Article written for Thai Spa Association

1. 34-35TSM15W1 10/26/07 9:48 AM Page 34
SPECIAL FEATURE
∫∑§«“¡æ‘‡»…
Spas, the custodian of nature
By Motti Essakow
Improving the ecological and carbon footprint of spas carbon footprinton destinations and its connection to
& wellness centres is essential not only for the health of the reducing poverty. In addition, there is an increasing
planet but also for the business. recognition of redefining ‘sustainability’ (socio/cultural,
If everyone in the world were to continue to consume economic, wellbeing and nature; also referred to asthenew
natural resources and generate carbon dioxide at the rate ‘Quadruple Bottom Line’) and without tradeoffs.
we do, we would need many more planets to supports us. Redefining the Spa
The problem is, we have only one liveable planet and we Spa comes from the term ‘Sanitas per Aqua’ (health
are using thenatural resourcesfaster than nature can through water) and historically spas rely on nature -
replenish them. As the dominant species in just a few especially water to heal. In essence this makes the spa
millennia we have swallowed up more than a third of the sector symbolic guardians of water. It is about respect and
planet‘s land for our cities, farmland and pastures. It is viewing water as an endangered species. Thus the spa
estimated, we now commandeer 40 percent of all its industry is in a natural leadership position to rise to the
productivity. And we‘re leaving quite a mess behind. The challenge and reduce the overall footprint of water. It has
looming spectre of climate change for example. been given stewardship of the sacred sites throughout the
If they could, the other species would surely vote us off world where these waters flow.
the planet. While it is obvious that in order to live we Considerthis: a single Vichy shower treatment can use
consume what nature offers but every action of ours in the excess of 200 gallons of water. Or the fact that a
impacts the ecosystem. This would not be of concern guest roughly uses eight towels per visit - plus robe and
ifhuman use of resources did not exceed what the earth linens - all of which require laundering.
(bio capacity) could renew. But that is clearly not the case. Of course, while no one advocates eliminating water
However, there is a way in which we can work, live and from the spa experience, we still need to act responsibly
travel within this ’bio capacity‘and still enjoy an increased and create a ‘back to basics eco luxury experience’.
quality of life. It is called ‘One Planet Living’, ‘One Planet However, in order to truly begin reducing the overall
Ecological Economics’ and ‘One Planet Business’. ecological and carbon footprintof spas and wellness
For One Planet Living (or living within the earth‘s centres and reach the eventual point of balance (i.e.
natural capacity) it is essential that we limit the overall sustainability) the following need to be included:
ecological impact and reduce the size of our carbon Step 1: Responsible planning and development of the
footprint and begin the process of restoring, replenishing site and structure.
and protecting our only ecosystem. Step 2: Bio mimicry design (using nature as a model and
‘Ecological Footprint‘ is the new science of nature as a mentor) and indigenous architecture (exterior
sustainability being promoted by leading conservation and interior).
organisations. It is a resource management tool that Step 3: Sustainable construction (where possible using
quantitatively measures and describes how much land and eco/clean technology, locally produced and earth-friendly
water a human population requires to produce the materials).
resources it consumes and to absorb its waste under Step 4: Sustainability Management (including sustain-
prevailing technology in order to determine how much of ability benchmarking, ecological foot printing and
the regenerative capacity of the planet is occupied by developing a responsible purchasing policy and sustain-
human activities. It also measures how intensely the ability financial statement) throughout the entire spa /
ecosystems are being used (and abused)? In addition, the wellness centre operation.
Ecological Footprint recognises the crucial role of natural Step 5: ‘Making sustainability sexy’. Alternative image
capital and natural income in economic development. building, branding and marketing strategies targeted at
the LOHAS and GLOHAS, (Lifestyles of Heath and
ARE WE EXCEEDING OUR LIMITS? Sustainability) or ‘conscious consumer‘ / ‘conscious
At present the Ecological (including Carbon) Footprint traveller’.
methodology is not yet being used by the spa and wellness Spas and wellness centres should serve as eco
sector (‘ecological footprint‘ is mostly used as a generic custodians. They should create a ‘feel good’ factor about
terms). But there is a growing realisation that tourism doing something healthy forthe spa, the guest, the local
(especially ‘local travel and tourism’) needs to be redefined community and the planet and thus save the planet while
in the context of reducing our overall ecological and enjoying its resources.
34 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2007

2. 34-35TSM15W 10/26/07 10:09 PM Page 35
SPECIAL FEATURE
∫∑§«“¡æ‘‡»…
ª“°—∫∫∑∫“∑°“√¥Ÿ·≈∏√√¡™“µ‘ ‡√◊Õß‚¥¬ Motti Essakow
Ë
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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2007 35