Building Values: Tips for Eco-Friendly Team Building
Most team-building events are... well, kinda forgettable.
Matching t-shirts? Ok. Icebreaker games? Meh. A soggy sandwich buffet? Oh no.
But what if your next company outing wasn’t just another day out of the office, but something your team actually looked forward to? Something that helped everyone connect and made a positive impact?
That’s what eco-friendly team building is all about, bringing people together in ways that feel good, do good, and leave a lighter footprint on the planet.
We’ve been leading groups through Wine Country for decades, and we’ve seen firsthand how spending time in the great outdoors brings teams closer. Whether it's over a glass of local pinot or paddling on kayak tours Russian River, there's magic in doing something real, together.
So if you’re planning a company offsite, retreat, or just a day to unplug with your crew, here are some easy (and fun!) ways to make it more sustainable.
Trade the Conference Room for the Great Outdoors
Let’s start with the obvious, ditch the hotel ballroom and get outside.
Northern California has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and one of the best ways to explore it is by water. Our go-to recommendation? Kayak tours on the Russian River.
Seriously, it’s the perfect combo of relaxing and energizing. You’ll paddle past towering redwoods, chat with your coworkers (without Slack notifications), and maybe spot an otter or two. It’s not just about the kayaking, it’s about getting into flow, together.
And if your group’s more “dip your toes in” than “full send,” don’t worry, we offer beginner-friendly tours with guides who make it easy and fun.
Give Back Without the Lecture
Nobody wants to be lectured about sustainability on their day off.
But that doesn’t mean your team can’t do something meaningful. A simple cleanup along the riverbank after a kayak tour or planting native plants near a local trail? It takes maybe an hour, and your group walks away feeling proud (and bonded).
Plus, it’s a great way to balance the wine tasting and picnics with something that makes a real difference.
Keep It Local, Keep It Cool
One of the best things about Wine Country? Almost everything is local.
That means you can build a retreat that supports small businesses, keeps emissions low, and still feels like a dream vacation.
Stay at cozy eco-lodges or local B&Bs
Eat from farm-to-table spots (trust us, the food is next level)
Bike between wineries or activities (we’re big fans of that one, obviously)
It’s all part of what we call slow travel, going at a pace that lets you actually enjoy the place you’re in, instead of rushing from one activity to the next.
Make Meetings Feel Less... Like Meetings
Team offsites don’t have to mean eight hours of PowerPoints.
Imagine your morning strategy session happening under a redwood canopy with birds chirping instead of fluorescent lights buzzing. Then, in the afternoon, hopping into a tandem kayak with someone from another department and figuring out how to literally row in the same direction.
Now that’s collaboration.
When your environment is inspiring, the ideas tend to follow.
Walk the Talk on Sustainability
If your company has any kind of green goals or values, this is your chance to live them.
Here are a few easy things to build into your event:
Use reusable gear
Offset travel emissions if folks are flying in
Skip the paper and go digital for schedules, agendas, etc.
Support venues and vendors that share your eco values
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few mindful choices can show your team (and the planet) that you care.
Partner with People Who Get It
When you plan with us at Getaway Adventures, you’re not just booking a tour, you’re joining a crew of locals who live for this stuff.
We started on bikes (literally) and now offer everything from kayak tours on the Russian River to custom wine and hiking combos. We work with small wineries, family-owned farms, and people who are passionate about protecting this place we call home.
So yeah, we’re into eco-friendly everything, but we also know how to have a great time doing it.
Let’s Make Team Building Something to Look Forward To
It’s time to ditch the trust falls.
Let’s get your team out into the wild, paddling together, laughing, connecting, and making memories they’ll talk about way more than any all-hands meeting.
Whether you want to plan a full-day retreat or just sneak in a few hours of sunshine between meetings, we’ve got you covered.
🌿 Ready to hit the river? Call Getaway Adventures 707-568-3040 at or contact us online now and let’s plan a kayak tour on the Russian River your team will never forget. We promise, no matching shirts required.
