Update: what are spas doing to be more sustainable?

While the pandemic might have taken up much of everyone’s attention over the last couple of years, sustainability is one of the biggest topics and challenges of the age. In the spa industry, there’s a lot of work going on to improve the way we interact with Mother Earth. After all, how can we contemplate a world of wellness where we’re not looking after the world?

The Sustainable Spa Association is at the forefront of helping spas to make tangible movements towards sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

“Sustainability is wellness for the planet. As wellness is at the heart of the spa industry, we can take our place on the front line of sustainability. The only way we can guarantee a great future for our sector is if we will put sustainability at the heart of our projects and work. Why? Because the body, mind and soul can only truly be balanced in a sustainable, healthy world.”

Alberto Apostoli, Board member, Sustainable Spa Association

Their initiatives are ongoing and they work directly with individual spas as well. However, individual seasonal projects are also making an impact. Here’s just some of what the summer had in store:

Plastic-free July

Throughout July, they encouraged spas and brand partners to take part in a campaign to reduce plastics in all operations. Primarily, the Plastic Reduction Campaign was a voluntary opportunity to take part in learning about the ever-growing need to reduce single use plastics.

The timing of the campaign was no coincidence. On 3rd July 2021 the European Union set in law a directive which bans 10 single-use plastics most commonly found on Europe’s beaches. This means that straws, plastic bottles, coffee cups and takeaway containers made from certain materials will be banned within the EU.  

SSA and CO2balance collaborate on carbon reduction

The Sustainable Spa Association has begun working with CO2balance, which operates an extensive portfolio of climate protection projects that deliver benefits to communities throughout Africa.  The company has also created its own CarbonZero standard for certifying companies, services, or products that have an entirely neutral carbon footprint, which can be achieved through offsetting, using Co2balance’s internationally-approved carbon credits. It has established a diverse client base - including the likes of Toshiba, Canon Medical, Vita and United Purpose. The collaboration will also result in the Sustainable Spa Association working together with Co2balance’s partner companies, such as carbon rebalancing expert Gaia Together.

UN Sustainable Development Goals workshop

The Sustainable Spa Association (SSA) has launched a new workshop for spa businesses and hospitality professionals, which will help them align themselves with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to lead the way to achieving a triple bottom line business. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as Global Goals, are a set of 17 integrated and interrelated goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that humanity enjoys peace and prosperity by 2030. 

“Crucial” UN Climate change Conference (COP26.to be held in Glasgow 

In November, the UK will host an event many believe to be the world’s best “last chance” to get runaway climate change under control - the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference.  The Glasgow event will be crucial, as it is set to be the moment (delayed by a year due to the pandemic) when countries update their plans for reducing emissions as part of the Paris Agreement (signed during COP21 in Paris in 2015).