Water is one of the most precious resources we have and probably one of the most taken for granted, so here are some great ideas on how to preserve this vital liquid.

1. Between use, always turn off your tap; do not leave it running while you go to fetch your bowl to fill it with water.
2. Don’t run the shower before a client gets in -- explain how you are conserving water as part of the spa's ethical policy. See it as an opportunity to impress your client with your attitude of social responsibility. The public are becoming increasingly aware and appreciate the need for this kind of commitment.
3. Put a note by your basins asking clients to also consider conserving water.
4. When washing linen always fill the machine to use a full cycle instead of doing lots of small washes -- this also helps to cut costs by reducing the water bill! Try and use a front loader machine instead of a top loader. On average a front loader can use up to 10 gallons of water per full load vs a massive 40 gallons per full load for a top loading washer.
5. Black or dark coloured thick fluffy towels use less water to clean and you will not have to use chemicals for stains as you do with white towels! What's more they have fantastic visual impact with our Africology decor and merchandising as well!
6. Use wet mittens in your facials instead of having to use lots of bowls of water in conjunction with dispoable items.  Rather use a heating device such as a hot towel caddy, or hot stone heater to heat the wet mittens. No more running water to warm a mittens, or going through bowls of hot water in your facials.
7. When cleaning floors or the spa area do not fill your bucket with water; only take what you need, about a 10^th of a bucket.
8. Recycle water where possible. If you are using eco friendly products and cleaning materials you can set up a system to capture your used tap water from your hydro bath, basins or showers to water your spa garden!
9. Catch water, by placing a tank in a water capture area, for example let it run off your roof. This can then be filtered and used in your spa. And of course this also brings an economic benefit.
10. Encourage therapists to carry a water bottle and refill it instead of buying new bottles every time. Get a water tank to refill in the spa instead of supplying guests with a plastic bottle each time. Also provide guests with a glass rather than disposable cups for your water dispenser. This will cut back on plastic wastage. Why not brand some re-usable water bottles for your spa? These can be given to clients or sold and is great and effective marketing for you, for brand awareness and enviromental practices.

Chemicals can damage us, Mother Earth and the plants we rely on. Always be aware of what you are putting down the drain, especially if you have a septic tank or reedbed system.

1. Use only eco friendly chemicals for cleaning purposes -- they can be more expensive but you can offset this against your treatment costings.
2. Bewary of products that claim to be naturaly- really, read the labels, and see our no-no's
3. If you serve food or beverages in your spa try to go organic.
4. Use an eco friendly skincare brand, so that you can recycle your water knowing it does not contain chemicals which will damage plants and Mother Nature
5. Clean windows with newspaper, water and a little vinegar for stubborn stains. It works better than any other window cleaner. It appears that some brands of white vinegar may be derived from petroleum (crude oil) and fossil fuel products. Synthetic ethyl alcohol can be created from the liquefaction of coal or the hydration of ethylene. Ethylene is produced in the petrochemical industry. It's important to check the label or, better still, with the manufacturer to ensure that the brand you buy does not originate from these sources.
6. Pour boiling white vinegar down a clogged drain to remove any obstruction.
7. Soak items covered in limescale in vinegar regularly instead of applying harsh chemicals. If you keep on top of it, it is easier to remove build-up.
8. Eucalyptus oil is a great multi-purpose product to use around the spa or home. Here are some suggestions: Add 1-2 teaspoonsful of eucalyptus oil to your load of washing for a fresh scent as well as the important benefit of its anti-microbial action. Use the oil, undiluted, to help remove paint, grease and ink from clothes.
9. If you have a room freshener or hanging car air-freshener that are almost dead, reinvigorate them by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Half a teaspoon mixed with half a litre of water makes for a good bug repellant for plants. Use it as a stainless steel cleaner. Make a surface cleaner the idea comes from a hospital cleaner and works well. Fill the bottle mostly with water - add a slurp of dishwashing liquid and then a capful or thereabouts of 100% eucalyptus. Shake gently to mix. Works well on all surfaces.