Inspiring more Balanced Lifestyles
WSG’s long term goal is to make Westwind energy independent and carbon neutral, reduce consumption and waste, source food and supplies locally while supporting sustainable production practices, and to be largely self reliant in safety and emergency planning.
WSG has installed a Tsunami warning system established an emergency cache of supplies to sustain camp in the event of a major natural disaster. We conducted an energy audit and have substantially reduced energy consumption. WSG’s long term vision includes making Westwind (including our guests’ visits and travel) carbon-neutral.
WSG’s next big challenges toward sustainability and self sufficiency over the next three years include:
- Increasing the proportion of food, supplies and fuels that are local, biodegradable, low carbon impact, and are produced using sustainable methods.
- Connecting the new basalt well drilled in 2008 to the water system in camp.
- Building and stocking an emergency cache adequate to sustain guests for several days in case of major earthquake or tsunami.
- Providing low impact methods of moving our guests and staff around the site, and offsetting the carbon footprint of guest travel in ways that directly benefit site stewardship.
- Exploring options for solar or other renewable energy installations that are consistent with the regulatory requirements of the Scenic Research Area.
Our commitment to sustainability includes making WSG a model nonprofit. We are committed to maximizing benefits from earned and donated income, and maintaining the lowest possible administrative costs while providing wages, benefits and other staff support that exceed state and regional averages for nonprofits. We will actively engage our guests in carbon mitigation and offset efforts.
