MEMbEr PErsPEctivEs
Spa Ojai has also enacted a variety of other changes,
including switching to reusable metal cups in guest rooms;
converting all lights to LEDs; collecting bathing suits rather
than having guests leave them in plastic bags; installing a
water-efficient irrigation system; and donating used linens,
among other initiatives. Spa Ojai even collects all its unused
soap and donates that, as well.
Furthermore, Spa Ojai expects that its vendor partners will
value sustainability as well; to that end, they’ve partnered
with KYPRIS and OSEA Skincare, in addition to Dazzle Dry.
Of course, there have been unexpected roadblocks to
going green that Spa Ojai has experienced. Last year, Spa Ojai
pledged to be single-use plastic free, and as such began to
eliminate all single-use plastic (such as straws and cups) from
the property. According to Morrison, this pledge was made
because single-use plastic was Spa Ojai’s single biggest
category of generated waste. “What we found,” noted
Morrison, “was that there is an expectation of water bottles
being available to guests in the fitness center.” When Spa
Ojai removed the plastic water bottles, guests were initially
dismayed that their only option was a drinking fountain. Spa
Ojai quickly—and smartly—pivoted and is now partnering
with a company that will provide reusable aluminum water
bottles for the fitness area.
“There’s a level of guest education that you have to provide”
when a spa goes green, according to Morrison. “We make sure
to tell guests during tours that we have made this pledge to be
single-use plastic free. It’s a little more of an interaction, but it’s
not an obstacle. It actually leads to a more personalized service
and a more luxurious experience for the guest.”
the Palms Hotel & spa has made an organic garden part of their greening efforts.
“It’s a little more of an interaction, but it’s not
an obstacle. It actually leads to a more
personalized service and a more luxurious
experience for the guest.”
—katE MorrisoN, Spa Director, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
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October 2018