What constitutes a green spa?

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.