Green Practices

We set an example of love and respect for the earth.

Here at Sundara, being eco-friendly is a way of life. We thought you’d be pleased to know of the large and small ways we pay respect to the environment.

Sustainable Building Practices

Our private Spa Lifestyle Villas were built using sustainable building practices.
  • Sustainable Site -- Site disturbances were kept to a minimum, protecting the open spaces and dramatically reducing the development footprint, thus preserving as many pine trees and other indigenous plants as possible. Special measures were also used to control erosion and sediment during the construction process. A special outdoor lighting design controls light pollution and protect nocturnal animals.
  • Water Efficiency -- Rainwater was collected and used during the construction process. Guests of both the villas and suites are now participating in the green practices of Sundara, with simple measures such as requesting less frequent laundering of linens.
  • livingroomEnergy and Atmosphere -- There was an insistence from the beginning that every mechanical system be high efficiency.
  • Materials and Resources -- Recyclables were collected, sorted and re-used whenever possible on the construction site. Recycling continued once the Villas were completed, with guests and staff participating. Trees that had to be removed were recycled and used by the contractor for timbers and retaining walls for other projects. Pine straw and pine cones collected from the forest floor are being used for natural mulch. The stone retaining walls at the site are natural stone harvested locally. The wood used in the construction is planted and harvested as a renewable resource. The cabinets and other items have been sourced locally, reducing the amount of fuel needed to transport items from manufacturer to the site.
  • Indoor Environmental Quality -- Low fuel-emitting materials for flooring and paint were selected, such as bamboo floors and water-based paints. Dramatic design features include use of clear glass above to provide reflective natural light, along with windows on the activity side of the building to reduce the need to turn on a light bulb. Overhangs stop direct light from coming into the Villa in the summer to keep the space naturally cool. Other sun shading is angled to allow the winter sun to stream in, lending natural warmth. Nearly every room has natural light.

 

sandstonepolishSpa Products and Services

  • Guests may select from a complete series of organic spa treatments.
  • The Éminence line of spa products contains the highest possible levels of all-natural organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables, hand-selected to guarantee their highest quality.
  • An ancient Cambrian-era sand discovered at the spa’s excavation site is the exfoliating agent in the Sundara signature Sandstone Body Polish product.

 

Silent Sports

We believe in recreation that is gentle on the earth.

  • Our outdoor infinity pool is tucked amongst the towering pines. The pool and indoor and outdoor soak baths use the minimum amount of purification chemicals required by state law.
  • During the winter months, guests enjoy snow shoeing and cross country skiing.
  • One-on-one yoga instruction is available to overnight guests.
  • There are three state parks nearby that are sanctuaries for hiking, canoeing and kayaking.
  • Bicycling and walking are favorite recreational pursuits as well.

     

Recycle and Reuse

Even small things yield significant results at Sundara, involving employees and guests alike.

  • Containers are reused when possible to reduce waste, including the individual Sundara Sandstone Body Polish jars provided as part of our Purifying Bath Ritual.
  • Bulk products are preferred for our professional spa products and in our guest lounges.
  • Similarly, when possible, glass is used in both the spa and suites to reduce paper and plastic waste.
  • There is a formal paper recycling program, with Sundara contracting with a nearby company to pick up, shred and recycle paper.
  • Our staff separates paper, cans and plastic for recycling.
  • Rainwater is collected from downspouts in rain barrels for use in watering plants on the property.

     

Partnerships

  • We are a seed member of the Green Spa Network, a non-profit organization that promotes the natural connection between personal well-being, economic sustainability, and the health of our planet.
  • Sundara is certified by Travel Green Wisconsin, a voluntary program designed to protect the beauty and vitality of the state’s landscape and natural resources by certifying tourism businesses and organizations that have made a commitment to reducing their environmental impact.
  • As part of the 2008 Earth Day observance, we invited visitors to fill out a “green pledge form,” with the first 100 to sign the pledge receiving a reusable canvas bag from the nearby Aldo Leopold Foundation, supporting the Foundation’s cause of fostering the ethical relationship between people and land. The American Institute of Architects named the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center one of the "Top Ten Green" projects in the nation for 2008.