The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa have announced it will become free of single-use plastic items throughout Spa Ojai, its award-winning 30,000 square foot spa. The innovative movement replaces traditional spa amenities with eco-friendly, reusable versions and establishes a new benchmark in the luxury spa space.

Stemming from the realization that in 2016 Spa Ojai guests discarded 24,000 plastic snack cups and 107,120 plastic water cups after each use, Spa Director Kate Morrison sourced alternatives that both eliminate waste and support the complete luxury spa experience. As the concept of wellness continues to broaden into everyday life, the goal of the sweeping initiative is to help redefine the standards of the luxury spa experience while inspiring guests to make their own small changes in daily life.

“Spa has become a lifestyle for many and the concept of ‘wellness’ is broadening and touching many elements of our daily lives,” says Morrison. “As spa professionals, our guests look to us to help guide their wellness journey, through fitness, diet, skincare, body work and beyond. I hope our plastic-free initiative inspires our guests to make change in their own lives, and that our industry partners also embrace this movement as we broaden the spa journey to include wellness for the planet.”

Thoughtful touches that comprise Spa Ojai’s single-use plastic free initiative range from stainless steel water and snack cups to a swimsuit drying service in place of plastic bags, and chilled washcloths in lieu of towelettes. Water bottle refill stations and other “green” initiatives throughout Spa Ojai will be stamped with a green oak leaf symbol, which will help guide guests through the innovative amenity program, continuously reminding them that by visiting Spa Ojai, they have participated in a conservation movement to better our environment.