Massage Center Embraces Sustainability

This summer, John Vito Moraglia saw Al Gore’s movie, An Inconvenient Truth. He felt like a call to action had to happen as soon as possible. From his experience as the Owner and Director of Body, Mind, Spirit Massage Center in Oakland, CA, he suggested, “If you want to clean up the world, you must start at your own door.” Moraglia, like many other Americans, decided this was the time to take personal responsibility and action to create the change they want to see.

His journey to create a more environmentally sustainable massage center began with some questions. “Am I going to be successful? How much time and energy will this take?” He realized the hours spent researching how his practice could be environmentally friendly was part of the process. The transition to becoming a Green Health Care provider was exactly that – it was about the process, the new way of thinking about health, and the way in which this perspective will impact one’s work. John Vito explains, “You don’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but by sticking with the commitment, changes start to happen. These are changes that benefit all.”

The arrival of health care in discussions about sustainability seemed like a natural step for him. “Healers are always concerned with how to be more effective in helping their client. Green Health Care is new technology that must be embraced for the future of health care.” The acceptance of environmental awareness in medicine calls for a shift in professional credo. “Many health professionals want to ‘do no harm.’ In order to do no harm to a client, we must assess what the byproduct is of our professional actions. This principle must shift to include ‘do no harm to the earth and the environment as well.’ Our health depends on it.”

John Vito has practiced massage for over 21 years. During this time, he gained clarity on his purpose to provide massage therapy in a way that naturally integrates with sustainability. Integrating sustainability into his practice allows him to have the outcome to feel better and create a win-win situation for all. He is dedicated to creating an environment that is good for the individual receiving massage, good for the practitioner, and good for the environment. “I wanted to create a cycle that is good for all.” He describes the Green Health Care Program as “…given me a spark, a new purpose in life. It significantly has contributed to the principles of my organization. Now modeling and creating a situation that is good for all people who interact with it is extremely important to me, and my workplace.”

Before the program, Body, Mind, Spirit Massage Center was not aware of the byproduct of their organization. Through several small steps like switching to 100% recycled paper products, energy efficient lighting, and by assessing the facilities water, solid waste, and energy consumption, they have made great strides in reducing their ecological impact.

Through this “greening” process, Body, Mind, Spirit Massage Center realized they are benefiting not only their clients and the environment, but also the practitioners who work in the Center. While describing the environmental efforts of the staff, John Vito says, “They light up, and they get really excited. They believe more in us.” These changes cannot come from one individual. Moraglia encourages all employees to participate and do their part; look at where waste can be reduced, and to find creative alternatives to improve their facility.

John Vito expressed his commitment to the environment and explained, “I am making sacrifices with my time and energy to ensure I walk softly on the earth.” This sort of dedication represents the sentiments of the various leaders in the Green Health Care Program who are devoted leaders in sustainable medicine.

John Vito Moraglia
Body Mind and Spirit
6206 Claremont Ave
Oakland, CA 94618-1324
510-547-6716
arinvito@sbcglobal.net