Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/253819
Assess and Set Goals How eco-conscious is your spa? Assess the products and processes that go into your whole practice: treatment room, office, retail area, bathrooms, and general needs such as cleaning, heating, lighting, and waste disposal. Make a list of what you are doing that is focused on sustainability, and then develop your goals and vision to take it to the next level. Starting with small steps will lead to more effective changes. Look at Your Treatment Menu Do your treatments support sustainability? Think about the equipment, products, and supplies you need that use excessive resources and that increase the cost of providing services. Timers on bed warmers and other electronic devices will help you save electricity. Reducing water use is another great place to start. Look into low-flow fixtures and instant hot water taps. You could also potentially save thousands of gallons of water annually by changing a body treatment to use products that are removed with warm towels instead of a shower or tub soak. This change would save you money, treatment time, and effort. Another area to consider with your treatments is to use locally sourced products—clay, herbs, and any other products with a natural appeal that are grown or made nearby. Treatments with a local flavor, including those that honor the traditions of local indigenous cultures, will support your community. These are popular signature menu choices. Make the Right Purchasing Decisions One of the most important decisions for your skin care practice is what product lines you use in the treatment room and offer in your retail area. There is now an abundance of healthier products and ingredients to choose from, and almost every product company is offering a greener choice that is free from harmful ingredients such as parabens and phthalates. But there are many more purchases you make for your practice in addition to a product line, so let's look at purchasing as a whole. When purchasing items for the practice, consider what could save natural resources. Buying healthier products? Switching from disposable supplies to those that can be safely reused? Buying the same item, but from a more sustainable company? Treatment Tips • Use natural, organic products • Add health- and wellness-focused services • Focus on local culture and ingredients • Offer more waterless body treatments (remove product with towels) • Use sustainable textiles for linens and towels • Use washable towels instead of disposable cotton whenever possible • Wash/disinfect reusable implements and containers (plastic and nonporous) • Use bulk refills for amenities and back bar Purchasing Choices • Buy organic products and ingredients • Seek fair trade, local, and sustainable sourcing • Evaluate suppliers for green practices and corporate social responsibility • Use products and packaging with recycled content • Look for third-party certification that supports the supplier's claims • Buy Energy Star-rated appliances (dishwashers, dryers, washers) • Look for furniture made with sustainable materials and manufacturing, or buy secondhand