Greenerati

We’re so pretty. Oh so pretty and Green. We’re normally not big spa-goers but when we can get our feet pedicured in a space that’s so air quality friendly then we’ll ready for the treatment. Normally day spas smell like toxic chemical factories with the paints and sprays and we’re just talking about the walls and ceilings. Our noses collectively smiled when we noticed a lack of the usual, not to mention unhealthy, “new spa smell” at the SoMa based Nova Nail Spa.

The mostly sustainable spa, although somewhat lacking on the Green energy front, kicks Green butt in regards to health, indoor air quality, and sustainability. None of us have x-ray vision but we know about the non-toxic recycled denim insulation. We could see (and not smell) the low VOC paint, formaldehyde-free cabinetry and water-based finishes and adhesives, not to mention the slylish recycled glass wall tiles.

Bamboo floors seem to be the Green rage but what’s not to love about the Tambour bamboo paneling and natural linoleum flooring which both feel almost as good as they look. We’re not gaga about the slate portion of the floor and Richlite counters (although the Green spa designers from Design Solutions say that they hope to replace the faux-Green Richlite with something much more sustainable) but the Greenguard certified furniture, recycled fiber fabrics and low VOC seat cushions make up for those shortcomings.

As for the products, we took note of spa technicians applying vegan DBP-free lacquers and nail polish removers from SpaRitual. Nail polish removers lie a little out of our jurisdiction but we do know that they don’t allow DBP in cosmetic products in the EU.

Our fingers look a bit weathered from all this blogging so we’re all giddy for a non-toxic pedi.