Receive home spa tips,
great spa deals, and more
 
Spa Specials Products The Magazine Articles Spa Basics Contests Recipes Subscribe NEW! Spa Gift Certificates
 
Find a Spa
Day Spa

or


view all articles: email to friend : print
Find a Green Spa

Spa's Good ListFrom product ingredients to energy and water usage, there are several factors that go into weighing the environmental and social impacts of a spa treatment. But who wants to stress out about a spa visit? To help you make informed decisions, we asked the Green Spa Network (GSN), an association of spas dedicated to sustainable practices, for inspiration. "It's important to feel good about what you are doing and not feel hopeless about what you are not yet doing," says Michael Stusser, founder of Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, California, a founding member of the GSN. "Intent is most important." Stusser suggests asking the following questions to help you begin thinking green.

Find a Green SpaDo the treatments and products contain organic, natural, or fair trade ingredients?
Ideally, they will not include harsh chemicals or preservatives (e.g., parabens), which studies indicate can contribute to health problems.

Does the spa have a policy on recycling?
The best-case scenario would be no plastic water bottles or cups, but if the spa does use them, it's important that they're recyclable or compostable and disposed of properly.


Is the spa committed to sustainability, even on an operations level?

Ask if it has a sustainability statement. If it does, inquire about the spa's initiatives to care for its employees, the environment, and the communities in which it does business.

NEXT: Book a treatment that's earth-friendly »
PREVIOUS: « Good & Gorgeous



Spa's Good List TABLE OF CONTENTS

GOOD & GORGEOUS
A comprehensive roundup of skincare and body care products that are good for you and the earth, plus how to spa while living the smallest footprint.
1. Find a green spa »
2. Book a treatment that's earth-friendly »
3.
Know your way around labels »
4.
Nourish yourself with eco-friendly products »
5. Research your current beauty routine »

GOOD GETAWAYS A look at properties that respect the earth in all they do—from the way they build to their interactions with the locals.
6. Look for LEEDers »
7. Leave a small footprint »
8. Seek out eco-innovators »
9. Give back to the locals »
10. Support responsible brands »

GOOD LIVING Small, simple steps you can take to be more green in your daily life.
11. Exercise more naturally »
12. Rethink what you eat »
13. Clean up your laundry habits »
14. Relight your life »
15. BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup) »
16. Harness the sun »
17. Eat sustainable seafood »
18. Keep your home free of chemicals »
19. Cut down on car time »
20. Embrace composting »
21. Support eco-minded companies »
22. Tune up your takeout »
23. Get into gardening »
24. Win the water war »
25. Start from the ground up »