Osmosis Day Spa

The Green Spa Experience

Kudos to Michael Stusser and crew of Osmosis Enzyme Bath Spa in Freestone, California. Osmosis, a unique day spa that opened in 1989, and offers calming meditation gardens, tea service, unique enzyme cedar baths imported from Japan, and a host of healing massages and organic aromatherapy facials, recently became a fully functioning green day spa. Stusser, who is the owner and founder, worked with students of the Presidio School of Management's Green MBA Program to fulfill their recommendations for a comprehensive green program. "I've been in conversation with a number of people in the spa industry over the past few years, exploring how we could bring a higher level of consciousness to our industry," relates Stusser. "It's a no-brainer, the connection between personal and planetary well-being and what an incredible opportunity that is in the offing for spas to step up to the plate and take a leadership roll." Here, the highlights of Osmosis's greening:

  • A team of local artists and craftspeople used eco-sensitive materials, such as recycled driftwood from the nearby Pacific coastline, textiles from organic sources, and nontoxic paints.
  • A new patented water treatment system from Japan was installed, eliminating the need for bottled water.
  • An innovative composting system is being organized with the assistance of a world-renowned microbiologist as part of the spa's effort to reach zero waste.
  • The use of non-toxic cleaning supplies, as well as the use of organic skin care products.
  • An inventory of fair trade products, produced in an environmentally friendly way, is offered in the gift shop.
  • Underway: conversion to biodiesel with two vehicles currently powered by recycled vegetable oil.
  • A take-home starter kit is available for guests, showing them how to go green in other areas of their lives when they leave the spa.
       -M.B.
       www.osmosis.com
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