Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Industry Expert- Going Green Simple Steps for Spas


Industry Expert 
 A Smaller Footprint | Paula Mauter 
E arth Day will be here 
before you know it.  
April 22nd marks the 41st 
anniversary of the holiday, 
so why not get a jump 
start on the celebration? 

Greening your spa or salon 
doesn’t need to cost 
you a bundle.  A 
green spa recycles 
and always looks for 
ways to reduce waste, 
chooses treatments 
that conserve water 
and energy, and 
minimizes use of 
hazardous materials. 

We’ve compiled a 
few simple steps that 
you can implement in 
your spa today: 

1 
Since you’re already 
doing daily laundry, 
replace paper 
towels with a basket 
of beautifully displayed 
washcloths in restrooms.  
Not only will you reduce 
waste but it adds an air 
of luxury to your spa.   For 
all other necessary paper 
products, use recycled, 
unbleached paper only. 

2      
Start a recycle bin – 
for recyclables, but have 
you actually done it??? 

Better yet, “pre-cycle”.  
Cut waste at the source, 
buy bulk and stop using 
disposable items. 

3 
Update all your 
light fixtures with 
occupancy sensors 
on and your water 
faucets with low flow 
aerators. 

4 
No paper mail 
reminders or 
adverti sements!  
Instead, call, text or 
email. 

5 
Update lighting to 
compact florescent 
bulbs.  They will cost a 
little more but they use 
1/4 of the energy and 
last for around 10,000 
hours.  Also, LED technology 
is becoming readily 
available.  LED lighting uses 
the least amount of energy 
and lasts even longer. 

6 
Buy only soy based 
candles, they’re earth 
friendlier than paraffin or 
beeswax, last longer and 
cost less.

7 
Offer an incentive 
program.  For example, 
if a client brings in 5 empty 
product containers they 
get a free gift.  Create a 
tasteful display showing 
all the returned bottles to 
make an impact. 
8 
Ask customers if they 
want a bag for their 
purchases.  You’ll find 
that most will decline. 
9 
If local laws allow, 
replace disposable 
cups with glass. 
10 
R e p l a c e 
cleaning and 
laundry products with 
biodegradable, non- 
petroleum based 
products.  Simple 
household items such 
as vinegar and baking 
soda can clean almost 
anything. As time and 
budget allow, replace 
old appliances with 
current, energy 
efficient models. FYI… 
Front-load washers use 65% 
less energy and one-third 
less water than top-loading 
washers. 
U nfortunately, there is no 
escaping the fact that 
global warming is here. 
Now more than ever, it is 
vitally important for the 
spa industry to rise to the 
challenge of  environmental  
responsibility and these 
10 steps are a great 
place to begin. The idea 
of cultivating this eco- 
friendly philosophy will 
raise awareness and 
firmly establish your 
spa’s environmental 
responsibility with your 
staff, clientele and 
community. Starting 
simple will evoke a 
deeper commitment 
to these changes and 
stimulate awareness 
(think “the ripple 
effect”).  Your spa 
business can become 
more relevant in the 
“green” changes that 
need to occur in our 
environment in order 
to sustain and leave 
a smaller footprint for 
future generations. 
All of these ideas and 
concepts will not only make 
your spa more sustainable 
but also profitable because 
clients vote with their 
dollars, and if they believe 
in what you are doing, they 
will be more than happy to 
support your establishment. 
Be a leader, start small and 
make a BIG impact!

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