GOING GREEN GEORGIA EXPERTS
Celia Tully and CiCi Coffee
Chief Marketing Officer, Natural Body and Founder and CEO, Natural Body
What constitutes a green 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.
- 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.
There are several areas in which spas can have a positive impact on the environment:
- The company’s web site should clearly indicate their green mission in straightforward language.
- Consider the types of products the company uses in spa services and at retail. Ask if their products are sustainable and free of harsh synthetic ingredients.
- Look at the types of light bulbs used in fixtures: are they LED or compact fluorescents? Both generate lower energy usage and are the preferred choice for green businesses.
- Ask if the company has an active recycling program.
- Ask if their marketing collateral is printed on paper made of recycled content and with soy ink.
- Ask if the spa’s appliances are Energy Star rated and if so, what percentage of appliances meet this standard.
- Ask if their janitorial products are green and if they do their own laundry, do they use a low environmental impact detergent.
How can you discern a green spa from one that is not?
While there are very few green spas in the United States at this time, there are a few key things to look for when searching for a green spa:
While this is not an exhaustive list of items to consider when looking for a green spa, it is a good start. Remember that your overall health and wellness extend beyond your physical body to the environment at large.
