Engendered by the Pala Band of Mission Indians tradition and culture of preserving the environment, in July 2008 Pala Casino Spa & Resort initiated Planet Pala, a green program committed to environmental preservation, the efficient use of energy and resources and the improvement of life in the community. An initiative that started as an internal effort to recycle and save now touches humankind on an international stage.

Recognizing the world’s significant environmental challenges, Planet Pala involves hotel and casino guests, team members, management and vendors as environmental stewards in the implementation of sustainable, earth-friendly operational programs, including the conservation of water and energy, the use of eco-friendly products, recycling and community outreach. The entire program is funded by revenue generated from the sale of recycled materials.

Also in 2008, the Pala Band of Mission Indians opened the Pala Transfer Station and Recycling Center on the reservation. In addition to handling all recycling for the hotel/casino, the Transfer Station serves the public. Since the opening of the Transfer Station and the initiation of the Planet Pala program, an average of 309 tons of waste per year is recycled and diverted from land fills.

By expanding existing green processes and implementing easier, low-cost opportunities, Planet Pala was able to initiate a green culture throughout the entire hotel/casino very quickly.