Travel in the Time of Climate Change

Our adorable Bird Rock Hotel is one of the oldest hotels on San Juan Island. It was the first hotel on the isle featuring indoor plumbing - cutting edge in 1891. The then called “Tourist Hotel” was so modern, it offered not only a restaurant, dentist and bar, but also a Ladies’ reception room, since women weren’t allowed in bars back then. We chuckle about the latter; today we are women owned and operated. Times change.

Times change indeed. Our summers over the last 20 years used to be comfortably temperate, with average highs in the 60ties and 70ties. None of the hotels on San Juan Island offered A/C. It was just not necessary. Last June during a heat wave breaking 100, a million oysters died during a low tide at Westcott Bay Seafood Farm and we added A/C to most of our rooms. Not to all rooms simply because our historic status doesn’t allow certain alterations to the exterior.

How do we navigate travel in the times of climate change? How do we reconcile wanting to see the world and beautiful places with not taking up so many precious resources? Travel is responsible for 8-10% of global emissions. Let’s get that number down by all doing a little something, just one thing. Here are a few tips on what you can try on your next trip to curb climate change, feel inspired, connected and have a really great time:

Leave your Car behind

Our Bird Rock Hotel is in the heart of the charming coastal town of Friday Harbor, 1 ½ blocks from the ferry dock. Leave your car in Anacortes. Explore the cute shops, markets, restaurants and museums on foot. Take the open air Jolley Trolley to all the sights. Ride our complimentary beach cruiser bikes to the nearest beach or rent a FUV – an electric Fun Utility Vehicle – from Susie’s Mopeds down the street from us.

Focus on One Location

Slow down. Don’t try to do Washington or even “just” the San Juan Islands in one weekend. Stay in one place, really explore. Leave unplanned time. Be spontaneous. Talk to the artist you bought that beautiful cutting board from and the musician who brought you to tears at the open mic.

Spoon Maker Friday Harbor Farmer's Market

Have a Meatless Meal

Between deforestation, methane and carbon emissions, run off, soil erosion, food waste and water usage, factory farmed meat is one of the most problematic foods to produce. Have a few meatless meals on your trip. Treat yourself to dinner at Mike’s Wine Bar a block from our hotel. Everything on Mike’s menu is vegan and absolutely delicious. Indulge in local seafood at the many farm-to-table restaurants in Friday Harbor, for less-travelled, so very luscious protein.

Take short Showers & Reuse your Towels

Drinking water is the most precious resource on our tiny island surrounded by saltwater. Help us conserve water by taking short showers and reusing your towels while visiting.

Best place to watch sunset San Juan Island

Turn off lights & A/C when you Leave for the Day

Most of Washington’s electricity is generated by hydropower. Once thought of as clean energy, dams are extraordinarily detrimental to salmon returning to their home rivers to spawn. Salmon, especially King salmon, are the main food source of our majestic, endangered Resident Orcas population. Saving electricity helps salmon and the orcas. When you leave your hotel room for the day, turn off the lights, heat and A/C whenever possible.

Buy local Souvenirs

San Juan has more working artists than any other county in Washington State. Buy your gifties from the local potters, painters, jewelers, carvers, soap, jam and sea salt makers, as opposed to another t-shirt made in China. Check out the cute gift shop at our sister hotel, the Earthbox Inn & Spa, for cool, local gift ideas.

Leave it Better than You Found it

Be the change you wish to see. Pick up trash while on the beach. Join a tree planting party. Gift reusable water bottles. Buy bulk. Recycle. Learn about the history of the places you visit. Support green businesses. Adopt an endangered Orca whale at the Friday Harbor Whale Museum. Instill a sense of wonder and respect in your kids and grandkids.