Although traditional European spas emerged around natural mineral springs and showed a healthy reverence for the environment and nature, concern for the environment is somewhat new at American spas. In North America, the Green Spa Network has taken on the job of setting the standards for going green in wellness centers and spas. The primary goal of a green spa is to reduce the spa’s environmental footprint while serving as centers for healing, aesthetics and wellness. The Green Spa Network invites new members on the basis of their “walking the walk,” when it comes to protecting the environment.
The Standards
- A green spa uses therapies that conserve energy and water resources, for instance relying on solar energy.
- A green spa recycles its materials whenever possible and follows established recycling practices while actively seeking ways to reduce waste.
- A green spa uses natural and organic skin care products. As an example the Green Spa Network invited the ESSpa Kozmetika in Pittsburgh to join the network because of its reliance on natural Hungarian skincare traditions.
- A green spa shows responsibility to its guests and to the environment by reducing exposure to toxic chemicals and minimizing the generation of hazardous waste.
- A green spa keeps up with environmental findings and policies and is open to learning and adopting new practices.
Benefits for Spa Guests
- Treatments are generally more effective and longer-lasting; natural skin products are rich in antioxidants, which reduce the oxidative stress that contributes to aging
- Treatments are more relaxing because of their harmony with nature
- Green spas reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals and hazardous toxins and airborne pollutants
Finding a Green Spa
Members of the Green Spa Network are listed on its website. Many other spas that aren’t members of this exclusive network may follow the green spa philosophy or show evidence of taking the steps toward going green. Typically, spas that are green or taking steps toward going green will emphasize their reliance on organic and natural products in their treatments and in the products they have for sale. Cuisine may be organic and cooking classes geared toward natural and organic products.
In addition, green spas may also have provide robes made of natural fibers. Also, they may have recycling containers; use natural sources of lighting; have a Zen-like atmosphere and an emphasis on nature in their decor. Green spas may use low-flow faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads to reduce water consumption, and they may use unbleached paper products.
Home Spas
In your home spa, going green also offers environmental and health benefits. To get started, use natural cleaning products such as tea tree and lavender oils; switch to organic and natural plant-based skin and hair care products; recycle whenever possible; reduce energy consumption by turning down the settings on hot tubs and saunas when not in use. In addition, rely on solar energy and natural sources of light, and reduce environmental waste.
Resource:
- Eva Sztupka, Green Spa Network Invites Organic Day Spa in Pittsburg, PA to join exclusive group, June 27, 2008, Trib Total Media, Foxchapel.
