Body Benefits has Gone Green
do to help the environment. In October 2004, the European Cosmetic
Union passed a law banning all suspected cancer-causing and harsh
chemicals from cosmetics product lines developed in Europe. Thankfully, almost
all product lines carried at Body Benefits Day Spa (est. 1992) are developed and
manufactured in Europe because in North America, it’s still legal for cosmetic lines to
use these suspect harsh chemicals.
Two years ago, after watching a CBC special about suspect ingredients in cosmetics,
hair, and body products, Body Benefits CEO Melanie Bains decided to investigate as
well. Skin is the largest organ of the human body and who knows how much of these
harsh chemicals are absorbed from topical application? We do know that these
chemicals get into our water supply, and therefore into our food chain. Bains decided to
bring in additional product lines that have never contained any of the suspect ingredients
and are sodium laurel sulphate-free, paraben-free, and petroleum-free. Body Benefits
also brought in a nail polish line that’s free of toluene, phthalate, and formaldehyde and
that actually lasts nicely compared with other polishes. The disinfectant surface spray the
spa uses has also been approved by Health Canada, has a lower toxicity than vinegar
and is also safe for disinfecting food surfaces and children’s toys. The spray even has an
environmental choice stamp on the bottle from Environment Canada.
Body Benefits’ laundry and cleaning supplies are organic and biodegradable and the nail
centre has an air purification system that only runs when needed. Bains says it’s so
important for a spa to maintain a clean and sterile environment, and she’s proud to know
that these products won’t destroy the spa’s water supply or put clients and staff at risk.
"Our guests are very pleased to enjoy a healthy atmosphere and services using
natuarally based product lines when indulging in our spa," says Bains. She says it
surprises the spa’s aestheticians that so many mainstream North American cosmetic
companies still use harsh chemicals because, when used long-term, they can actually
age the skin more progressively. "We are in this business to help people maintain a
healthy skin so we only want to use products that will perform," says Bains.
Other steps that Body Benefits has done to become more “green” include providing
guests with organic fruit water, organic herbal teas and serving these beverages in 100
per cent corn-based, plastic-free compostable and biodegradable GMO-free cups. This
ensures that these cups won't be accumulating the way plastics do in landfills. Another
environmentally-friendly practice is to gradually replace the spa’s old linens, robes and
slippers with ones made from organic cotton. When it comes to new furnishings, Bains
tries to purchase furniture made with "good wood" that’s responsibly harvested and/or
recycled.
