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Everywhere we turn these days, we hear the term "Going Green." Most people have some sort of idea what this entails, but it can get confusing. Since the spa industry has been at the forefront of the Green trend, and more and more spas are taking steps to reduce, reuse, and recycle, Spa Week decided to help clear up the confusion. Now you can use SpaWeek.org as an educational tool to Learn Green, Live Green, and especially, Spa Green.
From what you wear to what you eat to how you throw your trash away, here are some ways you can live Green:
Wear Green
Wondering how fashion can be Green? Whether they have created an eco-friendly collection, or they have started as Green from Day One, many fashion companies have now gone Green.
Companies create clothing using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, surplus fabrics, and natural hair fibers. Many designers, such as Emily Katz use organic cotton in their product lines. Organic cotton is grown from seeds that are not genetically engineered and in soil that is free from pesticides, herbicides, and other toxins.
Sameunderneath uses bamboo fibers to make a fabric that is 100% biodegradable and has innate antibacterial functions that wick away moisture and prevent odor. This fabric is made into beautiful, wearable, and comfortable clothing lines.
Stewart + Brown takes advantage of factory surplus material. They believe that by utilizing existing fabric, they can reduce waste, save additional resources, and use less of the Earth's resources, while still producing great product.
Natural hair fibers, such as wool, angora, and cashmere that are obtained from free-range animals and made into fabrics without the use of chemicals are also eco-friendly.
Fashion companies try to be socially responsible by using locally obtained products, meaning they buy fabric locally and having their products manufactured in local factories with high moral and environmental standards. This saves time, money, and pollution that shipping products creates and also helps the community by providing jobs. Toggery by Kate D'Arcy is entirely produced by a certified socially responsible apparel manufacturer in the U.S.
For more information about these Green fashion companies, please visit:
Emily Katz, http://www.emilykatz.com
Sameunderneath, http://www.sameunderneath.com
Stewart + Brown, http://www.stewartbrown.com
Toggery by Kate D'Arcy, http://www.toggerycollection.com
Eat Green
Organic food is both healthy and environmentally-friendly. It is grown (or raised) in toxin-free environments with all-natural resources. Produce is grown without pesticides in completely natural fertilizer. Livestock is fed antibiotic-free food and raised on farms that practice natural composting and water conservation methods and have strict guidelines for the treatment of the animals.
There are eco-friendly liquors out there, too. Vodka 360 is Green in their packaging methods and materials. They make their labels, bottles, and cardboard shippers out of recycled materials, and the bottles are intended to be practical for reuse. Also, their vodka distillery employs CO2 capturing technology which serves to reduce the greenhouse effect.
And for those who like to eat out, there are organizations that certify restaurants as Green. Using strict guidelines, the Green Restaurant Association determines whether or not a restaurant is eco-friendly. They factor in standards on topics such as pollution prevention, recycling, water efficiency, cleaning products, and building construction.
To learn more about eating Green, please visit:
Vodka 360, http://www.vodka360.com
Green Restaurant Association, http://www.dinegreen.com
Be Green
Wanna be Green? There are things you can do at home and in your daily life to help the environment. Here are some examples:
- Turn off or unplug electronics when not in use. For example, don't leave the T.V. on when you're not home-your dog can do without her daily soap fix.
- Remember "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" from elementary school? Reduce the amount of trash you produce or the amount of water you use. Try to take shorter showers and turn off the faucet when you're brushing your teeth.
- Reuse old jars and water bottles or take a tote bag to the supermarket for your groceries. And, if you bring your lunch, use a reusable container that can be washed.
- Recycle cans, bottles, paper, cardboard boxes, those celebrity dirt mags, whatever. Every little bit helps and you will feel better knowing that your trash is being disposed of responsibly.
- Try to buy paper products that say "made from recycled material" or "made from post-consumer products." That means some else's trash is wiping your behind, but you know what? It's been cleaned and processed-and more importantly, it's helping reduce the size of landfills.
- Use those swirl-shaped, energy-saving light bulbs. They don't use as much electricity which helps the environment, and your electric bill. Just remember to switch the lights off when you leave the room.
- For more tips, just search the web. There are tons out there.
