White Lotus Salon & Massage Lives “Green”
Fayetteville business White Lotus Salon & Massage has made the concept of “going green” beautiful in every sense of the word. From concept to construction to landscaping to the use of environmentally friendly products, the salon takes seriously the science of keeping not just their clients beautiful and relaxed, but also keeping their corner of the world healthy and beautiful.
White Lotus owner Patricia Kulish and her husband Kurt, a carpenter, originally purchased the dilapidated house on Highway 45 just east of Fayetteville with the idea of renovating it to resell. But the couple decided instead the building was an opportunity for massage therapist Patty to realize her dream of owning her own business.
The couple began with recyling their building site. They kept the existing thumbprint of the structure, then remodeled the building using bio-based soy insulation and water-based paint and caulk. As much of the original building materials as possible were salvaged. Rubble from previous demolition on the site was even reused as fill for new sidewalks and patios. Extra insulation was added to the exterior and interior walls and ceiling. Latex stucco exterior and Low E windows also add to the energy efficiency, as well as long roof overhangs and mature shade trees. The salon sits on five acres of greenspace.
To save water, they installed a Marathon water heater with a recirculating loop. Instant hot water reduces waste waiting for water to heat. They also use an air filtration system, programmable thermostat, washable furnace filters and all energy-efficient appliances. Task lighting and ceiling fans save energy while keeping clients comfortable. Salon appliances are on timers and the security system and outdoor lighting are on motion detectors to automatically turn off when not in use. Landscaping uses solar lighting. The electric bill for the 3,000 square foot building is under $200 a month.
To help preserve the environment, the salon switched from offering bottled water to clients and now serves beverages in glassware. All paper, plastic and glass is recycled and they use recycled paper products.
Communicating with clients through e-mail cuts paper waste. Phosphate-free detergent is used for the on-site laundry, using a low water consumption machine with a cold water sterilization option. Floors and mirrors are cleaned with steam, not chemicals.
All hair, skin and bodycare products used and sold in the salon are vegan and organic, and packaged in eco-friendly containers. Products are also very concentrated so consumers are throwing away fewer containers each year. White Lotus Salon & Massage has been certified as a “Green Spa” by one of their suppliers, Eminence Organic Skincare and was voted Best Green Business for 2011 in The Fayetteville Free Weekly newspaper.
Rock garden landscaping saves on water use, while staying attractive year-round. Kulish also has plans to build a composting facility, add more gardens, and use an existing well and water recapture tanks to water landscaping.
Kulish says she hopes in the future to incorporate organic herbs and flowers grown on the site into therapy treatments for her clients.
