‘Travel brings us up close to some of our planet’s most stunning natural wonders and connects us with cultures around the globe. It also has the power to change places and the lives of the people who live there, for better or worse.’ Sustainable Travel International
Today is Earth Day, a perfect day to reflect on the bed and breakfast’s commitment to protecting our planet. This is why planning a sustainable travel vacation is so important. For 2026 sustainable travel remains a priority for travelers who want more fulfilling and meaningful experiences. Taking the road less traveled is back on the table as well as unique shoulder month experience.
Sustainable Business Practices
As you begin your 2026 sustainable travels into Oregon consider an Oregon independent Inn as your lodging option. From the use of organic bath products and green cleaning solutions to natural fiber bedding and eco-friendly mattresses many member inns of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns are committed to providing luxury accommodations with sustainable business practices in mind.
Breakfasts are prepared with fresh, locally sourced Oregon grown fruits and vegetables. And some of our inns have taken ambitious action, working towards a net zero future. These climate solutions will protect the planet and its treasures by mitigating our carbon footprint, generating awareness, and helping the earth heal.
Sustainable Travel Solar Arrays
Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast installed a 20,000 kWh solar array in December 2014. Being connected to the grid the generated power they don’t directly use goes back into the grid. In the months of April through September, the array generates more power than the B&B uses. PGE credits it for what they generate.
‘Over an entire year, the array meets 70-80% of the B&B’s power needs. We manually change the tilt of the panels seasonally to take advantage of the angel of the sun. We’ve paid off the array between federal and state subsidies and the power generation’ reports the owner/innkeepers Kristin and Curt.
Yamhill Vineyards Bed & Breakfast has 39 above ground panels generating energy for the B & B, which is also the innkeepers home. According to the environmental benefits, from the time of installation in April 2022 and January 14, 2023, the installation saved 23,499 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, the equivalent of 177 trees planted.
Geothermal
Yamhill Vineyards Bed & Breakfast has Geothermal heating and cooling. The in-ground loops pick up the constant temperature of the ground. The Water Furnace has an added pump for cooling the compressor which takes the heat from the compressor and transfers it to the hot water heater, generating ample hot water for the inn.
Along with this system Yamhill Bed and Breakfast also has a Honeywell air filtering system. Filtering the air in the house. The fan that exchanges the whole house air to keep the house air clean and fresh.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Old Parkdale Inn – Mt Hood Region – one Tesla and one ClipperCreek are a free amenity for registered guests and also will be available to those passing through Parkdale along the Mt Hood and Columbia Gorge Electric Byway.
Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfast – Willamette Valley Region – two Level 2 chargers for electric vehicles.
Bella Collina Bed and Breakfast – Willamette Valley Region – a charging station that can accommodate two vehicles
La Bastide Bed and Breakfast – Willamette Valley Region – two EV chargers
Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast – Willamette Valley Region – a J1772 with a NACS adapter for Tesla. Dual charging cables
Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast – Eastern Oregon (Joseph) one Tesla and one ClipperCreek (J-1772)
Wilson Ranches Retreat – Central Oregon – NEMA 14-50 and a wall plug
This Earth Day and throughout the year the Oregon Association of Independent Inns are proud of our members who provide employees, guests, and communities a Responsible Stay.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
Order Oregon Association of Independent Inns Gift Certificates Now. They are available in $50 increments and can be redeemed at any one of our member inns. With more than 20 member inns to choose from and an 18-month expiration period, recipients have ample time to redeem their stay at the inn that best suits their travel style.
Three Ways to Order Gift Certificates:
Order online. Don’t include your credit card information on that form. We will call you for payment information
E-mail info@obbg.org or call OBBG at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers. We’ll get back to you for the details: who will be the recipient of your thoughtful gift, acquire your payment method and shipping information. We’ll send them by mail, to either you or the recipient, with delivery confirmation. The recipient will have a great time getting away to a high-quality destination of their choice.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
