sustainable practices.
*Learn how to engage employees in benefits of long term planning and implementation.
*Receive suggestions for creating a culture of sustainability.


Also be sure to check out the following panel, with moderator Ted Ning of LOHAS:

Monday, Nov. 12
1-2:30 p.m.
From Green to Gold: How Sustainability Can Translate into Spa Profits

Mary Bemis – Organic Spa Magazine, Linda Povey, Mark Wuttke; Moderator: Ted Ning -LOHAS

*Learn who the consumers are who are interested in sustainability aspects of spa.
*Discover what the LOHAS market opportunity is for spa.
*Understand how sustainability improves bottom line business practice.
*Hear examples of innovative ways other companies have utilized sustainability to improve their market position.
*Learn LOHAS trends that spas can capitalize on.

 

Where do you begin once your spa has decided to go green?  Take a look at the tips below to find ways that you can help reduce the environmental footprint of your spa.

Install low-flow faucet aerators to reduce water use by location up to 50%. Reduces water-heating needs as well. Low-flow showerheads are common; confirm that they are installed.

Water landscaping in the morning to reduce loss due to evaporation. If using a 
municipal water supply install filters to prevent chlorine from entering the outdoor/natural environment.

Purchase unbleached (with chlorine) paper products. Paper towels, toilet paper, coffee filters, and many other products have excellent quality and cost-effective alternatives.

Recycle and let guests know this is the practice by providing tasteful recycling cans for their use.

Recycle and use refillable toner & ink cartridges.

Precycle – reduce waste before you buy. When purchasing, consider the packaging that comes with the product as one of the factors in determining choice.

Ask guests if they would like a bag, rather than just assuming.

Provide your guests with packaging (bags, tissue, etc.) made from significant amounts of post-consumer recycled materials.

Purchase office paper with recycled content, make 2-sided copies when feasible, & use waste to make your own scratch pads--reusing before recycling.

Encourage carpooling, public transportation, or ride/walking to work.

Use rechargeable batteries.

Prevent pests naturally by using alternative pesticides.

Store and dispose of hazardous materials properly. Many commonly used products are hazardous to the environment. Identify those of concern in your facility and investigate less-toxic alternatives for future purchases.

Buy organic when possible.

Do an energy audit of your facility – heating, lighting, and insulation.

 

Green Spa Network & Organic Spa Magazine Partner to Promote Green Spa Experiences

Green Spa Network is excited to announce an alliance with Organic Spa Magazine.  As advocates for eco-friendly spa experiences, we are collaborating to help spas and spa goers discover how they can incorporate sustainability into their businesses and everyday lives.

About Organic Spa Magazine

Sophisticated and beautifully designed, Organic Spa Magazine brings inspiration, insight and expert advice on how to live a more sustainable and meaningful life. 

Divided into four segments, At Home, At Work, At Play and At Rest, Organic Spa Magazine is about bringing spa wisdom home and offers a plethora of information on how to help you find that elusive balance we all seek.

Organic Spa Magazine is available to readers in both digital and print formats. To order by phone, please call toll free at 1-877-331-3371 or visit online at www.organicspamagazine.com.  Check out a digital issue of the magazine.

Guest Post By Celia Tully of Natural Body Spa

By now most people are somewhat familiar with green business operations and the reasons for operating a business with the environment in mind.    As with many industries in the United States and abroad, the spa industry is beginning to realize the impact it has on the environment due to the high use of energy, water and waste. 

In addition, the fact that spas are places that consumers seek out for stress reduction, detoxification, and skin care, places them in an excellent position to educate clients about the environment’s impact on one’s health and wellness.  It is fitting then that spa operators are concerned with educating consumers about taking care of the environment just as they would their physical bodies.

In the United States, the spa industry is comprised of nearly 14,000 facilities generating 9.7 billion in annual revenues.  Spas are a leading leisure industry and naturally suited to be at the forefront of the green movement. 

This industry typically utilizes environmental resources for a wide array of water-based treatments, laundry services and disposable items used in spa services making it a major consumer of water, energy, and natural resources.  Adopting green practices not only reduces environmental impact, but also raises environmental awareness among spa clientele and contributes to the financial performance.

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.