Environmental Issues and being Green
Green Tourism Business Scheme:
In
2010 we were awarded the Gold Level in Green Tourism. The GTBS is an
environmental accreditation
organisation who independently audit and grade tourism businesses, such as ours,
that are committed to reducing their impact on the environment.
Businesses are measured on their performance against a check list of approximately 150 measures which reflect best practice in terms of environmental, economic and social issues. These include good management and communications, efficient use of resources such as electricity, water, etc. recycling, reuse and use of local crafts and suppliers. You can find more information about the scheme at http://www.green-business.co.uk/.
What have we done at Number 35 to try and help the environment:
Here at Number 35 we aim to do as much as we can to lessen our impact on the environment. We aim to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible
We monitor our energy usage and aim to reduce it where we can do so without compromising our guests comfort
Most of our light bulbs have been changed to low energy bulbs. The ones in the touchbase table lamps and a few of the spotlights can’t take them so these haven’t been changed. We turn televisions off at the plug when cleaning the rooms. We hope that guests will help us by switching off lights and television standby buttons when not in their rooms. Individual thermostats have been fitted to radiators so guests can control the environment in each room
All the guest rooms have showers which are far more water efficient than baths. We use green cleaning products where practical throughout the rooms. We encourage reduction of pollution by having a bathroom policy which supports our Bag it & Bin it message. Our toiletries are made from organic natural ingredients. They are in refillable, recycled plastic pump dispensers to minimise waste.
Unsurprisingly the washing of bedding and towels is one of our greatest
environmental impacts. We use environmentally friendly detergents and a lower
temperature wash in A rated appliances. When the weather permits we line dry
laundry. We encourage guests to reuse their towels by hanging them on the towel
rails to dry, although we automatically replace any towels left on the floor of
the shower. We do not put bathrobes in the room although these, as well as
slippers and extra towels, are freely available on demand.
We recycle or reuse as much as we can – including paper, cardboard, plastic,
tins and glass. Food scraps are fed to the chickens and all other kitchen and
garden waste is composted.
We have insulated our roof and walls and have lined curtains at all the windows to reduce the power needed to keep our guests warm.
We provide Fair Trade or locally sourced food where possible. All tea, coffee,
sugar, and chocolate are Fair Trade. We buy our biscuits from nearby
Marshfield Bakery. We buy sausages from the butcher in Chippenham, made on the
premises from locally reared pork. Our bacon comes from nearby Malmesbury and
is cured and cut by the butcher from fully traceable Gloucester Old Spot/English
White pigs. Our eggs normally come from our own hens (currently 5 ex battery
hens plus Hope, Gloria and Poppy). If they aren’t laying sufficient eggs then
we supplement them with free range Organic eggs. We make our own marmalade.
Chippenham is on the main railway line between London and South Wales with a
fast regular service. By changing trains at Swindon, Bath or Bristol it is
possible to reach most parts of the country with ease. The train station is
less than 10 minutes walk from Number 35.
The National Express Coach service between London (via Heathrow) and Bristol calls into Chippenham. We also have a very good local bus service with bus stops around the town. It is relatively simple to visit most local attractions by bus.
You may find the link to
http://www.transportdirect.info/ useful when it comes to planning your
journey.
Seven things you can do to help save the planet
We are working to make Number 35 more eco-friendly, but we need your help. We can all reduce our impact on the environment by making choices. As a visitor you have a very important role to play in helping us to conserve our natural assets and become a more sustainable destination. Here are our recommended tips on how you can help:
Conserve Energy
Reduce energy by switching off lights and closing windows if heating is on. Turn the TV off at the mains when you aren’t using it. The Energy Saving Trust provides information on what you can do at home.
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Give the Car a Rest
Leave the car behind, if only for a day. Walk, cycle or use public transport. We will happily provide you with advice. Maps and timetables are available. Please ask.
http://www.traveline.org.uk/; http://www.seat61.com; http://www.sustrans.org.uk/
Shop Local
Use local products, they give you a flavour of the area and help support local communities. We are fortunate to have some fantastic producers of food, drink and arts and crafts. Ask us about local markets or local and regional produce.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Try to avoid overly packaged goods and say no to that extra carrier bag. You can also support us in our efforts to recycle – Paper, glass, cans and plastic can all be recycled. Please keep them separate to help us
Be Water Wise
The UK has rising costs for water treatment and flood defence so please use water wisely. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and adhere to towel policies or other water saving initiatives
http://www.water-guide.org.uk/
Respect Nature
Help us to look after the landscape and wildlife by not littering, guarding against fire and using footpaths and cycle-ways responsibly. Ensure you follow the Countryside Code
http://www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk
Support Green Businesses
There are thousands of businesses in the British Isles working to reduce their carbon footprint through the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Businesses are awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold for their efforts to be more sustainable. http://www.green-business.co.uk
