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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