Harbin Hot Springs has always attempted to tread lightly on the environment, utilizing non-toxic cleaning products, recycling, composting, and sustainable business practices whenever possible. Most recently we’ve initiated a number of exciting new projects that would receive Mother Nature’s stamp of approval.
Gardening
Our beautiful garden is undergoing a metamorphosis inspired by the expertise of Lawrence Hershman, master gardener and teacher. Our residents are learning to combine ecologically sensitive Bio-dynamic practices and a holistic spiritual philosophy with the production-oriented French system to create a garden that is more dynamic and sustainable for the years ahead.
Click here for photos of the Harbin Garden
Recycling & Composting
With the help of guests and residents, we manage our own recycling program to reduce our use of area landfills. A resident-run composting program provided nutrient-rich mulch for our garden. Wood chips from fallen trees are used for mulch, compost, and covering paths.
Constructing
As we renovate structures or add new buildings, we attempt to use materials and building techniques that work with the environment. Our beautiful Temple was constructed using straw bale and cobb techniques. Floors in the Temple, the Domes rooms, and the renovated Restaurant restrooms feature efficient radiant heat. As exterior decks need replacing, we are using Timbertech composite – made of recycled wood waste – that lasts longer, and requires no chemical staining or sealing.
Watering
Harbin’s water system draws from a number of natural springs located on our property. Water used for pool area cleaning, lawn watering, and garden irrigation is drawn from the creek that flows across the mainside area. To protect our creek and groundwater, Harbin’s wastewater is piped to a treatment facility near Middletown.
Restaurant Ingredients
Our restaurant purchases its produce from Glo Anderson – a local farmer in nearby Hidden Valley – and California-grown produce from Veritable Vegetables. Our dairy products come from Clover Dairy, while our organic, free-range chickens are Rosie brand from Petaluma Poultry.
Powering
Some of Harbin’s electrical power comes from steam-driven turbines located just over the hill on Cobb Mountain. Back by our own pole barn, we’ve installed a 7,000 watt solar system that generates electricity from the sun to help power the facilities on site. It produces around 11,000 kWh of power each year & eliminate over 250,000 pounds CO2 emissions over its lifetime. We've just completed a new 30 kilowatt solar collection system near the Domes. This raised structure supports enough solar panels to generate 45,000 kilowatts of power per year, or approximately half of our annual energy usage at the Domes. Plus the panels will serve as a shaded carport for guest's vehicles. We are also upgrading many of our light fixtures to compact florescent lighting.
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