Green Massage:Standards

standards

GreenMassage.org is a membership-based network to certify Massage schools, clinics, and practitioners based upon their business and their commitment to a greener environment.

GreenMassage.org is a marketing technique, an educational force, a networking medium, and a visioning tool. It will grow to serve the needs of the membership when watered with your input.

Members pay an annual fee and use a self-scoring measurement tool, and a level is assigned according to established criteria.

Our self scoring measurment tool is based upon the following standards:

health of clients/students/staff:	SCORE 1-10 = GLADE A tenuous ecosystem where a thin layer of soil covers a rocky base. Mosses and lichens co-exist alongside hardy wildlife. SCORE 11-20 = PRAIRIE Pre-ennial grasses and herbs exist, insects, providing cover and food for small mammals and wildife. SCORE 21-30 = SAVANNA More dense cover and smaller, understory strees scattered throughout; A broader variety of herbs attracts more birds and wildlife. SCORE 31-40 = WOODLAND A variety of trees with more extensive root systems, richer soil habitat for many organisms; Open canopy allows dappled light to support plants and wildlife. SCORE 41 + = FOREST Dense tree cover with closed canopy produces thick layer of humus with rare and endangered flora and fauna.
nut-free oils available organic oils/lotions available upon client request organic oils/lotions exclusively natural cleansers, wipes, and sanitizers purified drinking water available professional laundry services use of natural/organic laundry products recycled paper towels and bath tissue organic hand towels organic table linens less than 50% organic table linens more than 50% non-toxic paint in interior spaces carpets replaced with natural fibers/sustainable flooring products air purifier/s indoor plants
office practices:
recycling cans/bottles paper recycling in office/classroom paper products less than 50% recycled paper products more than 50% recycled copies done on both sides promotional materials on recycled paper with soy ink electronic record-keeping less than 50% electronic record-keeping more than 50% responsible waste management for electronics responsible management of hazardous waste
energy conservation measures:
unplug electronics when not in use lighting is done with compact fluorescents music downloads instead of CDs lights turned off when rooms not in use after-hours lighting is minimal energy-conserving window treatments weather-stripping and caulking in good repair hot water supplied on-demand basis or solar use of local products furniture used/recycled massage tables manufactured of sustainable materials bicycle rack nearby carpools utilized by students/staff located near mass transit lines or in high-density areas solar applications in building wind applications in building building meets LEED standards
charitable and professional business practices:
handicap accessibility/accomodation HIPAA compliant licensing and certification compliant liability insurance emergency and evacuation plan posted occasional donations/discounts of variable amounts donations as a regular % of income to charities/organizations perform regular pro-bono work sponsor/participate in local clean-ups participate in massage missions in-service green education for employees/students purchase of carbon offsets membership in local organizations/networks membership in regional/national organizations
our pledge
With the understanding that having a Green Business is an evolving process, we pledge to continually aspire to green business practices for the good of clients, students, practitioners, and the Earth. As there are many shades of GREEN and degrees of compliance, all efforts in this process are recognized as being good faith attempts at achieving and maintaining my/our level of certification. Within the limits of product availability, economic conditions, and waste management choices, we pledge to uphold the standards set forth by the GreenMassage.org Organization to the best ability and to fairly and honestly represent my/our business. We agree to make these standards available to all clients/students, without prejudice, and to make the GreenMassage.org Organization aware of status changes no less frequently than upon annual recertification. The use of the GreenMassage.org logo and certification level shall be mine/ours while in accordance with this pledge. My/our input into the future standards and benchmarks shall serve as a model to other businesses and any regulatory entities developed or imposed. My/our commitment to Green health care, business ethics, charitable giving, and ecological concern shall guide the evolution of these dedicated business and organizational practices.
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fees

Fees are nominal:

$60 per year for practitioners
$120 per year for clinics/group practices
$240 per year for schools/educators

Membership includes:

A listing on our web directory
Unlimited use of our seal
Equal voting rights of one vote per membership on all surveys and network issues.
Certificate suitable for framing
Educational packet upon request

scope

One of our greater goals is to assist Massage Educators and Providers in becoming rooted within the GreenHealthCare networks that are sprouting throughout the medical field. However, your practice does not need to be clinical or medical. By its very nature, GreenHealthCare honors the healer's soul within us all.

GreenHealthCare nurtures the client, the practitioner, and the Earth all at the same time. It is practiced in an environmentally-conscious manner and incorporates ancient wisdom with new innovations, while keeping the client/patient at the center of the circle of care. GreenMassage puts your clients in the center of this circle.