Dispatches
Inn by the Sea Summary I
September 2, 2009
As our last stop, 
Inn by the Sea offered a relaxing end to Green Living Project’s frenzied adventures across Maine. With an impressive and long list of green initiatives, Inn by the Sea is a Four Diamond hotel located on a mile of unspoiled beach. The Inn blends luxury and exceptional landscape with the ideals of sustainability.
As one of the first inns in Maine to be a certified Green Lodging by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Inn by the Sea has solar panels, a Spa built to Leeds specification, recycled rubber and cork flooring in the fitness rooms, dual flush toilets, environmental educational opportunities for all ages, and a biofuel heating system. Rauni Kew, Inn by the Sea’s gracious Public Relations and Green Programs Director, says she is continuously finding creative ways to update the facilities to greener and grander standards.
For example, Rauni informed us that before purchasing anything for Inn by the Sea, she considers the following questions: Where it came from? Can it be reused? Can it be bought in bulk? How can it be disposed of afterwards? The staff, which is trained on the Inn’s green initiatives, even hand sift through the recycling before sending it off to the single stream recycler, in order to make sure that the materials are properly separated.
The grounds at Inn by the Sea are as splendid as the indoor accommodations. Derrick Daly, the Head Gardener, gave the camera crew a private tour of the outside facilities. The gardens that divide lawn and line the porches are complete with plants that are native to the area. Inn by the Sea also prides itself on having a registered Butterfly Waystation and growing milkweed, which invites Monarch Butterflies to hang out and feed off of the garden. Moreover, the National Federation has designated the grounds as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Finally, one of Green Living Project’s favorite details, Inn by the Sea promotes a kid and pet friendly atmosphere by choosing not to use any chemicals on the surrounding lawns and gardens.
Unfortunately, myself and
another team member were unable to enjoy the sustainable initiatives at Inn by the Sea since we occupied a cottage, which has not been updated to the hotel’s standards. However, thanks to Rauni and other staff, we were able to take a late night visit the spa and enjoy the bamboo towels, dual flush toilets, and ten headed shower (which I am still pondering over its water efficiency.)
If a vacation by a pristine beach complete with luxurious lodging and a reputation as one of the World’s Top Ten Green Hotels by Trip Advisor as well as one of the Top Ten Green US Hotels by Forbes Traveler interests you, the Inn by the Sea is a perfect place to unwind in an inspirational atmosphere that harmonizes People, Planet, and Profit into one relaxing experience.
