Many people consider time spent at spas as the ultimate in luxury and pampering. Quiet, peaceful surroundings, often in a natural setting, set the mood for relaxation and rejuvenation. This is a wonderful thing…as long as Mother Nature doesn't foot the bill.
Happily, the spa industry is experiencing a growing trend toward becoming one with nature, as there are many elements of the spa experience that lend themselves to reduced environmental impact.
Green building
First things first: let's take a look at the building itself. Regardless of the type of spa – day, destination, fitness, or any other type – a lot of resources go into construction and daily operations. Just think of all of those towels that have to be washed!
Fortunately, as we discussed in our Eco-Travel piece on green hotels, a standard has been developed for certifying the "green-ness" of commercial buildings, including spas: the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. Designed and managed by the US Green Building Council, LEED ratings provide a consistent measure for judging the sustainability of a building. With a whole-building approach to sustainability, LEED-certified buildings address five key areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Spas, like any commercial building, can be certified at one of four levels: certificate, silver, gold, or platinum. After meeting minimum requirements in each of the five areas, spas can reach higher levels of LEED certification by meeting additional requirements. So for example, implementing water use reduction strategies for washing towels and irrigating landscaping not only saves water – saving the spa money on their water bill – but it also earns them points toward LEED certification. A win-win!
Though LEED designation is relatively new to the spa segment, some spas have already achieved the designation. For example the gold-certified Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spain American Valley, CA. This is a gorgeous building and they are very dedicated to eco-friendly practices throughout the hotel and spa. Another example is the Nusta Spa in Washington, DC. As the first spa in the world to achieve gold status for commercial interiors (a sub-set of LEED certification), the Nusta Spa shows that day spas can be just as green as destination spas. But that's just the building. What about what goes on inside?
Treatments and products
Of course, the primary area that spa-goers expect to see as natural, healthy, and eco-friendly is in the treatments and products offered. Now this is where it gets really interesting (and even a bit scary!)
Traditional health and beauty products are laden with chemicals…chemicals that are easily absorbed through our skin and nails. If you're curious about what is going on (and in) your body, read a few labels on products you currently use, then go to the National Geographic's Green Guide, which explains the "Dirty Dozen" – a list of the nastiest chemicals used in health and beauty products, along with the truly shocking things that can result from their use. Looking to provide something better for their clients, many spas turn to their natural surroundings for inspiration in creating unique treatments. For example, at Robert Redford's Spa at Sundancein Utah, treatments are made from honey, cornmeal, sage and sweetgrass – all local ingredients that recognize the area's Native American heritage.
Likewise, at the Sundara Inn & Spa in Wisconsin Dells, treatments include a sandstone body polish made from Cambrian sandstone, harvested on site. But if even that is too mundane for you – perhaps you like your treatments on the exotic side? – check out the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spain Queensland, Australia. Situated in a rain forest, treatments are made from lillypilly berries, wattleseeds and desert salts. Whatever those things are they would certainly make for a one of a kind experience, as they were chosen to honor the unique Aboriginal heritage of the area.
Perhaps honoring Los Angeles' ongoing love affair with the car, the Green Bliss Eco Spa is a mobile spa serving Los Angeles and Orange counties. Specializing in home spa parties and using only all-natural, organic ingredients and skincare products, guests can add organic wine or champagne to their treatments. Now that's a party! And, by taking the spa to your group, versus having everyone drive separately to the spa, perhaps some carbon emissions are saved in the process.
Food, glorious food
In addition to unique treatments, spas are also known for their healthy and delicious meals. Local, organic food is the norm at green spas, like at Golden Door in Escondido, California. There, gourmet meals are not only made from their 4-acre organic garden, but they are also sized to your preference to reduce waste.
On the other side of the country, in Neversink, New York, the New Age Health Spa not only uses the food produced in their chemical-free greenhouses in the meals, but their herbs are also incorporated into the spa's purification treatments. You get organic, inside and out.
Conservation
In addition to the pampering we normally associate with a spa experience, some spas are diving in to new areas, like environmental conservation. As the mantra of many eco-spas revolves around becoming one with nature, it only makes sense that its clients do their part to protect it. For example, at The Rock Spa, on the secluded Frégate Island, Seychelles, guests can participate in island conservation programs called "ecology weeks." Designed to protect and increase the numbers of endangered plants and birds on the island, the spa even helps guests harvest local ingredients for their treatments.
Spas like the El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spain Taos, New Mexico, take their responsibility for the environment very seriously. By considering every detail, the spa was designed to go "beyond organic." For example, cleaning supplies can be very toxic, so by using green alternatives the work of cleaning rooms and treatment areas does not become a hazard. The spa even features a biolarium, or giant greenhouse, that contains a treatment system to filter the water.
Finding an eco-spa
So, how do you identify the green spa that is right for you? There are several resources that will help. One up-and-coming organization will certainly provide the information you need: the Green Spa Network. Though it is still in the development stage, the Network has begun with a dozen "seed" spas located across the country – check out their listing to find these leaders. By working to make their own spas more sustainable, and sharing what they learn along the way, the seed spas are furthering the network's mission of greening the spa industry.
You might also try the International Spa Association or SpaFinder. Though the searchable databases don't allow you to search specifically for eco-friendly spas (yet!), you can narrow down your search by identifying spas in your desired area. Check out individual spa websites, or give them a call. To start with, look for thoughtful energy management, alternative energy sources, a recycling program, green cleaning agents, and low VOC paints. Don't be afraid to ask about a spa's green policies – those that do it right will be more than happy to share their green story with you.
Regardless of the spa that you choose, take a look at its impact on the environment. From the building itself, to the products, treatments, and the food, better choices are available to you. And remember, you vote with your dollars – spend your money at businesses that want to share your values, not just your wallet.
http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2007/10/26/green-spas-pamper-yourself-and-the-earth/
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