“Start by assessing your current practices and then decide
what your staff and your clients care about the most or what
would make the most difference.”
rewards, question what we “know,” reeducate ourselves and
spread the word to others through a new deeply held belief,”
Hickman says, adding that it is a process that takes time,
dedication and a focus on simplicity.
Gendebien, on her part, says the most challenging part
usually takes place during the launch of new ideas or products
in the market. “There is always a learning curve. Working
together is the best way we have learned to understand these
new concepts and communicate as a team to support new
changes,” she says.
Teamwork is critical, so is customer support. “Ask your
customers and your staff for eco-friendly ideas. They generally
have the most innovative and practical ideas. By doing so, you
will also enlist their support and active participation to ensure
success of the initiative. Because no matter how good your idea
may be, it won’t succeed without their enthusiastic support,”
says Karamooz.
Apart from community support, Gendebien says it’s
important to review utility costs, water usage and waste
management. “By making upgrades to energy efficient
equipment, lighting and water systems, you can reduce your
Marketing Your
Sustainability
Message
It’s often challenging to get the word out
about your green practices to ensure that
your staff and community associate your
brand with your green mission. To help
tell your sustainability story, Lotz
recommends doing the following:
58 PULSE
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March/April 2016
footprint as well as annual costs,” she says. “Plan ahead. Make
small changes every year to keep increasing your sustainability.
This will add value year over year to your bottom line and
enhance your business, culture and personal satisfaction along
the way.”
Lotz, a board member of the Green Spa Network, recommends taking measures like changing the treatment menu to
reduce resource use, replacing bottled water with water stations
and glasses and conducting an energy audit. “Start by
assessing your current practices and then decide what your
staff and your clients care about the most or what would make
the most difference. What are you most passionate about?
Focus on what energizes you and let that guide you on your
path to creating positive changes for your company, clients,
and the people you work with,” she says. n
WANT TO read more tips on how to
implement meaningful sustainability
practices? Click here to read more insights
by Lotz.
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Feature your sustainability on your website and on social
media outlets. Change up the messages and be
consistent with regular posts.
Use collateral throughout the facility on your green
initiatives. You can highlight different efforts throughout
the seasons if you live in a place that enjoys the four
seasons: For example, water in the summer; energy use
during wintertime.
Supporting eco-organizations through partnerships or
donations makes clients and staff members feel good
about your company’s efforts. Don’t underestimate
team-building efforts and the connection between
people working together on something they are
passionate about.
Sustainability campaigns add interest and excitement to
business as usual and support staff engagement and
public relations.