Yosemite, CA – (Sept. 30, 2015) – Miraval Resort and Spa, Living Earth Crafts, Two Bunch Palms and Spa Blue at Del Mar were among the top award recipients at the Green Carpet Spa Sustainability Awards, presented by the Green Spa Network at their Annual Congress in Yosemite, California.
Judges with decades of experience in the industry chose winners in 6 categories including healthy spa cuisine, innovative green products, and dedicated spa and supply brands – from individuals and companies who are shaping the green spa movement.
The Judging Panel included: Julie Keller Callaghan, Editor-in-Chief American Spa Magazine; Mary Bemis, Editorial Director, Insider’s Guide to Spas; Debrianna Berlin, Kiss The Sky; Shelley Lotz, Vios Spa Group.
“It’s rewarding to see so many businesses striving for sustainability because of their values and conscious leadership.” Said Founder of Vios Spa Group, Shelley Lotz. “The Green Spa Network Awards program is important in recognizing the tireless efforts of those who work hard day after day in making the spa industry even more sustainable. It is truly a labor of love and the nominees are always inspiring and impressive!”
The winners were chosen based on various criteria, including: achieving the highest level of sustainability compared to their peers; continuous improvement; setting an example of best practice for the industry to follow; making sustainable practices inviting and desirable to consumers and employees.
In addition to these industry awards, the GSN Board of Directors recognized Robert Zimmer of Zimmer Associates as this year’s Visionary Award recipient and further acknowledged outstanding contributions from the organization’s volunteer roster with a new award. Named in honor of one of GSN’s Founders, the inaugural Tara Grodjesk Dedicated Contributor Award recipients are Rona Berg, Organic Spa Magazine; Tessa Kienow, Ready Care Industries; Lisa Sykes, Universal Companies; Shelley Lotz, Vios Spa Group.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by an organization I’ve grown so passionate about over the last 8 years,” said Lisa Sykes, Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability Manager for Universal Companies and Co-Chair of the GSN Personal Care Committee. “If your passions are spreading the mission of wellness and preserving the environment, volunteering for Green Spa Network will be one of the most exhilarating, rewarding opportunities you’ll ever experience.”
2015 Winners:
Healthy Spa Cuisine Award- Miraval Resort and Spa
Corporate Brand Committed to Sustainability- Two Bunch Palms
Green Supplier / Manufacturer of the Year – Living Earth Crafts
Innovative Green Product of Year- Pedicure Bowls by Victoria’s Essentials Australia
Green Skin Care Company of the Year- Szép Elet
Sustainable Spa of the Year- Spa Blue at Del Mar
Green Spa Network Visionary Award- Robert Zimmer, Zimmer Associates
Tara Grodjesk Dedicated Contributor Award Recipients
o Rona Berg – Organic Spa Magazine
o Tessa Kienow – Ready Care Industries
o Lisa Sykes – Universal Companies
o Shelley Lotz – Vios Spa Group
“It is our privilege and honor as a non-profit voice for sustainability to recognize the work of these dedicated companies whose examples have raised the green standard for the spa industry around the planet.” Said Executive Director of the Green Spa Network Paul Schmidt.
ABOUT THE GSN SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS
Launched by the Green Spa Network in 2012 to honor sustainability leaders who are transforming an industry, the Green Spa Network Sustainability Awards celebrate groundbreaking activities, comprehensive measures, unique contributions, and overall leadership in environmental management, green techniques or sustainability. Nominations for the 2016 GSN Sustainability Awards will open in January with winners to be announced at the 5th Annual Green Carpet Awards Ceremony on Tuesday September 27, 2016.
ABOUT THE GREEN SPA NETWORK
GSN is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to promoting sustainability in and through the spa and wellness industry. Their mission is to promote the vital connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability and the health of our planet. Through networking, education, and best practices developed with its membership of the nation’s most innovative green spas, GSN is setting the standard for social and environmental sustainability in the industry. For more information, visit www.greenspanetwork.org.
Contact: Jessica Gilden | Business Manager | 800-275-3045 | [email protected]
