Natural Way Newsletter
Fall 2008 - Issue 1
ON BEING GREEN
A Wellness Center that is aligned with nature helps humans to be in Harmony with the world around them, to be healthier and happier, acquiring an "inner" beauty not duplicated in a synthetic environment. We took our 1st steps toward "GREEN" practice from our very beginnings here at The Miller House.
As a wellness center we are on the forefront of a world changing trend. We whole heartedly embrace the enduring values necessary and we do our part to help save the environment and reduce our carbon foot print. We continually re-evaluate ways to improve our eco focus thru feedback, eduation, and the U.S. Green Building Council / Lead Standards (A voluntary rating system to define and measure green operations.
Every Detail, from our choice of massage oil down to the paint on the walls is considered. Our product choices and service menu reflect that philosophy. Our professional skin care line. Bioterra, is harvested from the Peat Bogs of North America and is simple and effective. Our massage oils are our own formulations and are phalate and paraben free *(two compounds found to be cancerous). They are made with cold pressed and organic oils and they are bottled in glass. We will soon be making our own liquid anti bacterial hand soap made with grass fed organic goat milk and tea tree oil. Packaging is returnable for credit. We recycle. Our service menu has a focus on wellness and lifestyle choices rather then a focus on escape. In order to avoid petrochemicals (derived from petroleum) found in commercial cleaning products we have converted to green cleaners and maintain osha compliance, oxygen bleach and tea tree oil.
A good source of green cleaners for you to consider in your own home and escape the petroleum trap can be found at www.seventhgeneration.com. Since our linens are 100% natural fibers and most detergents are formulated for synthetics, we are able to use kinder soap based cleansers and one cup of hydrogen peroxide per load. Our washing machine is dedicated to the practice and linen is line dried as weather permits. Please see www.ewg.org for the hazards of chlorine. Our paper is recycled and our ink is vegetable based.
The healing space is developed with feng shui principles in mind and a balance of the five elements: air, water, earth, fire, either with 75% natural light and 75% renewable energy for heat. This is supplemented by low consumption lighting unless full spectrum or infrared light is part of a treatment. The massage table is hardwood with water based lacquers and is free of chlorofluorocarbons, responsible for ozone depletion in the atmosphere. You will NEVER receive your massage in a disruptive electromagnetic field that is an electric heating pad.
The gardens are being developed with the same sustainable principles with the majority of the weed control by cloth and vinegar and the majority of mowing done by sheep.
The paints, adhesives,
and finishes are natural and low v.o.c. (volatile organic compound).
Uniforms and rugs are natural fibers. Furnishings are recycled.
So for a more meaningful experience that fits in with your personal commitment to going green and healthy living for you and the planet, The Miller House is here for you.
-Maria