Big Picture

Day spas offer a welcoming oasis to relax and recharge. While you’re getting a hot stone massage or a seaweed wrap, you can let go of the stress and noise of the outside world and focus on the calm, soothing sensations of the here and now. But do spas, with their high-priced facials, massages and other treatments, come at an even higher price to the environment? Here’s how to find out.

Factoids n' Stuff

• Studies in Japan and German have shown that frequent spa use can improve physical and mental health, improving sleep and reducing sick days. (source)
• The US has about 14,600 spa locations, the majority of which are day spas. (source)
• In 2006, Americans made approximately 111 million visits to spas, generating $9.4 in revenue. (source)
• The International Spa Association estimates that 76% of spas in the US use environmentally friendly practices like using mineral make-up and creating an on-site organic garden. (source)

What Goes In?

You’d be amazed by how hard spa owners work to create a calm, peaceful environment so guests can relax. In addition to electricity and water, spas use those soft, fluffy towels and robes to make you feel pampered, plus all those canisters of wax, exfoliates, lotions, and other treatments. Do the body products contain harsh chemicals? What type of cleaners do they use after you’ve gotten your spa fix? All good questions to ask.

What Comes Out?

Spas can conserve water by installing low-flow faucets. Another option is to reuse grey water from sinks or laundry loads. Speaking of laundry, ever thought about the detergent? Spas can keep their towels, robes, and other items clean and nontoxic by using an organic laundry detergent like ECOS. They can also recycle paper and plastic and start a compost area for unused organic material if they have the space. And most spas use some type of printed material to promote themselves. So, are these brochures and coupons printed on recycled paper?

How's it Run?

Many spas understand that creating a natural, sustainable environment is good for guests and the environment. But while some spas offer a few eco-treatments to turn the green spa craze into cash, others work hard to include green habits in every aspect of their business, from bathroom sinks to the brochures they send out. Some even participate in environmental causes by organizing fundraising events or donating a portion of their revenue. As they say, the devil is in the details, so look for recycling bins. If the staff and patrons can’t recycle easily, they may not recycle at all. Also look for those compact fluorescent light bulbs in lighting fixtures.

What They Care About

Especially if you’re having skin treatments applied topically (like a facial or scalp treatment), it’s important find out what goes into these treatments. Are the people working at the spa knowledgeable about the products they use? While harsh chemicals may create immediate results, natural products offer a gentler and healthier alternative. Treatments that incorporate locally grown ingredients (for instance, a Maine blueberry body wrap or a coconut milk scrub in Maui) are even better. Spas that make the effort to use eco-friendly products and incorporate green practices into their business will also make the effort to help you relax and enjoy your spa experience sans noise and toxins.

What to Ask

• Do your paper products contain bleach?
• Are your skincare products natural and organic?
• Does your facility include low-flow faucet aerators?
• How are your products packaged?
• Where do your treatments, and the ingredients in them, come from?
• When did your spa perform its last energy audit?
• How do you dispose of potentially hazardous materials?
• What are you doing to conserve electricity?

What to Do

• Bring your own reusable bag if you plan to buy any products.
• Ask what’s really in that mud masque or eye treatment. You may be surprised.
• Request treatments that use local ingredients. Plants that grow locally reduce carbon emissions and transportation costs.

Find Out More

• Green Spa Network
• Spa Week Goes Green
• International Spa Association
• "Eco-Friendly Paths to Exfoliation" New York Times
• "Beyond Bliss: Inside NYC’s Only Organic Spa" msnbc.com
• "Get a Facial, Change the World" Forecast Earth from weather.com 

Susan Johnston is a freelance writer in Cambridge, Mass. Check out her website at www.susan-johnston.com.