Greening Accomplishments & Goals

• Osmosis has been recycling materials from the start. Tubs for the cedar enzyme baths; the bridge in the tea garden; the pavilion in the meditation garden; and some of the Pagodas, are all made of recycled redwood from the bridge that previously crossed Salmon Creek in front of the spa. The business office and staff room are located in historical cabooses that were left on the property when it was purchased.
• We have a Compost/Vermiculture System that decreases the amount of waste being sent off-site.
• The Waste Stream has been under careful observation for improvement. We discontinued using can liners for recycling wastebaskets, and are reusing can liners in the trash baskets when possible.  The garbage is also being collected to track our progress in producing less waste.
• We have switched from the bottled electrolyte drink, Recharge, to a bulk powdered mix to decrease the amount of glass and packaging produced.
• Used enzyme bath mix is provided to the community for use as mulch.  This saves approximately 18 cubic yards of landfill space per month!
• An eco-tour was organized for staff to attend a local recycling facility to increase awareness and engagement in the process of waste reduction.

What You Can Do:

• Refill your water bottle.
• Flush ONLY toilet paper and human waste.
• Use eco-friendly toiletry products.
• Deposit recyclables in designated receptacles.

Water:

• Our innovative water filtration system is reducing the amount of bottled water we truck in.
• Water-conservative drip irrigation for all landscaping reduces wasted water.
• Low-flow showerheads and toilets have been installed in the facilities serving the enzyme baths.

Energy:

• We have increased the R-Value of the insulation in the attic to R50. 
• The current lighting system is under constant revision to incorporate compact florescent bulbs and timers to increase energy efficiency.
• A heat pump was installed to replace the less-efficient, gas-fired HVAC system.
• We are pioneering an innovative thermostat system using sensors at multiple locations and connected to a computer to allow the use of waste heat in the attic, cool air under the building, and outside air when appropriate, to augment the HVAC system.
• We have insulated the water heaters and pipes, and installed timers on the hot-water circulation pump.
• At several points over the last few years, doors and doorways have been upgraded to provide better insulation and improved temperature control in the spa. Most windows throughout the spa are now double-paned.

What You Can Do:

• Turn off lights when not in use.
• Take short showers; turn off the water while washing.

Office, Retail and Operations:

• Our retail area is labeled with Local and Green Tags for relevant companies and we are working with vendors to reduce packaging and implement sustainable practices.
• Skincare products are of exceptional organic standards, certified by Eco-Cert in Europe. We are happy to offer our guests Phyt’s products for facials and in retail.
• Cleaning products and practices have been streamlined towards non-toxic and steam-powered cleaners.
• We are removing our name from junk mail lists to decrease the amount of unnecessary incoming mail.
• We have remodeled a portion of the building with non-toxic, natural-based paint and natural accents.
• Outdoor pagodas offer our guests the opportunity to enjoy a massage in the presence of nature, providing the ultimate green landscape. Our Meditation Garden and Tea Garden provide a sanctuary where guests can feel a connection to the earth and peacefulness within.
• We have researched and purchased organic sheets for spa use.
• We have installed interface carpeting, allowing replacement of small sections when needed instead of replacing the entire carpet.
• We've made a positive influence on our laundry service by educating and supporting them in taking steps towards green practices.
• We have switched to using cups made from corn throughout the spa that can be composted at our local compost facility.
• Our office supplies and fine paper products have been selected and designed to meet the highest eco-friendly standards on the market. Staff is educated on re-using office products and printing on both sides of the paper.
• A brochure has been created to inform our guests about our sustainable practices.
• An Environmental Policy Statement is posted on our website.

Community Support:

• Members of New College’s Green Business MBA program performed a Sustainability Study for us.
• The Presidio School of Management performed a thorough report providing information on greening options, their costs, and the benefits of those improvements as they would reflect in customer satisfaction.
• EcoRing performed a Green Business Assessment to aid us in becoming a Sonoma County Certified Green Business.
• PG&E did an extensive energy audit and gave us a rebate for the improved insulation.
• We were a winner of the 2007 Best Practices Award from the Business Environmental Alliance in Sonoma County.
• A Greening Assessment was completed as part of the process of joining Green Spa Network.

What You Can Do:

• Join with organizations in your community which promote sustainability.

What We Use Everyday:

• Organic teas and Elixirs
• Non-old-growth, 80% post-consumer, recycled office paper
• 100% recycled toilet tissue, paper towel and tissue
• Biodegradable soaps and eco-friendly cleaning products
• Water filter to remove all chlorine from drinking water and showers
• Eco-friendly interior finishes and materials

Our Greening Goals:

• Tap into solar power by installing thermal panels for hot water and photovoltaic panels for offsetting our electrical use.
• Create a grey water system to recycle our wastewater for irrigation, pond water, etc.
• Research and formulate a system to reduce our Laundry load.
• Working towards LEED-Existing Building Certification.
• Further develop our vermiculture program.
• Continue to work towards Zero Waste.
• Refine our tracking tools to quantify progress.
• Replace the carpet in massage rooms with natural fiber or cork flooring.
• Quantify our green house gas emissions and develop a plan to reduce and offset.