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Sustainability

An enormous part of what makes Telluride and Mountain Village so special is the unique, natural environment in which we live. We do our best to protect it, actively pursuing practices of sustainability and minimizing our impact.

From our biodiesel shuttle buses to the wind energy that powers our free gondola, which in itself allows residents and visitors to travel efficiently between our two towns, our commitment to environmentally-sound practices is an integral part of all development in the region. Even today, the hydroelectric powerplant house, visible at the top of the iconic Bridal Veil Falls, provides approximately 25 percent of Telluride's electricity.

In 2008, the Town of Telluride purchased the undeveloped, 570-acre parcel of meadows and woodland along the valley floor, at the entrance to town.  It created an open-space barrier that continues to protect the natural environment that encompasses the town.

Most recently, Telluride and Mountain Village each passed single-use plastics ordinances designed to reduce plastic waste in our environment. In the Town of Telluride, all single-use plastics are banned, including single-use plastic water bottles, food containers and bags. In the Town of Mountain Village, single-use plastic bags and food containers have been banned. Click here for more.

How to Visit Telluride & Mountain Village "Right"?

Please take the Telluride Pledge 

As we welcome visitors to our beautiful town and surrounding area, we ask that you take in the magestic views and appreciate what nature has given us. As locals, we care deeply about the environment and hope you will too. 

Do the World Right

  • Let’s work together today for a better tomorrow.
  • Let’s waste less and enjoy more.
  • Let’s reuse and recycle.
  • Let’s get a java jolt with a reusable mug.
  • Let’s sip beverages with a metal straw.
  • Let’s offset our travel emissions.
  • Let’s conserve resources by turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging electronics and chargers when not in use and reusing towels and linens.

Do You Right

  • Let’s always be prepared with sunscreen, layers and water (yes, even in winter). 
  • Let’s stay hydrated with our pure Rocky Mountain water from a reusable water bottle.
  • Let’s care more about ourselves than the selfie.

Do Our Towns Right

  • Let’s ride the free Gondola, a bike, the eco-friendly free buses or walk like a local.
  • Let’s be aware of local single-use plastics bans and remember to bring reusable bags to avoid fees for disposable ones. Click here for more information about the plastic bans. 
  • Let’s come to see and not be seen.
  • We are a small town with a big heart. Let’s treat local workers with kindness and respect.

Do the Slopes Right

  • Let’s enjoy the mountain responsibly, especially in slow areas. 
  • Let's obey all Telluride Ski Resort signage and messaging. 
  • Let's be kind and respectful to ski resort staff and to our fellow skiers and boarders. 
  • Let's keep the mountain pristine by bringing out everything we brought in. 

One Mission. One Voice. 

EcoAction Partners is a local sustainability organization that tracks regional greenhouse gas emissions and provides programming to help reduce energy and waste across San MIguel and Ouray Counties.

Their staff and volunteers actively support sustainability in our community through collaborative programs for residents, visitors, businesses, students, governments and more. These include the Green Business Program, SMPA Rebate Program, Plastic Film Recycling Program, the income qualified weatherization CARE Program, and Zero Waste Teams at Telluride’s festivals, regional events, and much more.

Click here to view EcoAction Partners' guide to visiting sustainably, and reducing greenhouse gasses emitted in our area. 

Green Business is Smart Business

The Green Business Program is a membership program creating a sustainable business community while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. EcoAction aims to help businesses navigate the complex process of identifying, prioritizing, and selecting optimal sustainability actions. This is a great opportunity for businesses to do their part to become more sustainable, save money by lowering their utility bills, and  showcase their efforts!

The following businesses have completed the certification: 

Regional Climate Action Plan

The Ouray and San Miguel County Regional Climate Action Plan was completed in 2021 by EcoAction Partners and Sneffels Energy Board. This plan sets the stage for the next decade of climate action across our region.  We are looking ahead to goals of a 50% reduction in our GHG emissions by 2030 and a 90% reduction by 2050. This plan identifies actions across the eight sectors of: Community Engagement & Policy, Energy Supply, Buildings, Transportation, Waste, Food, Water, and Land and will help guide intentional actions over the next 3-, 5-, and 10- years.

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