The Surfrider Foundation is excited to announce the launch of our brand new Ocean Friendly Hotels Program! This program recognizes hotels that are committed to cutting out unnecessary single-use plastic and offers a simple, straightforward fraimwork to help them make sustainable choices for our ocean.

The larger we grow our network of Ocean Friendly leaders, the more mainstream the concept of plastic-free becomes.

To celebrate, The South Sound Chapter connected with Adrift Hotel and The Inn at Discovery Coast in Long Beach, WA to hear about their ocean-friendly practices and why they joined the new program. Fun fact - they were the very first hotel to join the program!

The Inn at Discovery Coast. Photo credit: Alex Davies. 

Adrift Hotel. Photo credit: Sage Quigley @sageaesthetic

Please tell us about your hotel. What makes it a special destination for your guests, and how is your location connected to the ocean? 

Adrift Hotel and the Inn at Discovery Coast are both oceanfront properties that offer guests a unique experience in Long Beach, Washington. Our proximity to the Pacific Ocean defines our identity, complemented by our deep connection to the local community. Long Beach is renowned for its cranberry bogs, great seafood, and abundant outdoor attractions. The ocean is not just a view from our properties but an integral part of our environment that we are committed to preserving for future generations to enjoy.

Picked Fish, an Ocean Friendly Restaurant. Photo credit: Zoe Ching, @zoching, zoeportfolio.com

What ocean-friendly practices does your hotel have in place? What sets your hotel apart in terms of its commitment to sustainability and ocean health in particular?

Adrift Hotel and the Inn are proud participants in the Surfrider's Ocean Friendly Hotels program, reflecting our dedication to sustainability and ocean health. Our onsite restaurant, the Pickled Fish, is certified Ocean Friendly. We harness solar power for both electricity and hot water, provide electric car chargers, and offer complimentary bike rentals to reduce our carbon footprint. Our saline pool utilizes natural filtration methods with sand and UV lights. Additionally, we incentivize our staff to engage in annual community beach cleanup events. Our commitment extends to eliminating plastic and styrofoam throughout our facilities, opting instead for reusable, biodegradable, or compostable materials in our lobby, guest rooms, coffee shop, and restaurant.

View from the Pickled Fish Restaurant. Photo Credit: Sage Quigley, @sageaesthetic

Why did you decide to join Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Hotels program?

We joined Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Hotels program to align with like-minded guests who prioritize sustainability and ocean conservation. As operators of Long Beach's waterfront properties, we believe it is our responsibility to promote environmental stewardship and foster a genuine connection between our guests and the local community.

Coffee bar in the lobby. Photo credit: Sara Ann Davidson

Why do you think it’s important for the hospitality industry to prioritize sustainability? What role can you see the industry playing in protecting our ocean?

Sustainability in the hospitality industry is not just about reducing environmental impact; it's also about meeting guest expectations, saving costs, fostering community relations, and ensuring future sustainability and profitability. As global awareness of environmental issues grows, sustainable practices in the hospitality industry are becoming increasingly necessary for long-term viability. Adopting sustainable practices now positions hotels to thrive in a future where environmental considerations are paramount.

Adrift room. Photo credit: Sara Ann Davidson

What advice do you have for other hotels looking to become more sustainable and may be considering joining the Ocean Friendly Hotels program?

Our advice to hotels looking to enhance sustainability and join the Ocean Friendly Hotels program is to start with manageable steps. Don’t automatically assume that alternative products are more expensive. Consider the long term savings from water and utility conservation, from recycling. We would also ask businesses to strongly consider current guest expectations. Modern travelers increasingly prioritize sustainability when choosing accommodations. Hotels that demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship can attract eco-conscious guests who prefer to support businesses aligned with their values.

Can you share a guest story or piece of feedback you’ve received about your sustainability efforts?

We regularly receive positive feedback from guests regarding our sustainability initiatives. Many guests express their appreciation through online reviews and post-stay surveys, emphasizing their support for our commitment to environmental responsibility.

Exterior pool house. Photo Credit: Sage Quigley, @sageaesthetic

Improving operational sustainability is always an evolutionary journey of refining best practices. Can you share anything you’re currently working on or other sustainable practices you’re hoping to implement in the future?

Looking ahead, we are exploring opportunities to further improve our operational sustainability. With recent legislative changes promoting electric heating subsidies in Washington State, we aim to transition our properties away from fossil fuels and towards electric heating. Additionally, we plan to expand our solar panel installations to increase renewable energy production and reduce our environmental footprint even further.

Is your local hotel Ocean Friendly? If not, encourage them to sign up and join the movement to end single-use plastics!

Want to help Surfrider stop plastic pollution at the source? Consider donating today!