Shopping sustainably is becoming increasingly important as we strive for a greener future with less consumption of disposable items and less damaging practices on the environment. While sustainable shopping can be a bit intimidating if you’re not quite sure what makes something “sustainable”, it doesn’t have to be! Shopping at Xanterra Travel Collection® offers up a great way to get your eco-friendly items while still indulging your sense of style. Offering everything from accessories, clothing, drinkware, and more you can shop sustainably without having to compromise quality or style.

So how do you know what products are sustainable? We have easy-identifying labels online and in store signage that identifies sustainable products. For items that are made using recycled or repurposed materials, look for the green leaf icon. To purchase from local businesses or to buy products made in the USA, look for these icons!  Remember, there are plenty of items that still fall under the eco-friendly categories that are considered reusable, though the green leaf isn’t represented as their not product with recycled, reclaimed, or repurposed materials. Think of reusable shopper totes and water bottles. 

Sustainable Products at Yellowstone National Park Lodges

The Yellowstone gift shops place a large focus on sustainable practices, with increased awareness of carrying local, regional, made in USA, and socially responsible products .Almost 80% of the inventory in our Yellowstone stores is made in the U.S.A. You’ll still find souvenir staples like ball caps, key chains, and shot glasses. “We’re a hospitality company, and we want to give people choices at various price points,” says Dylan Hoffman, Director of Sustainability at Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

But along with the expected trinkets, you’ll find innovative eco-friendly items, like tumblers made from recycled wine bottles. Printed with images of a bison, elk, or Old Faithful, the glasses have been a big hit since they were introduced years ago. In partnership with Refresh Glass, these unique 16oz glass tumblers are made in the USA and they’re dishwasher safe.

Our buyers also scout local trade shows for homegrown fare. At the Lake Yellowstone Hotel’s gift shop, for instance, you’ll find Montana-made Windrift Hill goat milk soaps and lotions in scents like Montana Huckleberry. Not to mention sweet treats like huckleberry jam and saltwater taffy!

Inspired by Yellowstone Artist Series

To say that Yellowstone has inspired artists is an understatement. In many ways, the park owes its existence to the artists who found inspiration here.

In 1870, Wyoming was a territory and Yellowstone’s marvels were a mystery to Congress and most of the U.S. population. Back then — long before selfies, digital images, and Instagram — artists depicted the world’s wonders for a curious public. And in the case of Yellowstone, the photographers, illustrators, and painters who portrayed the area proved instrumental in its establishment as a national park: artist Thomas Moran, and photographers William Henry Jackson and Frank J. Haynes — played a seminal role in Yellowstone’s preservation.

These days, Yellowstone inspires artists from all over the world to try to capture the magic of ‘Wonderland’. That’s why we carry products from local artists in our gift shops. We’re proud to work with these artists and feature them across the park at our lodges in our ‘Inspired by Yellowstone’ artist series. We invite you to meet and talk with these incredible artists while they’re in the park.

To learn more about our artists, click here.

 

Sustainable Products at Grand Canyon National Park Lodges

The works of local artists are also celebrated at Grand Canyon National Park, where sustainable items and products that are made in the USA are available for purchase. Whether you shop online or visit our store, you’ll find an incredible selection of apparel made from recycled fibers and sustainable, reusable tote bags. In fact, most of our shirts have saved 6.5 plastic bottles from the landfill – now that’s impressive!

Countless merchandise available online and in gift shops is made in the USA. From drinkware and china to ornaments, soaps, and gourmet condiments, you’re sure to find a trip souvenir or gift you love. And perhaps the most unique merchandise offered at the Grand Canyon are located at the Hopi House, which draws a crowd with authentic Native American arts and crafts offered since 1905. Today you can find a large selection of Native American made gifts and jewelry that are designed to be both beautiful and meaningful, many of which gather inspiration from the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon. We are excited to bring some of these unique works of art to the Grand Canyon online store. Shop online now to find several featured artists and their one-of-a-kind creations.