Find a Green Spa From 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.
Do 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.