The Spa Industry Quietly Embracing Sustainable
Business Practices and Green Technologies
LEXINGTON, Ky. � July 6, 2007 - With nearly 100 million active spa-goers
globally, the spa community casts a large net. Affecting society, the economy,
culture and the environment, spa is synonymous with healthy lifestyles.
And the eco-conscious roots of the industry are growing deeper still.
�Environmental consciousness has always been there for the spa community.
Sustainability is in the fabric of spa,� said International SPA Association
Chairman Jim Root. �Sustainability is based on the very same ideals as
the timeless values of spa and Salus Per Aquum. Sustainability is not a
passing fad; it�s a deliberate lifestyle for those who work in the industry
as well as those who visit spas.�
Everywhere you look, companies are jumping onboard the �go green� concept
and are offering sustainable alternatives for the conscious consumer. According
to Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) � a $208 billion U.S.
marketplace for goods and services focused on health, the environment,
social justice, personal development and sustainable living � approximately
16 percent of U.S. adults fall into the category of the conscious consumer.
To demonstrate its commitment to the environment, this year ISPA partnered
with the LOHAS 11 Forum. The inaugural ISPA Pavilion was held at the May
event in California. �ISPA encourages everyone to become more sustainable
� whether at work or at home, just do something simple � once you start,
the opportunities to make an impact are endless,� said ISPA President Lynne
McNees. �It�s refreshing to see spas and product suppliers that may have
started with basic recycling efforts in their offices now passing the message
of sustainability to millions of guests.�
Below is a sampling of ISPA members that have incorporated sustainable
efforts into their companies:
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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.
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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.
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With 2,900 properties in the United States and 67 other countries, Marriott
International�s sustainable environmental practices include conservation
of natural resources, protection of indigenous wildlife, and reducing and
recycling waste wherever possible.
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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.
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Mexico�s Rancho La Puerta destination spa is launching a cooking school
this summer and 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.
Many ISPA member product companies are also specializing in eco-friendly
products:
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Erbaviva was created as a way to offer pregnant women and babies upscale
products completely free of all harsh detergents, chemical fragrances and
other unhealthy additives. The product line then expanded to include organic
skin care products for the whole family. Erbaviva also helps fund a project
that benefits the Pwo Karen hill tribe of Northern Thailand and Burma.
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Fianna Spa Fashions� garments for spa therapists are made from hemp and
hemp-based fabrics, which are sustainable and biodegradable.
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Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics are based on micronized minerals and are
made without fillers, binders, chemical dyes or preservatives.
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SpaRitual targets the eco-conscious beauty enthusiast. Their vegan nail
polishes are free of DBP � a chemical that has been linked to severe birth
defects in boys. Therefore, SpaRitual�s products are safe for pregnant
women to use.
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Tara Spa Therapy Inc.�s products are packaged in environmentally friendly
and recycled materials, and TARA aromatherapy essential oils are exclusively
certified organic.
Additionally, the association is �walking the talk� when it comes to preserving
the environment.
ISPA�s additional environmental efforts include:
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Use of soy-based ink on printed pieces
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Recycling paper, plastics, cardboard and aluminum
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Use of recycled packaging materials when shipping
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Use of a Forestry Stewardship Council-certified printer for collateral
ISPA�s Sustainability Statement: To grow our industry toward a deeper connection
with the natural laws of nature, we embrace the three pillars of sustainability:
planet, people and prosperity.
(Editor�s note � A listing of ISPA member spas and resource partners
that have made the association aware of their sustainable practices may
be found on www.experienceispa.com.)
About the International SPA Association
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization
and voice of the spa industry. ISPA�s membership is comprised of
nearly 3,000 health and wellness facilities and providers from 75 countries.
Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable
educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa
experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism
and growth. Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being
through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of
mind, body and spirit. |
