Tillamook Coast Life Blog
Sustainable Businesses in Tillamook Oregon: Partnering for a Greener Tomorrow
As a visitor to the Tillamook Coast, you can be a partner in creating a greener tomorrow by choosing to support businesses and organizations that have the values of giving back to and protecting the environment.
Choices like reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting eco-friendly practices aren’t just good for the planet—they’re good for our community. If you’re looking to make a difference, there are many sustainable businesses in Tillamook, Oregon that are leading the way. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you can help protect the place we love by supporting these local changemakers. Here are just a few you can feel good about backing.
The Tillamook Creamery
Based on how the parking lot looks on any given Tuesday, people don’t necessarily need more reasons to visit. But the Tillamook Creamery, a certified B Corp company, and bonafide “straw that stirs the drink” of Tillamook County, is all about keeping things as sustainable and community-minded as possible. The list is impressive, but some highlights include the Climate Action Plan aimed at getting to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with an interim goal to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030.
The Creamery joined the TPUD Green Power Program and pays a premium for 100% renewable energy at the visitors center and 10% renewable energy in the manufacturing plant. The best part — some of that energy is from their co-op farmers’ digesters that convert manure to renewable electricity. They’ve also partnered with Trout Unlimited, an organization that works with farmers and landowners in Tillamook County to improve fish passage and restore riparian habitat. Their investments in the local community are many — from the Tillamook County Fair, the June Dairy Parade, TBCC’s Partners For Rural Innovation, the YMCA and to the recently renovated Tillamook High School track and field — the company continues to invest in its hometown.
The Heart of Cartm
“In 1990, a group of volunteer community activists interested in creative ways for a rural community to manage its own waste locally began operating a small recycling station in a parking lot near the Manzanita fire station. They called themselves the Community Action Recycling Team of Manzanita, or CARTM.” A number of factors contributed to its eventual closing, but the soul of the operation was reborn in downtown Wheeler as The Heart of Cartm.
The creative reuse store focuses on actively using waste as a resource for social, economic, and creative benefit. Working toward the ultimate goal of zero waste, they work to repair, resell, or in some way, shape, or form, reuse everything that comes their way or they get their hands on. One of the more interactive and fun ways they go about it is the annual Trash Bash Art Festival held in May, featuring art, storytelling, and even a “Trashion Show.”
The Ocean Inn at Manzanita and the Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa in Pacific City
Far more than just places occupying potentially the prettiest parcels of coastline found anywhere, the Ocean Inn at Manzanita and the Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa in Pacific City both partner with Kind Traveler for their “Every Stay Gives Back” program. Proceeds from the Headlands benefit the Wildlife Center of the North Coast in Astoria, and the Ocean Inn’s funds go to the North Coast Land Conservancy.
They’re also both big fans of clean beaches. The Ocean Inn offers a $20 credit to guests willing to fill a bag with microplastics, and the Headlands regularly hosts SOLVE Oregon beach cleanups. Additionally, if you pick up a Barrel Bag from the Headlands’ Adventure Center and return it filled with trash, you’ll earn yourself a pint from Pelican Brewing. Everybody wins.
Pelican Brewing Company
Speaking of Pelican Brewing, the cornerstone of the Tillamook County beer scene is another homegrown business that’s going above and beyond with a host of sustainable initiatives. Including sourcing their seafood in accordance with the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program recommendations that focus on the environmental sustainability of how the seafood is harvested. Pelican is also a member of the Surfrider Ocean Friendly Restaurants, which abide by eliminating polystyrene use, proper recycling practices, reusable tableware for onsite dining, eliminating plastic bags and plastic straws, and offering paper alternatives when requested. Pelican also limits excess food waste and orders and donates food to the community food banks.
Additionally, they supply the spent grain from all three of their facilities to local dairy farmers. Spent grain provides additional nutrients, like protein and fiber, for livestock and helps farmers cut back their costs on having to buy feed. So sip that beer confidently, knowing that with each pleasurable pint, you are playing a small part in helping out the community, and fostering a greener tomorrow.
