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Sustainability from the Heart

Odyssey Resorts is focused on sustainability.
Through its Sustainability from the Heart initiative, Odyssey Resorts is building a legacy of sustainability for future generations.
Initiatives in 2023 include signing the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge starting as a company before gaining commitment from its portfolio of properties. Odyssey Resorts is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our businesses in five key areas of the pledge: Community Engagement, Energy Conservation, Water Conservation, Waste Reduction, Single Use Plastic Reduction.
We adopt best practices and identify challenges and trends to strengthen our sustainability program as we move forward in the years to come.
The three pillars form Sustainability from the Heart as Odyssey Resorts moves forward, creating a well-rounded approach to sustainable practices and making smart choices.

Sustainability from the Heart drives cooperative action, developing practical resources and systems to enable Odyssey Resorts along with its strategic partners to operate responsibly and grow sustainably.

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Three pillars of 

Sustainability from the Heart

Corporate Sustainability

Engage employees to be more environmentally conscientious
Work with communities hand in hand to provide solutions that produce positive environmental impacts
Consistently offer opportunities to volunteer and be agents of change

Property Sustainability

Conserve natural resources by ensuring the responsible use of energy, water, and minimizing waste
Partner with local businesses and suppliers to reduce carbon emissions
Replace single-use plastics with sustainable options.

Personal Stewardship

Champion green practices at work, and model a sustainable lifestyle at home
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Local Sustainability Legacies

Odyssey Resorts is committed to programming events and building partnerships that strengthen our communities by supporting local townships, businesses and the people who make it their home.
At Odyssey Resorts, we believe sustainability starts with stewardship—of the land, the water, and the communities we serve.

Our partnership with the Superior Hiking Trail Association empowers team members to help preserve one of the North Shore’s most cherished natural assets. Through trail section adoption and hands-on volunteer opportunities, we actively contribute to the upkeep, cleanliness, and sustainability of this iconic trail system.

We extend that same care to our roadsides and waterways. Odyssey Resorts has adopted Sections 102 to 104 of Highway 61 in Grand Marais through the Minnesota Adopt-a-Highway program, with our team gathering twice a year to maintain this scenic route. We're also proud participants and vocal promoters of the Adopt-a-Drain program—encouraging staff, guests, and community members to help prevent stormwater pollution and protect Lake Superior by keeping storm drains clear of debris.

Our commitment to cleaner communities continues with regular participation in neighborhood and beach cleanups in and around the areas where we operate.

We also invest in the next generation of environmental leaders by partnering with the Hamline University Environmental Studies Program, supporting student-driven research and regional sustainability initiatives. In the spirit of environmental education and advocacy, Odyssey Resorts sponsored A Sea Change for Superior, a powerful short film that explores the importance of protecting Lake Superior through local action and collaboration. Watch the video here.

Additionally, we are proud supporters of Cook County Higher Education, a vital organization dedicated to expanding access to quality education and professional development in our region.

Through the creation of our flagship event 218 Days in 2023, Odyssey Resorts celebrates all that makes northern Minnesota exceptional—its lakes, forests, trails, and people. 218 Days is a collection of seasonal events and special offers held across the region, designed to honor the spirit of the 218 area code and highlight the natural beauty, strong communities, and vibrant local businesses that make northern Minnesota truly special.
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Property Standards

In 2022, the Sustainability Development Team conducted a survey identifying 24 areas of action, if implemented, to lessen the environmental impact at the property level based on the UNESCO Pledge. Since then, we have made significant progress toward achieving these goals. 
Energy Conservation: 100% LED lightbulbs compliance for interior lighting by 2024Odyssey Resorts are close to achieving compliance when implementing energy-saving LED Lighting; lightbulbs are being replaced with LEDs. 
Reducing plastic waste: Water filling stations
100% of Odyssey Resorts Accommodations currently include a water cooler or dispenser for refilling water bottles and reducing plastic waste.
Reducing waste
In addition to these goals, we’re –
  • Using compostable and eco-friendly replacements for take-out packaging and straws.
  • Reduce our carbon footprint by planting herb and produce gardens including producing honey and maple syrup at Ruttger's. 
  • Offering guests and patrons options to limit water and chemical use.
  • Using environmentally friendly cleaning products such as laundry soap, dish soap, and other cleaning products.
  • Minimizing food waste and composting at our restaurants.
  • Minimizing printing.
  • Addition of BeeKind products.
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Personal Stewardship

To be sustainable, the Odyssey Team is empowered by the company’s values. The Odyssey Team is made up of environmentally conscious individuals who are encouraged to act when it comes to minimizing their negative impacts and contributing positively to the greater good of their community at home.
Team members are encouraged to participate in recycling, bring reusable bags when shopping, reduce single-use plastics, carpool whenever possible, plant bee and butterfly gardens to support pollinators, and make use of hybrid work options to prevent unnecessary travel.
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