A reverence for our natural landscape and environmental sensitivities drive the way we think and operate at Sleeping Sea. Sustainability and living with nature is our way of life. We are intricately bonded to our water, our soil, our air, our future, our health, and our economy. We aspire to be a model for such living and hope our example and demonstrations can help inspire or compliment your efforts in rethinking the way we all live.

Some Methods

Farming

Organic farming and gardening at Sleeping Sea means several things. It is a system of production that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. We mean to restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. Our natural ecological systems must be cared for. We are not a certified organic farm because we choose to garden organically without government overseeing and regulations.

• We use no herbicides or pesticides on our farm. These applications affect natural organisms living in the soil and will disrupt natural processes, which we rely on. Moreover, herbicide and pesticide non-point pollution harm mammals and birds, as well as pollute surface water and groundwater systems.
• Our fertilization process is completely natural and consists of composting animal and yard organics. We know our soil's health is critical to the taste of our fruits, and vigor of our ornamentals. We use minimal off-farm inputs and soil amendments such as locally collected kelp, seed oils, and bone meal. Chicken and alpaca manure is highly valuable. Yard, kitchen, and all other organic wastes are mixed in. The composting soil is located in the chicken yard and alpaca pasture for good reason. The chickens are able to scratch at the compost to find a wide range of insects and worms to supplement their diet, while stirring the compost for us.

Water

We might be surrounded by saltwater, but freshwater is a precious source here. While it may rain for months on end during the winter and spring, from July - September freshwater is scarce.

• Greywater systems collect our laundry water
• Water conserving bathroom fixtures, including low flow shower heads, toilets, and faucets
• A series of retention ponds and rainwater catchment systems mitigate stormwater and supply our landscaping water

Energy Conservation

We're constantly taking steps to reduce our energy consumption and make improvements and substitutions.

• Sustainably harvested wood from our forest at Sleeping Sea provides heat for most of our buildings
• Digital programmable thermostats with occupancy sensors.
• Recently upgraded insulation R-values, air barriers, and installed new double pane energy efficient windows to reduce heat loss/gain
• Energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Building siting and design allow for generous natural light.

Building & Design

Perhaps often overlooked, the greatest recycling effort was the renovation of the existing farm buildings into guest accommodations rather than build new. At Sleeping Sea, construction is recycle, recycle, recycle or better yet always thinking cradle to cradle. Nothing gets thrown away. We greatly reduce construction waste by recycling or reusing materials and incorporating them into a new project. We want Sleeping Sea to have a personal character not imitated or mistaken for anywhere else.

• Design and build with the future in mind. With backgrounds in architecture, we do most of our own design and construction.
• Wood scrap and gypsum board were ground into landscape mulch.
• Trees on site are custom milled for siding, finish grade, as well as structural lumber.
• Even most of our furnishings are refurbished and "found treasures."
• We buy almost 100% of our building materials from the local Orcas Island lumber yard
• Use only local contracting, not just for convenience, but to foster relationships in our community.

Laundry & Cleaning

Laundry is typically one of the highest water users in the hospitality industry.

• We do not provide daily linen or towel services in an effort to minimize our potable water use.
• No chlorine is used in our laundry to reduce personal chemical sensitivities and to keep it out of our water system.
• We use all natural, phosphate free, and biodegrable cleaner and soaps as much as possible in an effort to be gentle on our local ecosystem, water supply, furniture, and guests' sensitivities.

Community

Sleeping Sea takes pride in our small intimate island community. Please contact us if your organization is interested in establishing a relationship with Sleeping Sea. We continue to:

• Host experiential and educational field trips for local students and campers
• Volunteer our time and expertise
• Support local non-profit organizations and businesses
• Donate our lodging for community events and charitable fundraisers.

Some Resources We Suggest

Design With Nature, by Ian McHarg
Cradle to Cradle: Rethinking the Way We Make Things, by William McDonough and Michael Braungart
Living Systems: Innovative Materials and Technologies for Landscape Architects, by Liat Margolis and Alexander Robinson
Something New Under the Sun: An Environmental History of the 20th Century World, by J.R. McNeill
Agricultural Resources Committee of San Juan County
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, by Michael Pollen
Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal, by Eric Schlosser
Not On the Label: What Really Goes into the Food on Your Plate, by Felicity Lawrence
LAND Code: Guidelines for Sustainable Land Development from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies