The spa industry has long had the ability to make a positive impact on the planet. There is no better time than now to ‘go green’ in the spa, given the undeniable benefits to consumer health and the environment. Creating a business practice that fosters social responsibility is just as easy as doing the opposite; it simply comes down to choices. Spa professionals are in a unique position to contribute positively to global sustainability through their purchasing choices and daily routines. What this means is that by tweaking already-established protocols, daily practices can lead to a greener, healthier planet for generations to come. There are literally hundreds of ways to start going green. Being perfect at it is not the goal; making continuous progress toward it, no matter how slow, is. Being creative is part of the process, which can make it plenty of fun. Once greener choices are being made, it will become second-nature. The most important part is to start. Depending on the level of commitment, there are organizations with established protocols and standards that can help solidify the effort and, in some cases, certify the spa for their efforts. For larger spas with a deep commitment to environmental and social responsibility, installing renewable energy systems, like solar or geothermal units, will reduce impact and lead to cost-saving benefits in the long run. Hiring an experienced consultant or sustainability specialist is a good idea when making those important decisions. However, for smaller- or medium-sized spas, there are simple standards that can also lead to a significant impact and savings. This short guide is by no means exhaustive; it is meant to assist in touching upon the main arteries of a sustainability plan. A great place to start is by taking small steps within three general categories: products, cleaning, and operations. PRODUCTSPurchase and use treatment products made without petroleum-based ingredients (dimethicone, butylene glycol, and propylene glycol), phthalates, dyes, synthetic fragrances, or any other toxic chemical. Synthetically-derived skin care might produce fast results, but it is also likely to cause damage, both physically and environmentally. Using natural treatments promotes long-term health and sustainability.Make sure the products are not tested on animals. A good way to ensure this is by looking for a third-party certification. Purchase products made with ingredients and materials that are locally sourced, fair trade certified, and certified organic. If hitting all three categories is not possible, aim for at least one. CLEANINGUse toxin-free cleaning and sanitation products for floors, windows, bathrooms, and equipment.Consider using saline instead of chlorine or bromine in all water-based therapies, including hot tubs, pools, and nail treatments. Wash laundry with detergents that are made with plant-based surfactants and are free of phosphates, synthetic fragrances, petroleum-based ingredients, fabric softeners, and whiteners. Soak tools and utensils instead of letting the water run while they are being cleaned.Use sanitizers on equipment that do not contain chlorine or triclosan. OPERATIONSUse sustainable linens and textiles. Although there is a huge debate on what that actually means, the basic idea is to stay away from fabrics that are created using by-products of the petroleum industry, like acrylic and nylon. Good alternatives are hemp, organic cotton, and bamboo. Purchase paper goods that are unbleached and contain recycled content.Avoid using disposables for cups, plates, and cutlery for staff and clients. If disposables need to be used, avoid polystyrene at all costs and use biodegradable paper goods instead. Offer employees training sessions and professional development opportunities on industry-best practices involving environmental stewardship and sustainability.Share educational material with clients on holistic living and toxin-free practices. Professionals should take a pre-assessment of the areas that need improvement, set annual goals, and remember to record activities and monitor progress. Taking a monthly or even quarterly evaluation of the spa’s progress will validate the effort and encourage an ongoing commitment. Share all of the achievements with staff and clients. Going green adds value to the spa, so create compelling content within the marketing strategies by highlighting the strengths and achievements. ReferencesEscobar-Toledo, C.E., and Mareschal, B. (2015). Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Development and Natural Resources Conservation: Multicriteria Life-cycle Analysis of Daily-Used Materials with a Long-term Vision. British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 6(1): 34-48.Green Spa Network. (2016). Simple Starter Tips for a Greener Spa. Retrieved from http://greenspanetwork.org/simple-starter-tips-greener-spa/Jessop, P.G. (2015). Opportunities for greener alternatives in chemical formulations. Green Chemistry, 17, 2664-2678.Green America. (2016). Green Business Network: Spas Green Business Standards. Retrieved from http://www.greenbusinessnetwork.org/project/green-business-standard-spas/Water Use It Wisely. (2016). 100 Ways to Conserve. Retrieved from http://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.