Kermit the Frog sang it best with his lyrical serenade, “Bein’ Green,” by embracing his color and associating it with some of the miraculous wonders of Mother Nature. It does not seem that going green is an easy task but there are a few things that may trigger a catalyst response as to how simple it actually can be. Here is a list of the 10 things every spa needs to keep in mind when deciding to go green.
1. Going green means to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.2
2. The color green has oftentimes been associated with the season of spring. In holistic theories, spring is the season of change and cleansing. Spas should take the opportunity during the spring season to change, regenerate. It is a great time for treatment rooms to be cleaned and to get rid of any services and/or products that defeat the pursuit of a healthy environment and lifestyle for clients.
3. Each leaf has a different shape, scent and purpose that it serves to the branch where its vitality is attached. By going green, a spa will not run the risk of becoming a carbon copy of other green spas because it already has its own identity and unique qualities. The spa has established its identity already. Therefore, it has its own olfactory, creative design, and service menu for clients that will assist in the spa retaining its autonomy.
4. Water is a useful resource for spa treatments but it can also be very wasteful. Incorporate waterless treatments onto the spa’s service menu. Not all scrubs need water to be effective; in fact, some wraps can be peeled of the body without a single drop of water. In addition, the spa will experience a small increase in revenue since waterless treatment can be performed in any room, not just a wet room.
5. The human body is designed to be recharged every day through sleep and the consumption of food. Taking the knowledge of the natural physiological phenomena of the human body, reflect that energy into the spa. One great way is by using equipment such as battery operated candles and any other rechargeable devices instead of throwing away items after they have been used.
6. At the end of the day, a walk through should be done throughout the entire spa to unplug devices and turn off lights. This is a very quick and simple way to conserve energy. When a device is still plugged into the wall, it is receiving energy and the circuit remains open. By unplugging a device, the circuit closes thus stopping the continuously flow of energy.
7. Purchase products from manufacturers that offer green products. Several product lines currently offer organic or green ingredients. This means that they are using no parabens as preservatives. There are many natural preservatives on earth that, when extracted and used properly, are able to provide the protection of efficacy to the product. Keep in mind that due to their natural formulas, green products have a shorter shelf life and tend to be more active in deliverance.
8. Trees are a necessity to living. They allow us to breathe by producing oxygen. If there is a lack of oxygen, it makes it harder for us to breathe and make things grow. Some manufacturers will plant a tree with a certain amount of products purchased. Research various ways to support the environment and create a positive reassurance to clients that emphasizes the spa’s environmentally friendly philosophy.
9. How much product gets thrown in the trash? Be mindful of adequate portioning. Sometimes clients do not show and the product gets thrown out because of pre-setting before the service or some employees overuse the product amount. Not only is that money wasted for the spa but it also is a waste of great ingredients being thrown out. Know how much your services need for each treatment so that you are able to save product and money by being conscience of your portions.
10. Some manufacturers offer incentives to their consumers for recycling. When a manufacturer receives their used containers, they will recycle and re-use the containers after a thorough sanitation process. Generally, these manufacturers will give a product of select choice to consumers as an incentive to recycle as well as in appreciation of purchasing their products.
Going green can provide many services to clients that will sustain their overall health and lifestyle. Moreover, by going green the spa will be able to sustain the energy it needs to operate, educate others about green practices and alternatives, and gain recognition through acknowledging that responsible decisions help future generations.
Resources
- Raposo, Joe. “Bein’ Green.” The Sesame Street Book & Record. Perf. Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog. 1970. Record.
- www.thrall.com
Amra Lear is a licensed massage therapist and aesthetician. She has been working in the spa industry for 16 years, working for two of the most prestigious spas in the world. Her clientele consists of the stars, moguls and people alike. She has been trained by Japanese shiatsu masters and the founders who pioneered such wonderful modalities such as ashiatsu, mother massage and lulur. Skin is her ultimate passionate to where she has been dedicating the last six years to research and education of biochemistry to better understand the biochemical response to products used on the skin.