SAN FRANCISCO—Green Spa Network announces the launch of the first ever “GSN Plastic Reduction Challenge”—an 11-month campaign conducted in partnership with the Plastic Pollution Coalition—where awards will be given in seven different categories to winners from day, resort and destination spas as well as spa product companies.
The objective of the contest is to reduce usage of disposable plastic—like plastic bags and bottles, food and beverage items, product packaging, shipping supplies, etc.
“Plastic is a material that the earth cannot digest,” says Daniella Russo, co-founder and executive director of Plastic Pollution Coalition “Every bit of plastic ever made is still here with us. Disposable plastics are the greatest contributor to plastic pollution. They are a danger to the earth and to humans on it due to the toxic chemicals leaching out of them. The only way to address this problem is by eliminating disposable plastics from our lives.”
Seven Award Categories
Awards will be announced on Earth Day 2013 in the following categories: Most Innovative Solution; Biggest Impact—for size of a facility; Most Comprehensive—by number of categories, including employee plastic usage; Local Impact—within state; Global Impact; Alternative Product Packaging; and Plastic Reduction Pioneers.
“This effort underscores the very purpose of GSN’s existence,” says GSN psident and Rancho La Puerta Spa managing director, Roberto Arjona. “It’s our responsibility to take a leadership role with proactive measures that promote the health and wellbeing of not only our fellow humans, but also the planet we all share.”
Required steps for participants include: audit of current plastic usage; planned replacement of items; measurement of savings; tracking progress and reporting via social media; complete Plastic Reduction Challenge Form provided on GSN website; and submit final program materials to GSN approved Panel of Judges by March 20, 2013.
GSN suggested alternatives to disposable plastic include: stainless steel or glass water bottles; water filtration systems to eliminate single-use bottles; stainless steel cups and straws; reusable utensils, dishes and cups; reusable bags—including dry cleaning bags; and recycled post-consumer waste, paper or glass packaging.
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