Albert Einstein once stated, “Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on earth as much as the evolution of a vegetarian diet,” and at the Stanford Inn by the Sea, an eco-friendly lodge on the North Coast of Mendocino County, owners Jeff and Joan Stanford are taking this philosophy to a whole new level. They are committed to turning Einstein’s theory into a reality (albeit through veganism, not vegetarianism), and it shows in every aspect of their award-winning eco-resort, the only of its kind in the entire country.
“For years we have balanced hospitality, service, business and our passion for responsibility to oneself and the planet,” said Jeff Stanford, Co-Founder of Stanford Inn. “Last year, I came to the crystal clear understanding that we needed to take things to the next level here—and that meant becoming completely vegan throughout the Inn. It has taken some time, but our guests, friends and even non-vegan guests appreciate what we are doing, and most have commented that it has made a positive change in their lives.”
For more than three decades, the couple has demonstrated a staunch commitment to sustainable living, and long before being green was chic, Jeff and Joan were working hard to reduce their impact on the environment — particularly at their on-site gourmet, vegan restaurant, Ravens’ — by supporting sustainable agriculture and organic farming through their purchasing practices and their own USDA-California Certified Organic Farm, known as Big River Nurseries. All produce served in the restaurant is organic, with much of it grown onsite at Big River Nurseries. Ravens’ Restaurant is central to the Stanford’s philosophy – they strive to prepare cuisine for their guests that enhances their lives though taste, nutrition and visual appeal, while acknowledging their better sensibilities.
Here are some other ways in which the Stanford Inn promotes sustainable living:
• Provides access to Big River Estuary, California’s pristine, undeveloped waterway, while helping to protect Big River from environmental degradation. Provides kayaks, paddle boards, traditional canoes and locally designed and constructed redwood canoes for low impact exploration of Big River and mountain bikes to explore Mendocino’s trails.
• In addition to offering one of the few vegan, organic fine dining experiences in North America, the Inn’s wine list is comprised primarily of wines produced from certified organic vineyards or those using sustainable, traditional farming practices.
• Converted ten acres of property to sustainable and organic gardening and landscaping in 1985. Other acreage has been dedicated to horses, donkeys and llamas, where visitors enjoy watching them graze peacefully on the pasture.
• Composts all food and organic wastes that are then recycled into our gardens, virtually eliminating the use of outside fertilizers. Recycles all other waste.
• Does not use herbicides or pesticides.
• Developed energy conservation programs beginning in 1980 for heating, lighting, laundry.
• Provides educational programs in cooking, nutrition, art, Chinese herbal practices, gardening and composting as well as ecological and natural experiences, such as Exploring the Edible Landscape on land and sea mammal and bioluminescent tours on the water.
• Provides canoes and kayaks for local school programs at no charge
• Provides a backdrop for local artists to display and sell their work, and offers a place for the community and its non-profit institutions to meet at no charge
• Uses Vaska non-toxic environmentally safe cleaning and laundry supplies, and provides sulfate-free Naturally Kind™ Forest Essentials
Mendocino Village’s most celebrated lodge, the four-diamond Stanford Inn, is an eco-haven that embodies the best of the rugged Mendocino Coast. Nestled on a hillside overlooking Mendocino Bay, the 41-room Inn attends to every detail for its guests (and pets!) from wood-burning fireplaces set and ready to light to the sumptuous organic breakfasts provided daily. The Inn’s Mendocino Center for Living Well provides a variety of life-enhancing experiences, such as yoga, tai chi, body work, acupuncture, nutrition, creative playshops, consultations on Chinese Herbs as well as Ayurvedic practice. Canoeing, kayaking or mountain biking rentals are also available on-site, through Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too! Also on-site: a florist, a store offering books on holistic living, handmade soaps and paintings from local artists, and a Solarium, a greenhouse that glows at night from the illuminated lap pool inside.
Ravens’ Restaurant provides the signature North American diet with a vegan twist, and continuously adjusts its basic ingredients and seasonings to best suit both quality and availability depending on the season. Ravens’ is committed to serving locally available and organic ingredients, thereby reducing its impact on the environment. The mission of Raven’s is to provide a healthy organic cuisine which rivals the fare in the finest Northern California restaurants.
Owners, Jeff and Joan Stanford, are committed to encouraging both the guests at their inn and the patrons in their dining room to lead ecologically conscious and responsible lives. Most come away from their experience more enlightened about living an earth friendly lifestyle that is as pleasant as it is sustainable.
More photos: http://www.stanfordinn.com/innlight/mendocino-photo-album-stanford-inn.html
Related article: The Ultimate Vegan Getaway: The Stanford Inn
