We believe in collaboration and partnerships and we are proud to be able to share a story of one of such partnerships. The Ranch at the Laguna Beach is one of our partners in fighting microfibre pollution. By installing our commercial filters in their laundry process they prevent the microplastics to be released into the oceans - something that is fully in line with their values and mission and completes the full range of other activities, aimed towards a fully sustainable business. Read more about the inspiring story in the interview below.
PlanetCare: When did you first become aware of the microfiber pollution? It is called the 'invisible' pollution for a reason and for the majority it is still below the radars…
The Ranch: The first time we heard about microfiber pollution was while researching the destruction of our oceans caused by commercial fishing nets. In the article, it mentioned how consuming fish led to a large consumption of microplastics into our own body. Stunned by the fact that we were consuming so much plastic through our food, this led us to investigate the sources of microplastics and the effects they are having on our ocean.
PlanetCare: And when did you decide to act?
The Ranch: As a beach side resort, ocean health has always been a big issue for us. Since the start, we have eliminated single use plastic from our resort, and adopted a channel where we remove ocean bound trash. But we are always looking to do something more. This is what led us to the PlanetCare Microfiber Filters!
Since the start, we have eliminated single use plastic from our resort, and adopted a channel where we remove ocean bound trash. But we are always looking to do something more. This is what led us to the PlanetCare Microfiber Filters!
Tyler Kamphefner
Purchasing & Sustainability Manager
PlanetCare: Do you see it as a trend in hospitality business or rather an exception?
The Ranch: Here at The Ranch, we want to be in the forefront of sustainability. There is a clear shift in customers seeking out greener hotels and if hotels want to make it in the future, they will have to make these sustainable changes. So while we may be an exception right now, we hope that other hospitality businesses follow what we do here.
PlanetCare: What other steps have you taken regarding sustainability?
The Ranch: Since our hotel was built with sustainability in mind, we have many sustainability initiatives that we are proud of. While no of these were easy to achieve, some of the more basic sustainability initiatives include the elimination of all single use plastic, refillable amenities in our room, and wooden keys.
We have a 1/2-acre garden on property that is used to grow food directly for our restaurant. We also compost all left over food from the restaurant as well. Some programs we have here include a tree planting program called the OC Tree Collective, Channel Clean Up days where we remove ocean bound trash from a channel, and Adventure Camp, where we invite low-income youth groups to a free campout.
One of our favorite initiatives is the Bottles to Bunkers where every glass bottle on property is crushed into sand and repurposed to fill bunkers on our golf course, pavement repairs and filtration in our pool.
PlanetCare: What drives you, why do you pursue a sustainable path?
The Ranch: The Ranch at Laguna Beach pursues a sustainable path because it is the right thing to do and what is right will always prevail. The hospitality industry gains so much from a beautiful environment, so it is important to give back and preserve it. We also believe that pursuing a sustainable path for our resort helps us to stand out to bring customers back year after year.
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