GREEN SPAS, ECO-FRIENDLY SPAS

In the name of sustainable living, more and more spas are doing their part to save the planet by going "green."

What's new on the green spa scene

“Environmental consciousness has always been there for the spa community," says Jim Root, Chairman of the International SPA Association (ISPA). "Sustainability is in the fabric of spa." According to Root, sustainability is based on the very same ideals as the timeless values of spa and Salus Per Aquum. "It is not a passing fad; it’s a deliberate lifestyle for those who work in the industry as well as those who visit spas,” he says.


Here a sampling of what spas are doing to be "green."

What's Newly "Green" at Scottsdale Spas

• From its use of natural insecticides on its golf courses to its in-room communication about water conservation efforts and laundry service, The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa continues to create an environment that’s harmonious to its natural setting. The Golden Door Spa recently expanded its menu of organic spa services to include new Eminence Organic Skin Care products that are created from natural, organic ingredients. Some of the new organic services include Organic Scrubs with seasonal body soufflé “flavors” such as Pear & Green Apple (fall), Cranberry & Pomegranate (winter), Blueberry Soy (spring), and Cucumber Mint (summer). www.theboulders.com

• Agave, The Arizona Spa at Westin Kierland Resort uses battery operated candles and recycles all the plastic bottles that treatment products come in, plus they also make every effort to work with eco-friendly and organic products like Eminence and Deserving Thyme. Nail care services use an organic and vegan nail polish line, and the spa carries massage oils and aromatherapy oils that are organic. www.kierlandresort.com

• Moss Wellness Spa in downtown Scottsdale is the first spa in Arizona to offer a full range of treatments and services using only all-natural products, executed in an environmentally sensitive atmosphere. While the certification is pending, Moss Wellness Spa’s interior was created with the end goal of receiving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification. Adhering to these principals, such design elements include recycled denim wall insulation, LED lighting, repurposed wooden doors throughout the facility, and an IQAir filtration system, which is the cornerstone of Healthy Green Zone and filters air to operating room standards. www.mossspa.com

• Au Naturel Wellness & Medica Spa at The Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata, Ottawa is offering clients $1 off pedicures if they bring their own flip flops. They also use electric candals to reduce waste.
www.brookstreethotel.com

• Chill Spa, at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole in Wyoming, uses all organic products, and takes the eco-boutique theme farther by incorporation sustainability into its operating practices with things like organic cotton linens, towels and robes and natural lighting in the spa itself. Hotel Terra Joackson Hole is a luxury LEEDS-certified eco boutique hotel located slope-side to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. www.hotelterrajacksonhole.com

• The Blue Marble Spa at the newly transformed Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina in San Diego, California sources as much as possible from other green companies and, when it comes to spreading the word about its eco-friendly practices and spa services, uses only recycled paper, eco-friendly cleaning products, offers its treatment menu in digital format, and provides eco-friendly literature for reading and further education.

The spa incorporates a range of conservation principles, including the use of energy efficient light bulbs, floors of sustainable bamboo and low-flow shower heads. The spa also uses organic and natural skincare products, offers organic fruits and food options and uses minimal hot water.
www.bluemarblespa.com

• Grail Springs Holistic Health & Wellness Centre in Ontario is adopting more green initiatives. In their December monthly newsletter they say they are reducing waste by not purchasing bottled water, plastics, disposables, or foods with a lot of packaging. They have also been switching to energy efficient lights, going paperless, and say they are committed to buying locally as much as possible. To quote the newsletter: "Just think of how much energy is wasted in transportation alone when you purchase items from overseas such as products from China. Buy locally and you are already reducing pollution!" www.grailsprings.com

• From the paint on the walls to the nail polish that adorn its guests everything about the new, full-service Uhma Spa & Shop in South Beach, Florida, makes Earth Day everyday. (Uhma is pronounced ‘ooh-mah’.)Face and body treatments use only 100 percent natural, organic and cruelty-free products. Manicures and pedicures all use nontoxic polishes and unlike most spas are waterless – instead of soaking hands the technician uses a specialty conditioner to get at unwanted cuticles.

Upon constructing Uhma Spa & Shop everything that was already in place was recycled (old sinks and toilets were replaced with new low flow ones), reused or donated. The original ceiling was incorporated into the current design to maximize insulation therefore minimizing energy use.

Uhma’s walls and cabinetry are all made from American walnut, a sustainable resource where each tree that is cut down is replaced by another. All paints used are VOC free (e.g. they don’t use harmful pollutants). The epoxy floors in the Shop are water based. The lighting used throughout the space uses a mixture of efficient compact fluorescents, LED and metal halide. All appliances used are EnergyStar, gas is used instead of electricity for water heating, all shower water is filtered and all cleaning products are phosphate free, biodegradable and VOC free.

• New Mexico’s El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa features the “Living Machine,” a water recycling system that is designed to filter wastewater through pools that are rich with fish, plants and other natural filters. The end result is reclaimed water that is used to irrigate botanical gardens and landscaping, including herbs, vegetables and exotic fruits that are served at the property’s restaurant.

• Fairmont Hotels & Resorts around the world have adopted the Green Partnership Program, which is a company-wide stewardship effort that strives to minimize properties’ operational impact on the environment through resource conservation and best practices. In doing so, the properties respect and value the indigenous culture that enhances the guests’ authentic experience.

• When a spa was added to New York’s historic Mohonk Mountain House, top priority was given to the insertion of a geothermal heating and cooling system; as this system provides an emission-free and noise-free alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods. A green roof helps insulate the building as well, and it also provides a habitat for birds and butterflies.

• Mexico’s Rancho La Puerta destination spa has had an on-site sustainable garden from the time it opened in 1940. Rancho La Puerta uses soaps without phosphates, recycled toilet paper and recycles greywater (dish, shower, sink and laundry water) through a marshland.