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The spa industry has been at the forefront of the Green movement. Here's how products, treatments, and the spas themselves have gone Green:
Green Products
Organic beauty product lines and mineral cosmetics are leading the way in the Green movement. Many of the Spa Week Sponsors are at the forefront of this trend.
 jane iredale—The Skin Care Makeup is #1 in the industry for Green cosmetics. Their makeup line is made completely of minerals and excludes chemicals and dyes. According to Jane, "with makeup, it's more about what's not in a product rather than what is." The minerals are manufactured in a lab to ensure that they are pure and void of harmful metals and toxins. The production process is actually eco-friendly as well because the omission of chemicals in the products means the omission of harmful waste during manufacturing. For more information on jane iredale—The Skin Care Makeup, please visit: http://www.janeiredale.com/
 Pevonia Botanica Skincare, a worldwide leader in skincare, is also eco-friendly. They use packaging that is fully post-consumer recyclable and biodegradable and proudly support environmental conservation. Pevonia Botanica Skincare has an organic anti-aging skincare line called Pevonia Tropicale. Pevonia Tropicale in-spa body wraps are made with organic phyto-extracts and aromatic tropical fruits that deliver optimal skin rejuvenation and sublime relaxation. This product comes in two fruity scents: Papaya-Pineapple and Mango-Passion Fruit. For more information on Pevonia Botanica Skincare, please visit http://www.pevonia.com/.
 PHYTO Universe products were conceived long before the emergence of environmental awareness and botanical hair care trends. In total, over 700 plants are found in Phyto formulas and the manufacturing secret lies in the various extraction methods used. After selecting the plants, a team identifies the most active molecules in the roots, flowers, buds, fruits, gums, resins, sap, juices, seeds, etc. This process guarantees the effectiveness of each Phyto product. A true innovator and founder of PHYTO Universe, Mr. Patrick Alès, was one of the first stylists to package his formulas in 100% recyclable containers. The non-porous properties of aluminum and glass help minimize the use of preservatives while conserving the botanicals' effectiveness. For more information on PHYTO Universe, please visit http://www.phyto-usa.com/.
 Olivier New York is a paramedical eco-skin care manufacturer specializing in the creation of the highest quality therapeutic olive oil skin solutions for its customers. Olives have a very high concentration of vitamin E and are loaded with Omega 3 and 6 (healthy fats). Their ingredients speak to the Green movement, as they are all natural or organic. Olivier uses cold pressed olive oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, water, natural and pure essential oils, herbs, and flowers in their products. You can eat, cook, and wash with olive oil as it is beneficial to your body, inside and out. For more information on Olivier New York, please visit http://www.oliviernewyork.com/.
Green Treatments
 Many spas have embarked on the Green path by offering Earth-friendly treatments. These services are considered Green by the use of organic products, organic oils, and/or natural local resources from the earth.
Green Facials
- The Organic Whipped Fruit Facial uses an organic skin care line that gives way to a truly amazing spa experience indulging all the senses. You can actually see the fresh fruit pulp and seeds, smell the herbs, and feel the difference that the natural active ingredients including paprika, wild plum, apricot, peach and sour cherry make.
- The Organic Açai Berry Antioxidant Facial and Açai Elixir combines a Green facial with a Green beverage. The treatment is packed with antioxidants, Omega 3,6, and 9, phyto-nutrients, vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, and enzymes. It works to preserve both the environment and your health. The açai berry is one of the healthiest foods on the planet, sometimes called the "miracle berry," with 10 times the antioxidant power of red grapes. The Elixir included in the treatment ensures that you receive those nutrients both internally and externally.
Green Massages
- Whether or not a massage is considered as Green, depends on the products used. All-natural/organic massage lotions and oils are the foundation for a Green massage.
- The Green Tea Massage is a popular new treatment used in many spas. The green tea extract, which is known for its soothing properties and antioxidant enrichment, helps to relax the body and reduce inflammation, while nourishing the skin.
Green Mani/Pedis
- The Eco-Chic Refresher is a Green manicure. All the usual buffing and shaping takes place, but the product line used is all natural with a vegan twist. While nail polish of the past is full of chemicals, vegan polish leaves out the chemicals, such as formaldehyde, dibutyl-pthalate and camphor, and adds natural earth born materials such as rocks to produce the vivid colors. It looks just as great as regular nail polish, and it's better for the environment and naturally scented!
