Ocean Friendly Program “Softly” Expands

Next year Surfrider will officially launch an Ocean Friendly Hotels (OFH) Program to recognize hotels that are cutting out single-use plastic and offer a simple framework to help them reach their Ocean Friendly goals. This program will function similarly to our nationally recognized and successful Ocean Friendly Restaurants Program, where hotels must follow a set of mandatory and optional criteria that focus on single-use plastic reduction, energy and water conservation, and more. 

To raise awareness about the upcoming program and test out the waters, we’ve leaned on hotels that our chapters work closely with and abide by the OFH criteria to join us in a “soft launch.” Earlier this week, at our Cascadia Chapter and Club Leadership Conference, we welcomed Adrift Hotel and its 5 other locations to be a part of the soft launch. Chapter and Club leaders were able to experience an Ocean Friendly Hotel firsthand as the conference was graciously hosted at Adrift. 

Tiffany Turner, owner of the Adrift and leader in sustainable hospitality, with Surfrider staff and volunteers

Volunteers were stoked to spend a weekend at the Adrift, which offers easy beach access, incredible views from their 4th-floor OFR, the Pickled Fish, and plastic-free sustainable options at every turn. Our conference was catered by the Pickled Fish, which in addition to opting out of single-use plastics, also goes above and beyond to provide locally sourced, seasonal menu options that include a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan choices as well. It was such an incredible opportunity to host our conference at a place that shares Surfrider’s stewardship values and vision for a healthy, resilient future for Washington’s coastal communities. 

Adrift’s Ocean Friendly Practices:

• No plastic beverage bottles or plastic bags are sold or used onsite. 
• No expanded polystyrene is used anywhere on site (aka Styrofoam). 
• Cups, utensils, straws, condiments, and other accessory items in rooms are reusable or made from naturally occurring materials and are not packaged in plastic. 
• Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion, etc.) are not packaged in small plastic bottles.
• Water refill stations are available for guests onsite.
• If applicable, restaurants or cafes on site are Surfrider Ocean Friendly Restaurants.
• Proper solid waste recycling procedures are followed and bins are amply provided for guest use.
• Coffee and tea stations do not use single-use pods or plastic packaging in rooms.
• Room keys are reusable or made from naturally occurring materials.
• Onsite gift shops only sell or provide sunscreen that is reef friendly.