At Wet Planet, our love for adventure is rivaled only by our dedication to preserving the natural world that makes those cherished adventures possible. And in an era where environmental challenges loom large, we believe it’s our responsibility to take action and make a positive impact on our planet. Each decision we make, whether it’s opting for reusable diningware or recertifying our sustainability program, is driven by our unwavering dedication to preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us.
It’s not just about running a business; it’s about creating a legacy of stewardship and sustainability. We want our guests to experience the wonders of nature today and tomorrow, knowing that we’ve done our part to ensure its longevity. By striving to be more sustainable, we’re not only reducing our environmental footprint but also setting an example for others in our community and beyond.
We believe that every small change adds up to make a big difference, and we’re committed to leading by example in our industry. That’s why we are excited to announce our new sustainability program, which encompasses certifications, partnerships, and a focus on our community. Here’s what we’ve been up to and how we’d love for you to join us in our sustainability efforts!
Sustainability Certification Through Green Business Benchmark (GBB)
Wet Planet is proud to be the first Columbia River Gorge whitewater outfitter certified as sustainable through the Green Business Benchmark (GBB). This certification has allowed us to refresh and revitalize our sustainability program with a renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and global best practices.
This isn’t the first sustainability accolade Wet Planet has achieved. Back in 2009, Wet Planet enrolled in the sustainability program designed by Sustainable Travel International, becoming the first outfitter in the country to do so. While this partnership allowed us to proudly align our sustainability values with a globally recognized institute and refine our business practices, unfortunately, the certification program has since been discontinued. Hence our quest to search for a different certifying program.
The GBB certification sets rigorous standards that align with internationally recognized benchmarks such as UN SDGs, SBTI, SASB, LEED, and GRI. By undergoing the certification process, we’ve evaluated and improved our efforts in key areas such as waste diversion, energy efficiency, and biodegradable product usage.
An exciting aspect of our GBB certification is that we provide real-time updates on our sustainability program through our public profile. Our progress and accomplishments can be viewed by on our GBB profile, allowing guests to observe our commitment to sustainability transparently.
Our GBB certification is more than just a badge of honor; it catalyzes continuous improvement. Through transparent reporting and accountability audits, we’re committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility and contributing to a sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
Community Partnerships in Preserving Our Natural Spaces
At Wet Planet, we recognize the importance of partnering with organizations that share our commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible outdoor recreation. Through these partnerships, we are able to amplify our impact and promote sustainable practices in the communities we serve.
Partner of Leave No Trace, Inc. (LNT)
In partnership with Leave No Trace, Inc., Wet Planet is spreading the message of responsible outdoor recreation. Leave No Trace is a non-profit organization committed to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research, and partnerships. The seven LNT principles for wildland ethics have become the standard for human-powered recreation through the support and commitment of public land management agencies such as the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Through our partnership with Leave No Trace, Inc., Wet Planet helps support LNT in its mission to spread important backcountry travel skills and ethics. Join us in our effort to Leave No Trace by following these seven simple principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare,
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces,
- Dispose of waste properly,
- Leave what you find,
- Minimize campfire impacts,
- Respect wildlife, and
- Be considerate of others.
Friends of the White Salmon River
We’re proud to support Friends of the White Salmon River, a local nonprofit dedicated to restoring and protecting this vital waterway. By amplifying their voice and advocating for responsible river practices, we’re ensuring that the White Salmon River remains a source of joy and inspiration for generations to come. Through these partnerships, Wet Planet will always strive to make a tangible difference in preserving our natural spaces and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
White Salmon RiverFest and Symposium
Sustainability isn’t just about environmental awareness; it’s also about community involvement. That’s why we founded the annual White Salmon RiverFest and Symposium in 2006, and organized the event annually until being interrupted by the pandemic in 2020. We are currently analyzing ways to reformat and continue where we left off. This annual event brings together members of our local community to celebrate and support our watershed, fostering a deeper connection to the land we call home and the community we live in.
During the pandemic years, we decided to take a step back from our annual hosting of the White Salmon RiverFest. However, in 2024, we’re thrilled to announce the return of the much-anticipated community floats. Join us as we reignite the spirit of celebration and support for our local community through the White Salmon Community Float!
