Environmental Policy
In 2005 we were assessed as being at Silver level for Green Tourism.
We take care to balance guests’ expectation of a quality stay here with consideration for the impact that stay may have on the environment.
We use ‘Fairtrade’ tea and coffee, source the ingredients for our breakfasts locally wherever possible and are aware of ‘food miles’. We encourage guests in the self-catering cottages to use local shops for their supplies and always recommend that B&B guests visit Castle Cary.
Within the restrictions inherent in our Georgian farmhouse and old cottage we have made adaptations for the disabled traveller where possible. We have M1 accessible accommodation in our self-catering bungalow and our aim is to be able to provide a higher level of accessible accommodation for B&B and self-catering in the future.
At the time of replacement we use low-energy equivalent light bulbs where suitable. Outside lighting is movement controlled and lights in public areas are controlled by time switches. We switch off televisions at the mains to reduce 'standby' consumption.
Toilet flushing volumes have been reduced, immersion heater elements re-set, and levels of insulation increased. To reduce heat loss through windows, as they are replaced all curtains are being made with interlining because it is not appropriate to install double glazing in the farmhouse. Radiators have thermostatic controls and the oil boiler is supplemented with a wood-burning boiler.
Glass, paper, tins, cardboard and plastic bottles are all recycled with the use of labelled bins. Office paper and envelopes are reused where possible and printer cartridges refilled or recycled.
Food waste is minimised by asking guests where appropriate to let us know what type of breakfast they would like. Suitable food waste is fed to the domestic animals and chickens, or composted. We grow some of our own vegetables using a water butt to irrigate. Our own hens produce most of the eggs used here.
Guests are encouraged to turn off lighting, heating, televisions and taps when not in use, substitute washing lines for tumble dryers, and always replace the insulating pool cover. The pool is mainly heated with solar panels, supplemented by electricity to meet guest expectations of a comfortable swim. A salt-chlorinator is used for pool disinfection, which uses non-elemental chlorine that is not damaging to the environment.
Our laundry is washed with laundry balls 80% of the time, and we ask that guests consider a less frequent change of towels and bedding to save on water consumption. The incoming water in the house passes through an efficient softener, which has greatly reduced the need for descaling chemicals in the bathrooms and kettles. Soap and shower gel in the B&B and washing up liquid in the self-catering cottages is provided in refillable containers. The use of cleaning agents is minimised by the use of microporous cloths.
Over the past ten years we have reduced the amount of fertiliser that we use on the farm by approximately 75%. We now farm extensively and encourage wildlife and birds, leaving uncut margins around the fields and along the riverbank. Hedge cutting and other farm activities are undertaken only when breeding wildlife will not be disturbed.
We welcome suggestions on how our green policy could be improved, and energy or resource consumption reduced.