LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Researchers estimate up to 11 million metric tons of plastic waste is entering the ocean every year and that by 2025, 11 billion metric tons will have accumulated in the environment. As pollution is impacting the marine ecosystems and wildlife around the globe, the charming adults-only Laguna Beach retreat, Hotel Joaquin, is working with Surfrider Foundation to become an official Ocean Friendly Hotel to support efforts in stopping plastic at the source to minimize pollution.
Located just steps away from the residential beach of Shaw’s Cove, Hotel Joaquin is committed to cutting out wasteful single-use plastic to make sustainable choices for its treasured Pacific West Coast Ocean and its wildlife spanning seabirds, dolphins, fish, sea lions, whales, and other beloved creatures. This includes plastic beverage bottles, bags, expanded polystyrene, straws, condiments, cups, utensils, and other plastic accessory items in rooms. Instead, these items are replaced with reusable, naturally occurring materials that are not packaged in plastic, including toiletries and pre-packaged food items. Around the property guests will find water refill stations to fill their custom glass water bottles, meanwhile physical reusable keys are matched with each of the 22 timeless rooms.
Additionally, recycling procedures are followed as bins are amply spread throughout the property for guest use, onsite gift shops only sell sunscreen that is reef friendly, and fresh coffee is delivered in tall thermoses each morning, eliminating single use plastic coffee pods. Hotel Joaquin is also putting efforts into minimizing outdoor lighting to support the Dark Sky practices, allowing guests to relax and stargaze with ease. Guests come to the hotel to experience a feeling of matchless exclusivity reviving and reimagining the glory days of the 1940’s California Riviera. The mission to support the environment further sets the property apart from Laguna’s mega beach resorts and will hopefully make a footprint to ensure this experience will be around for many more years to come.
