Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen from 280 ppm to 407 ppm since the industrial revolution. At the same time, global temperatures are rising at an alarming rate, causing glaciers to melt and sea levels to rise at an exponential pace.1 Whether we want to believe it or not, global warming is a result of our actions (or inactions) as global citizens, and we all have the responsibility to change that, irrespective of our vocation, location or wealth status.
The good news is that we can affect change in the environment through our daily actions as spa professionals. On Page 50 of this issue, Heather Kreider addresses just that, noting how reducing waste can positively affect the environment. She explains that reducing waste keeps it out of landfills and incinerators, thereby reducing air, water and land pollution. She provides easy ways that companies and individuals can begin to think about reducing their waste such as purchasing more durable products and repurposing items.While we need to mitigate pollution, we are putting in the environment, we also need to protect ourselves from the negative impacts that the environment can have on our body and skin. On Page 38, naturopathic doctor Erin Madigan-Fleck, N.M.D., discusses the pollutants our body encounters every day. She notes that many household and personal care products emit dangerous compounds into the air, and that we should choose these products wisely. She emphasizes that the best thing we can do is be informed of the dangers of the environment. Filtering air and water are two steps Madigan-Fleck recommends along with bringing in plants and testing your environment, among others.
Although it might seem overwhelming to take the steps above, the instability of the environment and its harmful effects on our skin and overall health is a result of our actions. Perhaps if we respected it a bit more, it would respect us back and reward us with the need for less protection.
Yours in Eco Respect,
Katie Anderson
Senior Managing Editor
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