The bunkhouse contributes its rooftop runoff to the cistern system, where it goes through a cloth filter and UV treatment before coming out the tap. Wells dug on the island were unproductive or salty, so the cisterns are the best available water source. Electricity comes from a combination of solar, wind and propane generators.

Sadly, the granite for the buildings came from China, at less than 20% of the cost of the very similar stone that is still quarried locally. With such an obvious imbalance of market forces, it’s hard to support the local economy as we are exhorted to do in the Chamber of Commerce brochure.