The Green Spa Network (GSN) is extending its impact by creating regional spa associations to enable more spas to access its sustainability resources – part of its 2015 strategy to cause positive change in sustainability through spas.

GSN provides information, tools and resources to support the ‘greening’ of the spa industry. Regional association members – for example managers of facilities that are members of the Florida Spa Association (FSA) – will have access to the GSN’s resources at no charge.

“The open membership that GSN has introduced to regional associations provides more opportunities for collaboration among organisations to raise the social consciousness of wellness and our environmental footprint,” said Ilana Moses, CEO and founder of FSA. “Our goal at FSA is to strengthen our message about wellbeing by creating a greener and healthier lifestyle in our community. This will be elevated by the support of a national organisation such as GSN.”

In other news, GSN’s executive director Paul Schmidt attended discussions on issues relating to spas and sustainability with representatives from the US Congress and Senate. Alongside the separate campaigns by Deborah Szkeley of Wellness Warriors Inc and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Schmidt participated in advocacy efforts focused on legislation relating to tax reform, the importance of public/private sector relations through meetings and conventions, plus the emerging strength of the spa industry voice.

“It was an honour to participate, as more than 250 separate meetings occurred on these topics,” said Schmidt. “I’m encouraged to see our elected officials taking the time to listen and engage with constituents on issues that affect our associations’ ability to be effective and promote health and vitality through spas.”

The GSN has also announced the 2015 call for nominations for its annual sustainability awards. Since 2012, more than 30 innovative individuals and companies have been recognised for their leadership and accomplishment in spa sustainability. Any individual company or product related to the spa, health and wellness industry is considered eligible. Nominations can be submitted before 5 June 2015 here.