Case Study

OsteoStrong Mar Vista

This bone-focused wellness center set out to differentiate itself—not just by offering cutting-edge, non-invasive tools to strengthen bone density, but by building a business model rooted in long-term sustainability and impact.

By adopting paperless systems, eliminating toxic cleaning products, and initiating building-wide recycling, OsteoStrong Mar Vista significantly reduced operational waste and energy use — all while enhancing client experience and staying true to its wellness-centered mission.

Published: May 10, 2025

Sector: Health/Fitness

energy saving

nature-based solutions

sustainable business

waste reduction

water conservation

1. The Initiative 2. Goals 3. The Strategy 4. Challenges 5. Results

Empowering Wellness with a Greener Footprint

OsteoStrong Mar Vista is an integrative wellness center with a mission to help individuals build skeletal strength, reduce joint pain, and improve physical resilience. But for owner Sarah Glicken, wellness doesn’t stop at the body — it extends to the planet. “If we’re not caring for what we put in, on, and around our bodies — and the Earth — we’re not truly well,” she shares.

From the outset, Sarah designed her business with sustainability in mind. She didn’t pivot into green practices — she built her business around them.

Visit OsteoStrong Mar Vista website

Skeletal Systems Go Sustainable

Sarah’s green journey began before she opened her doors. “Going green wasn’t a shift,” she explains. “It was just part of opening a business I could be proud of.” Sarah’s commitment was fueled further when she learned about the California Green Business Network Program expanding to Culver City, offering early-stage businesses a path to certification. She jumped in immediately.

New Business. New Path.

Sarah established OsteoStrong Mar Vista to be a sustainable business from the beginnning. Her primary objectives were:

Eliminate toxic cleaning products from all operations

Reduce paper waste through digital systems

Promote energy and water efficiency

Support community and social equity in hiring

Set an example for sustainability in the health and wellness space

Creating a Strong Foundation

OsteoStrong Mar Vista created a multi-faceted approach to sustainability, incorporating waste reduction, resource conservation, and green product sourcing.

Start with your values

Sustainability is easier to maintain when it’s part of your business identity from day one.

Leverage local programs

Partner with your city’s Green Business Program for audits, ideas, and direct support.

Go paperless early

Digital systems save time, space, and money long-term.

Make it easy for others to follow

Sarah’s success in getting her landlord to add recycling came from giving him all the tools — contacts, forms, and steps — so he didn’t have to do the research himself.

Substance Over Form

Creating a cohesive and systematic approach isn't easy. Sarah identified a few challenges:

1. Cost

Sarah admits, “It’s more expensive to run a sustainable business. But it’s the only way I’d do it.” Convincing her landlord to add recycling required some persistence — and assistance from the Green Business Network, which provided the exact steps needed to make it easy.

2. Upfront Investment

Despite the cost, she believes sustainability has long-term benefits. Going paperless saves hours of administrative time and eliminates storage needs. “Why would I file thousands of pages when I can just go digital?”

Breaking the Mold: Persistence and Consistency Pay Off

“Start from the beginning,” Sarah says. “If you care about your customers, it’s a natural progression to care about the planet. You don’t have to do everything at once. But commit. Stick with it.”

Her advice also includes leveraging community resources. The Green Business Network helped with everything from audits to landlord conversations — “They even gave me the phone number to set up the recycling bin.”

Sustainable Practices. Proven Results.

Zero Paper. Zero Problems.

100% digital client intake, forms, and assessments — fully paperless from day one

Zero Toxic Products

from using non-toxic, plastic-free cleaning products

Energy Savings

from motion sensor lights and programmable HVAC systems

Waste Reduction

adding recycling service and no plastic water bottles using filtered water with reusable cups instead

Significant Water Savings

from water-efficient low-flow toilets and faucets

Keeping the Same Ethos

with retail products sourced from ethical, sustainability-driven companies

Looking Ahead

OsteoStrong Mar Vista isn’t planning dramatic new changes — because they’re already living their values every day. “It’s about sticking to what matters,” Sarah says. “That means people, the planet, and doing business with heart.”

Ready to Go Green? Check Out Our Health and Fitness Implementation Guide.

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