“... Encourage vendors to reduce the use of plastics in their product packaging and shipping materials .”
unavoidable , so using plant-based or recycled paper products is key . And don ’ t forget about composting — tea bags , napkins , wood tester sticks and organic waste can all be placed in a
sustainable steel compost bin .
Support Local Food Suppliers
Healthy food is nearly synonymous with the spa experience , and by sourcing a large percentage of organic and local fruits , vegetables , juices and teas , you ’ re contributing to the local economy . If you want to take local sourcing a step further , you can also make a commitment to ordering local supplies , herbs and oils . You can even consider starting an on-site garden , which will drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing reliance on food shipped over long distances .
All these approaches support a responsible food and beverage program , helping you reduce your impact on the environment while also saving money along the way . Here ’ s a fun fact to seal the deal : Soil farmed organically has been shown to sequester carbon from the atmosphere , reversing climate change and utilizing that carbon to feed the plants .
Packaging : the Tip of the Sustainability Iceberg
When thinking about what retail products to bring into your spa , it ’ s important to think beyond the ingredient deck . Get to know the product ’ s manufacturing process and shipping implications . From a sustainability perspective , beauty packaging is tricky because it ’ s often composed of a mixture of metal , glass , plastic and sometimes paper . What ’ s more , these items are not very reusable , as these mixed materials mean there ’ s no real way to recycle them .
Not sure how to get started ? Avoiding synthetic fragrances , artificial
“ Did you know that a cotton ball takes about 17 ounces of water — about the volume of a large water bottle — to grow ?” colors and petroleum-derived ingredients are all helpful starting places when evaluating products . A concrete way for spas to step up their sustainability is to aggressively reduce their use of plastics while also encouraging their vendors to reduce the use of plastics in their product packaging and shipping materials .
However , packaging is only one piece of the pie . Sourcing products from responsible vendors , including those who follow principles of sustainability , and that hold certifications for natural and organic ingredients , and support fair trade practices will ensure the spa further its commitment to sustainability .
For example , when you choose to support fair trade products , you are not only helping farmers receive better wages and working conditions , you are also helping Mother Earth . For example , in the Southern Philippines , farmers are paid a fair trade premium for their coconuts which is invested back in their local communities to support sustainable farming practices and clean waterways .
Don ’ t Tarsh It-Donate It
Instead of throwing away unwanted or unneeded supplies , try donating them
46 PULSE ■ APRIL 2021