- The Papaya Nectar Pedicure lets you lay back and relax with an uplifting enzyme filled all natural sherbet sugar scrub and moisturizer, followed up by a papaya nectar soak. Spas that don't necessarily have fully organic lines have looked to natural ingredients that they can buy locally, such as sugar and fruit, which reduces the carbon footprint.
- The Organic Piña Colada Pedicure with Power is a rejuvenating treatment where you kick off your shoes and breathe in the enticing aroma of 100% organic pineapple and coconut while sipping on a healthy Piña Colada protein drink!
Green Body Wraps
- The Organic and Enzymatic Aloe Vera Full Body Wrap is a unique example of the Green wraps. You are placed in a thermogenic health pod and wrapped with all natural cotton cloths and aloe, which comprises 17 natural herbs. The treatment helps you relax with an aromatherapy massage and works to detoxify fat cells while ridding the body of waste build-up.
- The Austrian Moor Organic Body Wrap is another stimulating Green body treatment designed to detoxify, exfoliate, and balance stress. The mud is made of decomposed herb and plant compound from over 100,000 years ago and collected from the Appalachians. The incorporation of this mud helps to remove toxins from the body and is known for its purifying, hydrating, and toning properties.
- Some spas go straight to their own backyards for treatment materials. They use mud, fruits, vegetables and herbs grown locally or even in their own gardens. This is helpful to our environment because they are canceling out the harmful effects of fuel that trucks would have used to transport the produce. By using materials they grow themselves, spas are steering clear of harmful preservatives and chemicals, especially if these products are grown organically-pesticide- and herbicide-free, with natural fertilizer.
Green Medical Treatments
- I know it is hard to believe, but even medical treatments are changing to become environmentally friendly. Many medispas have photofacials on the menu, but some are now offering the Photofacial with LED Light instead of high powered lasers or intense pulsed light. LED light helps cut back on energy waste because it uses 75% less energy and lasts longer.
- Another great example of an eco-friendly medispa treatment is Organic Microdermabrasion. As with other microdermabrasion treatments, the process involves applying a product to the face which will remove dead skin. In the Green version, the retexturizing cream is actually organic, and in many cases, it includes interesting ingredients such as granules of lava stone, crystallized bamboo extract, and rice starch. Once the skin is resurfaced, an organic hydrating cream can be applied to remoisturize the face.
Green Hair Care
- Today you can find shampoos, conditioners, and other hair styling products that are made of 100% organic or natural ingredients. Even hair relaxing products, which are typically full of chemicals, are available in Earth-friendly form.
- Hair color has gone Green as well. Ammonia-free, herb-infused hair color combined with biodegradable paper (instead of foil) will leave you with an eco-friendly new 'do.
Green Spas
 According to the International Spa Association, 76% of U.S. spas apply environmentally sustainable practices into their businesses. "Some spas actually started as completely Green in the 1980's and 90's, setting the stage for the Green movement. Here are the ways spas are going Green:
- Using organic linens and reducing energy use by washing them in warm or cold water
- Using low-flow filter or low pressure sinks and shower heads, which conserves water
- Installing LED lights in their facilities which use around 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than other options
- Converting to renewable clean energy, such as wind power, to run their facilities
- Building new facilities that are completely Green from the ground up, using non-toxic paint, energy efficient appliances, recycled paper products, etc.
Every step that spas are taking in the process of becoming Green is helping to realize the vision of a cleaner and healthier tomorrow.
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There are many words and phrases out there that are part of the Green movement. Here are some definitions so you know what's what:
Alternative/Renewable Energy:
energy derived from sources that do not use up natural resources and do not harm the environment; some sources include wind, water, and the sun
Biodegradable: capable of decomposing under natural conditions
Carbon Footprint: the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of harmful emissions produced
Eco-friendly: inflicting minimal or no harm on the environment
Global Warming: the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's surface in recent decades and projected continuation into the future
Greenhouse Effect: the warming of the Earth's atmosphere attributed to a buildup of carbon dioxide and other gases that retain heat and warm the planet's surface
Organic Products: those produced without environmentally-harmful chemicals or practices
Sustainability: consideration of the environmental impact of a product in every stage of its life, from production to disposal and reuse
Veganism: a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose
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