Cultivating Community: Supporting Local Businesses
At Wet Planet, we believe in the power of community. Our commitment extends beyond the river to the local businesses, creators, and farmers in the Columbia River Gorge region. By sourcing our food, drinks, and gear locally as much as we can, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also contribute to the vibrant local economy.
Locally Sourced (and Flavorful) Food and Drinks
When it comes to our cafe, espresso bar, and multi-day river trip menus, we believe that supporting our local businesses is paramount. That’s why many of the foods and drinks we serve at Wet Planet come straight from the bountiful farmlands found in the Columbia River Gorge area. From organic espresso beans from 10- Speed Coffee used in our cafe to artisanal cheeses from Cascadia Creamery on our multi-day trips, every bite tells a story of sustainability, our community, and our connection with our local land and resources. Moreover, our dedication to local sourcing extends beyond flavor; it’s about building relationships with farmers and artisans, understanding the journey of our ingredients, and reducing our carbon footprint. By embracing local produce, meats and dairy products, and beverages, we not only offer delicious fare but also invest in the resilience and prosperity of our community.
Sustainably Designed and Locally Produced Products and Gear
Even our gear reflects our commitment to sustainability and community. From handcrafted hats to locally designed Miir mugs, every item is thoughtfully chosen to minimize environmental impact and support our PNW neighbors. Furthermore, our emphasis on locally produced gear means that we can offer our guests high-quality equipment while also reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. By investing in these products, we not only support local artisans like Eliza Carver, Tommy Hood, and Christina Mckeown but we also ensure that our adventures leave behind the smallest ecological footprint possible.
Join Us in Our Sustainability Efforts!
At Wet Planet, we’re committed to preserving the natural beauty of our environment while providing unforgettable outdoor experiences. That’s why we’re inviting you to join us in our efforts to reduce our environmental footprint and protect the planet for future generations.
Here are some of the ways we promote environmental sustainability at Wet Planet, and you can too:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (in that order)
We believe in the power of the three Rs. Our staff are required to bring reusable cups to enjoy their cafe beverages, reducing the need for single-use plastics. Additionally, we provide guests with the choice between reusable coffee mugs or compostable to-go cups, along with pasta stir sticks and paper straws, all aimed at reducing our plastic consumption.
Reduce
We encourage our guests to bring a reusable water bottle for their trips (and in general) as a simple way to reduce the use of plastic water bottles. While this is a simple action, it makes a HUGE impact.
Reusable Dining ware
For all day-trips and multi-day adventures, we provide reusable plates and cups, eliminating the need for disposable items and reducing waste.
Recycling Initiatives
We have recycling bins alongside many of our trash containers, making it easy for both staff and guests to make the environmentally friendly choice and recycle whenever possible.
Composting
We encourage composting on-site and partner with our local compost facility, Dirt Hugger, to ensure that our compost is appropriately used to enrich the soil and promote healthy ecosystems.
Waste Monitoring
We’re taking steps to become more aware of our waste production by weighing our trash. This helps us understand the impact of our consumption habits and identify areas where we can improve recycling efforts. Before you throw something away, ask yourself if it can be reused or recycled.
Energy Efficiency
We strive to maximize natural light by opening our window shades, allowing sunlight to illuminate our offices whenever possible. Additionally, when we need the lights on, we have begun the process of upgrading from older fluorescent lights to LED alternatives, further reducing our energy consumption and environmental impact.
Alternative Transportation
We encourage our team to carpool or even kayak to work to reduce emissions and minimize our carbon footprint. Additionally, we encourage our guests to carpool and are planning to implement closer parking spots for those who carpool or drive electric vehicles.
By joining us in these sustainability efforts when at Wet Planet, you become part of a community that cares deeply about the environment and actively works towards positive change. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our outdoor adventures leave behind nothing but footprints.
Our Commitment to Our Planet
From the rivers we run to the glacial mountains that provide our water, we’re committed to leaving our planet better than we found it. Through our certifications, partnerships, and support for the local community, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint, promote responsibility for the outdoors, and hope to be a source of inspiration for our community, team members, and guests.
