Environmental sustainability is always a hot topic in Southern California, where sensitive coastline meets worldwide tourism. Keeping cities like Santa Monica equally beautiful for generations to come isn’t just a sound practice, it’s a necessity.
From technology to education, below are some of our favorite local initiatives that are assisting in this awesome cause. With Earth Day on the near horizon, we hope you will join us in keeping Santa Monica—recognized as one of the top ten sustainable cities in the U.S.—both green and healthy!
The Wheel that Keeps on Turning
Everyone knows about Santa Monica’s most iconic landmark—the Pacific Wheel on the pier—but what they may not know is that this popular attraction also happens to be the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Considering California’s endless supply of sunshine, this might be about as sustainable as it gets!
The Greenest Building in the Country
Environmental nonprofit National Resources Defense Council doesn’t just talk the talk, it also walks the walk. Located on the corner of Arizona and 2nd, the office headquarters for this impressive organization has earned the highest sustainability certification from U.S. Green Building Council (LEED Platinum), which called it “the greenest building in the country.”
Sustainability = Good Business
Sustainable businesses don’t go unnoticed in Santa Monica, which recognizes its most inspiring companies with annual Sustainable Quality Awards. Individual causes may vary—cleaner air and water, less waste, reduced traffic and pollution, or quality of life for residents and workers—but these businesses all prioritize the same end goal: a more vibrant and sustainable Santa Monica.
An Education on Natural Wildlife
Awareness is a pivotal aspect of environmental sustainability and few places do a better job of educating than the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Perfect for children and adults alike, this exhibit gives a fascinating perspective on life under the sea—and why we should be protecting our oceans.
Feeding the Future
There’s no denying the importance of healthy, sustainable food and Santa Monica has plenty of it. With its four renowned farmers’ markets and vast array of organic grocery stores and restaurants, this city by the sea is unquestionably one of the healthiest—and most sustainable—food destinations in America.
Taking the Initiative
City government has also gotten in on the sustainability action, launching multiple initiatives over the years to empower both residents and businesses. The first milestone, the Sustainable City Plan passed in 1994, created rigorous year-to-year goals meant to reduce, among others, beach pollution, the amount of solid waste (by up to one million tons annually) and water use (by up to 328 million gallons annually).
Another significant milestone—launched in 2006 as the Green Certification Program—created a voluntary project helping businesses install cost-saving green practices, reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
Also worth celebrating is the Water Self-Sufficiency Plan, a current development that aims to achieve water independence for Santa Monica by the year 2020. California has been under severe drought recently and by replacing 30% of imported water, this plan would go a long way toward establishing future water security for Santa Monica as a whole.
Green Hospitality
Shutters and Casa are passionate contributors to the local green movement, adopting multiple initiatives and practices to promote a sustainable Santa Monica. Ever tried Shutters’s cutting edge Tesla house car? Or maybe the Santa Monica Free Ride program, which stop at our hotels? How about our recommended water saving strategies or our sustainably sourced cuisine?
There’s countless ways to protect the environment at Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar and we invite you to try them all!
