News Alert

Wax On!

After months of threatening to enforce a ban on Brazilian waxing services in the state of New Jersey, Garden-State lawmakers abandoned their crusade against the service. Last March, New Jersey consumer affairs director David Szuchman killed the legal pursuit. "Many have noted that the procedure can be safely performed. I, therefore, believe that there are alternate means to address any public health issues identified by the board," Szuchman wrote. He called for "an immediate review of the training necessary to safely provide this service, and to establish appropriate protocols and safeguards."

While spa and salon owners across the state cried victory, the Association of Salon and Spa Professionals (ASSP) isn't finished with its fight. According to state law, Brazilian waxing is still not legal, and the ASSP cautions that spa and salon owners could still be liable and risk their insurance if a client files a claim.

To read more about waxing services, pick up the June issue of DAYSPA.

Enviro-Chic

Green nail polish line Zoya wants business owners and clients to detoxify their fingernails—and their polish collections. The company is offering a bottle-for-bottle exchange of old nail polishes (any brand but Zoya) in exchange for bottles of the toxin-free brand. An added earth-friendly bonus: The company will dispose of your old polishes according to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. The only cost is $3 per bottle for shipping and processing.

There are more than 300 Zoya colors to choose from, each of which is free from formaldehyde, toluene, camphor and dibutyl Phtalate. Exchanges must include six or more bottles and be processed by June 1, 2009. Visit www.zoya.com/earthday for more details.

Éminence Organic Skin Care (www.eminenceorganics.com) is challenging spas across the country to green-up their practices. The earth-friendly Hungary-based company is inviting all of its partner spas to engage in green practices such as using reusable bags and linens, low voltage lighting, organic fabrics and products, recycling programs and an assortment of other green routines. Spas that pass the test will receive an official Éminence Green Spa certification sticker. "Guests will feel confident that they are sharing in the green movement by choosing to support these important and sustainable practices while visiting these locations," says Éminence spokesperson Meaghan Cochrane.

Green is the new black when it comes to beauty trends. Jane Iredale (www.janeiredale.com) will introduce a refillable compact this month to coincide with Earth Day, April 22. The anodized aluminum containers are 100% recyclable and will accommodate all shades of the company's PurePressed Base, which will now be sold exclusively in refill form, with minimal packaging and printing. Jane Iredale also has plans to convert its entire inventory over to recyclable/refillable containers and products, beginning with PurePressed Blush and PurePressed Eye Shadow later this year.

Mineral Mine (www.mineral-mine.com) is getting in on the less-is-more craze. It introduced 100% recyclable paper compacts for its Pressed Mineral foundations, bronzers, blushes and eye shadows. "We have five different compacts made from paper, as well as our huge Showcase Palette (5x7 inches) that lets you mix and match any way you choose," says Mineral Mine creative director Kimberley Frey. "Going green is important to us." The company is also looking at ways to reduce packaging materials, print with safer inks, and encourages its customers to reduce, reuse and recycle. "We sell our loose minerals in bulk quantity, so our customers could offer to refill their clients' jars of mineral powder at a discount (since the jar is being reused). Any form of recycling is a good thing," Frey adds.

Enviro-Chic (continued)

Every purchase of the new Tweezerman (www.tweezerman.com) "Go Green" Mini Slant Tweezers gives life to another tree. The company is donating $1 from every sale to the National Arbor Day Foundation, which works to support and strengthen the environment, as well as educate consumers about the importance of protecting trees. The product's packaging is also 100% recyclable and printed using soy ink.

A Safer Paper

DAYSPA is getting in on the green action, too, by switching to earth-friendlier soy ink. Publishers Press, which handles printing duties for all Creative Age publications, including Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro and Med Esthetics, switched to inks that are SoySeal-certified by the American Soybean Association. "Printing with soy inks is another incremental step that we can all make to reduce our overall environmental impact," says Christie Royalty-Orr, environmental health and safety director for Publishers Press.

Soy ink is lower in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which produce toxic byproducts during the printing process. Petroleum-based inks contain 30-35% VOC compared to 0-5% for soy inks. Soy also provides a renewable alternative to petroleum and is more easily recycled.

In addition, DAYSPA will eliminate reader-service inserts and instead offer the information online beginning with the May 2009 issue. Visit www.dayspamagazine.com/FIRST for details.

Charity for Children

Helping children of abuse and neglect is a global problem, according to Don Bewley, co-founder of Eufora Int'l., a manufacturer of eco-friendly professional spa and salon products. Last year, he asked the more than 3,000 professional spas and salons within the Eufora network to chip in as well. Through charity drives, media promotions and beauty professionals donating their tips, the newly minted Eufora Friends group raised $100,000 for Childhelp. It's a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the victims of child abuse and neglect. "Our people embraced Childhelp's mission," Bewley says. "It's a vital charity that saves the lives of children across North America." The company presented Childhelp with the funds in April to coincide with National Child Abuse Prevention Month. "We'll be continuing our commitment to this wonderful organization in 2009, and we hope to exceed our success," Bewley adds. To learn more about Childhelp, call 480.922.8212 or visit www.childhelp.org

Higher Learning

These days all students could use a little financial aid. The International Spa Association (ISPA) Foundation (www.experienceispa.com) has developed the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship to give one lucky recipient a bit of a boost. The award, to be announced in May, provides $2,500 toward education expenses, plus registration, airfare and hotel accommodations to attend the 2009 ISPA Conference & Expo Oct. 2-5 in Austin, TX. "The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage students to join the wonderful profession of spa development," says ISPA Foundation president Edwin Neil III. "Fostering individuals with leadership, passion, dedication and strong business skills is crucial for the future of the spa industry." Interested students or businesses wishing to donate to the scholarship can get more information at www.experienceispa.com/ISPAFoundation.

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