Community
At The Shell Cottages, we believe that Cape May County is more than just a place to vacation—it is a thriving unique community that benefits visitors and residents alike. Through partnerships with local makers, support for fair wages, and initiatives that support our environment and our neighbors, we are committed to creating a positive and lasting impact. Here’s how we’re working together to strengthen our shared home.
Community at The Shell Cottages
A Coffee Blend for Clean Oceans
Cape May Roasters / Love the Cook
We’ve partnered with Cape May Roasters to create our signature Shell Cottage Coffee—a custom blend of smooth Costa Rican coffee with a touch of rich espresso, perfect for jumpstarting your vacation.
To ensure your getaway begins on the right note, we provide each guest with a complimentary bag, ground and ready for your drip coffee maker.
Need more? We’re happy to offer additional bags for just $15 each. Every purchase helps support local beach clean-up efforts, with 100% of the proceeds go directly to these important projects.
Shell Cottages Soaps
Shore Skin & Home
Our collaboration with Shore Skin & Home, a gourmet soapery, brings guests a luxurious, eco-friendly bath experience with our signature blend of bergamot, sandalwood, and lavender essential oils in hand & body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and hand & body lotion – a clean, versatile scent that everyone will love.
To reduce our environmental impact, we offer these full-size bath products in refillable dispensers for our guests.
For every item purchased, $5 is donated to the Soap for Soap initiative, which provides hygiene essentials to local homeless outreach programs and food banks.
A Better Way to Clean
Good Deeds Market
Good Deeds Market is our local partner for eco-friendly household products that enhance your guest experience while being gentler on the environment. Together, we are exploring new ways to reduce our impact on the earth and make positive changes that benefit both our community and the planet.
Stay tuned for more sustainable updates!
Plastic Bags Banned
The Flying Fish Studio
As part of New Jersey's initiative to reduce waste, single-use plastic bags are no longer permitted. To support this effort, we’re providing two complimentary tote bags for each of our guests!
Our totes are generously sized and locally printed by our friends at The Flying Fish Studio. They’re perfect for shopping, beach days, or carrying home your Cape May treasures.
Need more totes? Additional bags are available for just $8 each, with all proceeds donated to local beach clean-up projects.
Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our home clean!
Leftovers to Those in Need
An estimated 12% of Cape May County’s population experiences food insecurity. These individuals often hold positions in various essential roles such as dishwashing, hotel cleaning, and lawn care, working tirelessly to support themselves and their families.
We support the Cape May Community Food Closet by donating unopened, non-perishable food left behind by guests. If you’d like to contribute by leaving behind any unopened, non-perishable food items, we will gladly donate them to the Food Closet on your behalf. Priority items include pasta, cereal, toilet paper, and soap. Thank you for your generosity and support!
Helping Fight Food Insecurity
We Believe in Paying a Living Wage
The Living Wage Pledge is our commitment to pay our subcontractors fair wages. A living wage is the minimum income necessary for someone to meet their basic needs and participate in their community. One resource for calculating what real, living wage looks like in different states and by size of household can be found on MIT’s Living Wage Calculator page.
When workers are paid a living wage, they’re better able to:
Provide for themselves and their family
Deliver consistent, high-quality work
Take necessary time off for personal or family care
Feel the dignity & respect they deserve for their essential contributions to the success of our tourism economy
Believe they are a valued part of a strong, compassionate community
Fair Wages for a Thriving Community
By choosing The Shell Cottages, you’re supporting a business that prioritizes fairness, dignity, and respect for workers.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We believe that sustainability is a shared effort. The Shell Cottages partners with local businesses, embraces eco-friendly alternatives, and supports initiatives that give back to the community.
Whether you're a local business looking to collaborate, a guest embracing sustainable travel, or a neighbor with ideas to share, we’d love to connect. Together, we can make Cape May a greener, cleaner, and stronger community.
Thank you for being part of our mission!