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Eco-Friendly Lodging

At Mountain Creek, we are dedicated to working towards sustainable living! Here are some things we have done to make our resort eco-friendly:

* We use eco-friendly cleaning products that are good for our planet and your health!
www.greencleaningnetwork.org

* We have converted to CFL bulbs in all public and rental buildings. Staff living quarters are almost completely converted, too!
www.cflbulbs.com

* Recycling containers are seen around the campground to encourage visitors to recycle. Glass is not allowed because it harms the river environment. We also recycle our own waste and even separate visitors' waste! During summer 2008, we recycled about 1 ton of aluminum alone!
www.earth911.com

* New souvenirs will be printed on sustainable materials such as hemp and organic cotton.
www.hemp.org/industrial-hemp.php

* Food and garden scraps are composted, and our waste is turned into food in our organic garden.
www.compostinstructions.com
www.howtocompost.org

* Rain barrels collect water from our roof that we use to water our gardens.
www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Homes/2003-08-01/Harvest-Rainwater.aspx

* We grow as much of our food as we can and choose local and organic producers when it's possible. Buying local and growing your own garden reduce our dependence on oil to transport our food.
www.foodroutes.org

* We own100 reusable shopping bags which are used when purchasing supplies and inventory.

* We reduce our energy usage by shutting off lights, office equipment, store equipment and climate control whenever we can.

* Low-flow showerheads have been installed, and we are gradually installing low-flow toilets. (Don't worry--new 1 gallon toilets actually work better than the old 5 gallon ones!)
www.monolake.org/waterconservation/

* Retrofitting our old building to be as energy efficient as possible has included 500+ ft. of caulking, sealing ductwork, patching holes, installing weatherstripping, and sealing electrical outlets.
www.hes.lbl.gov

* We conserve fuel by encouraging guests to choose the same departure time for their float trips. In addition, all float trips either start or end at the campground, reducing the miles our busses are driven by 50%.

* Some staff live on the property which significantly reduces fuel consumption and overall energy consumption because transportation, heating/cooling, lighting, refrigeration and cooking resources are shared.

* Green magazines are included in the cabins and in the store to borrow.

* Linens are changed at the end of a guest's stay unless otherwise requested, reducing water and electricity usage.

* When building our new store, we used passive solar design. Placing large windows in the right locations eliminates the need for lights during the day. U.S. Green Building Council:
www.usgbc.com

* We chose spray foam insulation and an energy-efficient air-conditioner, doors and windows. Shade from overhangs prevent overheating. Even in July, air conditioning isn't needed until afternoon!
www.energystar.gov

* An existing wood frame, reclaimed siding, and scrap siding were all used in the construction of our new store, making it a virtually recycled building.

* Free water from our well is provided to customers who bring their own containers. Guests who need a container are encouraged to purchase a reusable one instead of bottled water.

* We also want to help our community learn the benefits of green living. We have signs around the campground about things we can all do to live in harmony with our planet. These steps are the beginning of our journey toward sustainability! Future goals include solar water heating, renewable energy installation, biodiesel production, construction of earthship cabins and sustainability workshops/classes. To participate, contact Laura at 1-888-603-6749.