There are a myriad of spas across the United States that boldly make the claim of being a 'green' spa, but the fact is, the vast majority aren't. The main reason that a great number of spas can make the claim is because at present, there aren't really any guidelines or specific definitions with regard to the use of the word 'natural.'

One spa however is trying to change the gray area of what it means to be 'green' by practicing what it calls "Greenistics" which they define as 'a comprehensive approach toward being environmentally proactive.' Absolute Nirvana Spa, located in Santa Fe New Mexico is one of the most comprehensively green spas in the country. As owner Carolyn Lee explains, ""Conservation and an eco-friendly mindset have always been very important to me as an individual, so it was natural to me to carry that same philosophy into the running of the spa.  I became enamored with the Asian philosophy of using fruits, spices and plants for health and beauty and that became the foundation of Absolute Nirvana Spa.  Because the skin is our largest organ, and whatever we put on our skin is going right into our bodies, it is crucial that we be very attentive to what we apply to the skin.  Just as you would not want to drink or eat anything that was cancer causing, nor would you want to use products that include parabens and other toxic matter."

So what are some of the unique things Absolute Nirvana does greenistically? Here's just a few:

• All spa ingredients and facial components are organic and/or natural.  Facials are done with the Naturopathica skincare line or with avocado/honey/cucumber/yogurt/brown rice powder/yogurt.  Spa treatments are done with high quality organic oils, spices, organic brown rice and brown sugar, papaya, seaweed, white clay, yogurt and honey.
• The spa is cleaned using all natural cleaning agents.  All are chemical-free and non-toxic.
• 80% of the electricity is from wind power.
• The spa has its own water treatment system and they recycle all of their rose petal bath water.
• All spa menus and stationary is printed on recycled paper with soy ink.
• The circulating water from the tubs also serves to heat the spa in the winter.
• All allowable glass, paper and plastic is recycled.
• Light bulbs are compact fluorescent wherever possible.
• Plants rather than cut flowers are used throughout the spa.
• Cloth hand towels are used in place of paper towels.
• Paper cups have been replaced with glass or plastic cups; bottled water has been replaced by filtered water.
• The grounds are illuminated with a combination of solar and motion detector lights to eliminate the waste of all-night outdoor lighting, though path lights are still used for added safety.
• All toilets have been replaced with low-flow toilets, and all faucets and showers have flow restrictors, allowing for a comfortable and water-efficient shower.
• Shopping bags are made of recycled paper.
• In an effort to eliminate the waste of small plastic amenity bottles, we have placed dispensers in each bathroom which are filled with all natural soaps, shower gels, lotions and shampoos.
• The gardens are watered with a drip system to further reduce water consumption.
• Only earth-friendly and non-toxic fertilizers are used in the gardens.

Carolyn explains, "The transition is easier than people might think, and our 'greenistic' philosophy has made a huge difference with our clients. They tell us "Not only do I feel great physically after my spa treatment, it is a great feeling to know that I am in such a 'green' spa!"

Visit online at www.absolutenirvana.com