At Overleaf Lodge & Spa, our efforts to reduce our environmental impact is ongoing, and we’re proud of the steps we’ve taken to be as eco-friendly as possible. Our sustainability strategies have evolved, of course, especially since the pandemic has created avenues to make important changes. From big decisions to smaller impacts, our co-managing owners Kristin and Drew Roslund are eco-conscious in their endeavors, whether they’re remodeling the lobby, cutting down on waste or choosing environmentally friendly products. Read on!

Eco-friendly lobby remodel

The remodel of Overleaf Lodge & Spa’s lobby is meant to increase efficiency and better serve guests, especially during breakfast service. Sustainability has been a guiding factor in choosing materials for the remodel. Our new lobby rugs, for example, are made from PET yarn, which is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Our hanging light fixtures are made from recycled cardboard, and our lights now have LED bulbs, which have a longer lifespan and are more energy efficient. This lighting is programmable to adjust to the time of year and the time of day, yielding to when natural light is sufficient – no more accidentally leaving the lights on when they’re not needed.

To avoid the cost and potential waste of replacing perfectly usable lobby furniture, we refinished many of our existing cabinets and woodwork.

Also, we’ve brought back dishes for breakfast again. Real dishes, wine glasses and coffee mugs can also be found in rooms, and it’s not a moment too soon – our trash nearly doubled during the pandemic because of having to use disposable dishes and utensils. We never thought we’d say, “Hooray for dishes!”

Conserving water, decreasing waste

Conserving water while meeting our guests needs is important to us. To that end, we’ve installed low-flow shower heads in all bathrooms and are switching out our low-flow toilets to ones that are dual flush, with water-saving options for solid or liquid waste. Our water faucets also have aerators installed to decrease water flow.

In-room dispensers of personal care amenities, such as shampoo, body wash and conditioner, are in place in all rooms to reduce the use of plastic bottles.

To cut down on the use of disposable water bottles, we’ve installed new water dispensers, both in the spa and in the lobby. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles or flasks to be refilled with this filtered, chilled water. Forgot your reusable water flask? We have them available for purchase in our lobby.

Guests who still opt to use a plastic water bottle can make a difference by properly placing it in the recycling bin – there is one in every room – where it will be collected, along with cardboard, glass and tin cans. Our housekeeping staff share the funds earned from bottle and can returns.

Overleaf Lodge & Spa has cut back on paper waste, too. Receipts are digital unless a guest requests a printed receipt. Check out is also contactless, with no papers printed.

To reduce packaging waste, we are mindful of the environment when choosing which products we carry, whether in the lobby gift shop or in the spa, opting for products with the smallest footprint and those that use natural, environmentally friendly ingredients.

Thoughtful choices inside and outside

Making the most of the lovely cooling breezes of the Oregon Coast, Overleaf Lodge & Spa chooses not to install air conditioning to cool rooms, thereby avoiding the release of harmful hydrofluorocarbons into the environment. Guests may request an electric fan, but most often the ocean air is the best option for cooling off quickly. Step out onto the balcony and enjoy!

Our grounds, too, are landscaped with appropriate vegetation for our coastal microclimate to eliminate the need for irrigation. Ask our co-managing owner and resident plant expert Drew Roslund, who chooses plants with this “xeriscaping” in mind.

Finally, out back, we’re shining the light on the waves at night with a light that’s designed to lessen dark sky impact.

As we continue to make choices to conserve energy, minimize waste and reduce our overall impact on the environment at Overleaf Lodge & Spa, we look forward to your feedback and your ideas.