Food scraps and certified compostable food ware are picked up from Asilomar and other participating businesses, inspected for contamination at MRWMD, mixed with mulch and loaded into an anaerobic digestion unit. Inside, biogas (methane) is released and used as fuel to produce electricity.

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A program where soap and left-over amenities are recycled and reused providing communities in many countries the basic tools for hygiene and the potential to decrease preventable diseases such as typhoid and dysentery.

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The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program helps consumers and businesses choose seafood that's fished or farmed in ways that protect sea life and habitats, now and for future generations. Our recommendations indicate which seafood items are "Best Choices" or "Good Alternatives," and which ones you should "Avoid."

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Zero Landfill. From becoming America's first Zero-Landfill auto maker, with all waste recycled or reused, to our current National Park Zero-Landfill initiative.

#DontFeedtheLandfills

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Many of our products offered in the gift shop are made in the USA and we also offer products made from recycled material.

Our Efforts

AWARDS

We are proud to have received the following recognitions:

• Registered National Historic Landmark
• ISO 14001: 2015 Environmental Certification
• “Gold” level TripAdvisor GreenLeader
• Certified Green Business with the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program
• “Environmentalist Level” California Green Lodging Certification

FOOD SOURCING

Increasing procurement of local, seasonal and responsibly sourced products.

• Partner with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program and only purchase fish from the green, or occasionally the yellow list.
• Purchase fish from local Monterey Bay sustainable fisheries or from Alaska and British Columbia sustainable sources, reducing the number of miles it must travel.
• Participate in the State of California’s Healthy Foods Initiative.
• Support local producers by attempting to purchase all produce from within a 150 mile radius of Asilomar Conference Grounds.
• Source only RBsT hormone free dairy products and cage-free eggs.
• Menus use certified organic meats, eggs and dairy whenever possible and when it is cost effective.

EFFICIENT OPERATIONS

Controlling our energy usage.

• Utilizing occupancy sensors to control power use
• Converting lighting to LED efficient systems
• Turning off meeting room lights, HVAC, and power when the room is not in use.

How can I help? Be sure to turn off all electrical devices when not using.

WATER CONSERVATION

Saving each drop.

• Providing filtered water in large containers for our conferences and events instead of distributing water bottles.
• Encouraging conference attendees to participate in our Cynergreen partnership, offering stainless steel water bottles for purchase ‘at cost’ with the option of adding meeting specific logos to the bottles.
• Installed 1.6gpm low flow showerheads.
• Offering an ‘opt-out’ linen conservation program.
• Replaced dishwashing equipment with new energy and water efficient machines.

How can I help? As a guest, please use only the water you need when showering or using the sink. Reuse your towels by hanging up after use to reduce linen laundry.

MINIMIZING WASTE

Asilomar was the first commercial compost waste customer to use our regional recycling and composting facility in the Monterey area.

• Not purchasing Styrofoam for food and beverage containers.
• Only purchasing food and beverage disposable containers that meet ASTM D6400 standards for compostability.
• Working with suppliers to minimize all shipping packaging where possible and to utilize bulk containers when feasible.
• Providing collection containers and bins for guests to place compostables and recyclables in.

How can I help? Recycle materials in appropriate bins and minimize use of throw-away containers.

TRANSPORTATION AND FUEL

Reduce emissions and decrease fuel consumption.

• Supporting local producers through attempting to purchase all produce from within a 150 mile radius of Asilomar Conference Grounds.
• Providing public EV (Electric Vehicle) charging stations on site.

How can I help? Consider renting a bike at our retail store to sightsee around town instead of using your car.

We welcome feedback on any of our sustainability initiatives at Asilomar Conference Grounds, or ideas that any guest may have that we may implement. In addition to the items above, external communications to and from our guests is a key component of our sustainability program.