Since 1996 when we first bought our place I have been working with nature and being "green".
One of the first things that happened here 12 years ago ( besides getting the hot water working again!) was my son built me a compost area for the garden we were digging. The next thing I knew my husband brought home a cardboard box and with a HUGE smile he says, COME look what I brought home! (20+ chicks!) that started a love of fresh eggs that my guests and I will never loose.Then of course came the caring for the orchard, all organic, the edible flowers we grow for our breakfast garnishes and herbs to add for flavor. We also have raised organic beef and lamb at one time or another. It has all been a labor of love.
From there I pulled on the knowledge of my growing up to basically love the earth and do what you can to lessen the footprint you leave here...
What makes us green? Well we have done what comes natural.....being earthy types from way back......but here are a few of the things we practice with our business.
Allergies Conscious - We try to take care of people with chemical sensitivities and allergies, offering several choices of pillows and covers( from down to wool and cotton.
Bulk Soap & Amenities - Soaps, shampoo and conditioner in bulk dispensers instead of individual bottles, reducing packaging, costs and landfill impact.
Compostable Disposables - We use biodegradable disposables like napkins or corn-based plastics whenever possible.
Composting - Turning solid organic materials into a soil-like product for gardens. ( We tell our guests what they don't eat goes back into the ground for our gardens and chickens so that once again it comes full circle to make good food for us again!) This aids in holding moisture and decreases the need for watering.
100% Cotton Towels-Sheets - Cotton items do not add VOCs to the air in guestrooms. Synthetic fabrics are not sustainable and use petrochemicals.
Durable Service Items - Cups, glasses, mugs, dishes, tableware and other items that are long-lasting and not disposables.
Eco-friendly Food - We offer food that is sensitive to it's natural environment, wildlife and plants. It may be organically grown and raised or is local and fresh reducing transportation impact costs.( most breakfast items we cook here are grown here)
Educate Guests - We teach people by our website or onsite about the green actions we are taking, why they are important and how others can make an impact as well.
Educate Staff - Teaching staff about the green actions they are taking, why they are important and how to encourage others to make an impact as well.
Energy Conservation - We reduce energy consumption through any means possible. As in selecting energy efficient appliances, compact fluorescent or LED lighting, turning things off when not in use and using more insulation and weather stripping.
Environmental Cleaning - Housekeeping and laundry that avoids harsh chemicals and cleaning styles and supplies.
Fresh Air - Rooms that have windows that open.
Gray-Water Recycling - Gray water is water from the kitchen and bathroom sinks and showers, laundry sinks and tubs, and washing machines where only safe biodegradable soaps are used. This water can be used to water plants and landscaping instead of being waster in a sewer. Plants thrive on this water even more so than fresh water. The water is filtered and cleaned by the soil on its way to the ground and underground water systems.
B&B Recycling Bins - Recycle containers placed around the property where guests and staff can use them instead of just trash cans.
Non-Smoking Rooms -All our rooms are guaranteed to be free of smoke pollution.
Organic Food - Organic food is grown without pesticides or fertilizers. It is healthier and tastes better.
Promote Green Aspects - We mention our green efforts in advertising. There are many places that take green actions yet do not mention it at all. Promoting what we do promotes awareness.
Recyclable Disposables - We use recyclable disposable products instead of those like foam and certain plastics that fill landfills for a hundred years.
Sheet Program - B&Bs do not need to wash your sheets every day of your stay. We let you decide when to wash them or wash them at certain intervals instead of daily. This does not mean we do not clean sheets between guests. It pertains to your own multi-night stay.
Towel Program - B&Bs do not need to wash your towels every day of your stay. We let you decide when to wash them or wash them at certain intervals instead of daily. This does not mean we do not clean towels between guests. It pertains to your own multi-night stay.
Water Conservation -We reduce water usage. This include slow-flow toilets and shower heads, washing sheets and towels less often, native landscaping that doesn't require additional watering, and implementing gray water systems.
As a Colonial B&B here in Ct ( and one built before America was America in 1740, a home that is in direct lineages to the Mayflower being a Brewster home) we not only feel honored to live here, but feel grounded in the heritage of our country and our earth. We love that it is now important to others, as it should be! I hope this movement is in time to save what is so important to us all...........one can hope.
We hope you will be eco friendly in your daily life.....the world is ours for a short while....Lets take good care of it!
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