We gathered so much great information while researching our February Green Scene on product recycling ("A Higher Purpose") that it was difficult to whittle it all down. So here's one more: Start a recycle/refill program.
Scott Kerschbaumer, co-owner of ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skin Care in Pittsburgh, did it at his facility. ESSpa clients who bring empty product containers to the spa receive a 20% discount on the refill, which employees accomplish after spraying the bottle with colloidal silver solution to disinfect it.
Kerschbaumer says that the move helps save money because he can keep more bulk product in stock than retail. It also encourages guests to become more loyal. "It provides a way for our clients to participate in our environmentally responsible mission while allowing us to reduce our overall waste," he says.
Another side benefit? The program helps frequent travelers, who make use of ESSpa’s extensive collection of previously used containers that meet TSA carryon requirements.
Blossoming trends in consumer packaged goods could change
the way you do business this year.
Earlier this year, London-based independent market analyst Datamonitor released its annual “Trends to Watch in Packaged Goods” for 2010. Skin-enhancing bedding, superfruits and gluten-free products are now making a dramatic entrance on the world’s stage.
Here’s a peek at how they may impact the spa industry:
Beauty Rest
Spin: Wearable skincare products utilize nanotechnology to incorporate ultrafine particles, such as those from copper or aloe vera, into bedding and clothing. For instance, SkinGlow pillows and comforters, which are manufactured by London Luxury, feature Cupron Copper Technology. It professes to smooth or reduce the appearance of wrinkles after just a few weeks of use—as long as skin is in direct contact with the product.
Spa: Incorporate the comforters into your treatment rooms. Plus, link to wearable skincare products on your website.
Superfruits
Spin: Packed with powerful antioxidants, the latest superfruits come from rain forests and jungles all over the world. They include baobab (a tart African fruit), borojo (a natural energizer from South and Central America), maqui (a berry native to South America) and yumberry (known as yang-mi in China).
Spa: These natural wonders could be the next big thing to hit the skincare market since açaà berries and coffeeberries.
Bamboo Bonanza
Spin: This sustainable plant has become the ingredient of choice for companies that want to bolster their green credentials.
Spa: Whether it’s present in your lighting, flooring, equipment or retail products, bamboo can enhance your decor and commitment to eco-friendly practices.
A Gluten-Free World
Spin: Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye. As the incidence of food-related allergies rises each year, sufferers of diseases such as celiac—an autoimmune disorder triggered when the protein is consumed—are receiving more recognition. In fact, Datamonitor’s Product Launch Analytics reports a doubling of new gluten-free products since 2005.
Spa: Gluten can also be found in cosmetics and skincare products. They may irritate those who suffer from celiac disease if applied near the mouth. Reach out to this population—which affects approximately 3 million Americans—by setting up special gluten-free retail areas and treatment menus.
San Francisco’s SenSpa, which won DAYSPA’s 2010 Top Honor: Website, has another reason to celebrate in this still-young year. The facility is christening its Wellness Apothecary over the weekend of March 12-14 with a grand opening befitting the name of the new addition.
SenSpa will provide:
Workshops on skin care, stress management and aromatherapy.
Mini-makeovers using Becca Cosmetics.
Wellness Passes, which give guests 15% off products purchased that weekend and 10% off in the future.
One free travel size of a custom-blended body scrub upon purchase of a full size.
Champagne, tea and snacks.
The Wellness Apothecary will be the permanent home for SenSpa’s wellness coach and master aromatherapist. The space also holds aromatherapy and scrub bars, a cosmetics station and selections of supplements and vitamins for purchase.
March is Women’s History Month. Take inspiration from this spa and help the women in your community who need it most.
Pineapple Day Spa, the recipient of the 2010 DAYSPA Top Honor for Design, reaches out to its local community in Pine Bush, New York, to care for survivors of domestic violence.
“It’s important during the holidays to remember the less fortunate, especially children. Seeing their little faces light up and helping to bring some happiness to their lives is so rewarding,” says Lisa M. Crary, CEO of SanĂtas. “We were delighted to support Dolls for Daughters and provide 150 dolls to Denver-area children in need. We look forward to being able to donate even more dolls next holiday season.”
Aveda makes consciousness the new chic during the New York City shows.
While the catwalks inside Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week touted the latest looks for fall this month, Aveda worked hard backstage and on the streets of New York City to promote global issues that never go out of style: the need for clean drinking water and the importance of reducing waste.
The earth-friendly skin- and haircare company set up six water fountains throughout Manhattan during Fashion Week that served up New York City tap water, rated among the cleanest in the nation.
The effort was dubbed “Aveda CatWalks for Water.” In partnership with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, it raised awareness about clean water issues and encouraged the use of reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste. “New York City has some of the highest quality drinking in the world,” says Cas Holloway, commissioner for the city’s Environmental Protection department. “It’s important to take advantage of this invaluable resource during Fashion Week and to promote clean, high-quality drinking water and the investment it takes to maintain our system.”
Aveda also provided limited-edition reusable aluminum water bottles to designers, models, makeup artists and others working backstage. Aveda first began providing reusable water bottles at Fashion Week in 2008. Since then, it’s saved more than 7,500 plastic bottles from landfills.
All participating designers replaced bottled water with New York City tap water and handed out the limited-edition EarthLust Aveda reusable bottles (autographed by the designers); eliminated the use of fur in shows and retail sales; served organic or locally-sourced food to models, stylists, makeup artists, and production staff backstage; and printed all show invitations and programs on post-consumer recycled paper.
Aveda’s Catwalks for Water program was a precursor to the company’s 2010 Earth Month initiative, which aims to raise $3.5 million during the month of April to protect clean water. It calls on governments small and large to take strategic local and global action to protect waterways, empower communities and help make clean water accessible to everyone. To date, Aveda has raised more than $14 million for environmental causes through its’ annual Earth Month campaigns.
For more information on any of the company’s green programs, visit aveda.com/aboutaveda.
Earlier this year, London-based independent market analyst Datamonitor released its annual “Trends to Watch in Packaged Goods” for 2010. Skin-enhancing bedding, superfruits and gluten-free products are now making a dramatic entrance on the world’s stage.
San Francisco’s 
Over the recent holiday season, 
The earth-friendly skin- and haircare company set up six water fountains throughout Manhattan during Fashion Week that served up New York City tap water, rated among the cleanest in the nation.
Five fashion labels teamed with the company to make this year’s efforts even greener. The houses of