In 2010 I attended a Visit Scotland Sustainable Tourism workshop and in 2011 attended a Green Tourism Workshop and decided to take the plunge and join the Green Tourism Business Scheme, and were delighted to be awarded a 'silver'. We already have many environmental policies in place, but this is to let you know what we do and our commitment.
RECYLING:
In our blue-lidded bin we can recycle: Brochures, leaflets, telephone
directories, books and catalogues, envelopes, cards, magazines, cards,
greeting cards - pretty much all paper products. This bin also takes all
types of plastics including food trays, yogurt pots, plastic drinks bottles,
detergent and cosmetic plastic bottles. Cans including aerosol cans,
biscuit tins, food cans, soft and alcoholic drink cans. Cardboard -
food packaging, cereal boxes, cardboard tubes etc.
In our brown-lidded bin we can recycle: All cooked and uncooked food, tea bags, coffee granules etc and all garden waste. At our local recycling centre you can go and help yourself to compost which is made from all the food/garden waste. We are fortunate to have an excellent recycling centre, where you can recycle pretty much everything and we can recycle batteries at our local supermarket.
GUEST BEDROOMS/BATHROOMS:
All rooms have thermostatically controlled radiators.
All rooms are double glazed.
We use a lot of Fair Trade products on the hospitality Tray as well as fresh
milk (no mini cartons)
We use mini kettles.
Energy saving light bulbs are used.
Extensive local information is provided.
We use refillable Scottish Fine Soap shampoos etc.
We ask you to consider re-using your towels if staying more than one night.
All toilets are modern dual low flush.
APPLIANCES/KITCHEN/CLEANING/WASHING/COOKING:
80% our 'white' goods are A rated and all older ones will be replaced with A
rated
We have a gas hob for 'quick' heat.
As you will have seen from out Breakfast page we use a lot of local produce.
75% of our cleaning products are environmentally friendly.
We use eco-balls instead of washing powder for 80% of our laundry.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY:
Our boiler is up to date and modern and has made a significant difference in
our heating bills and it is serviced annually.
The hot water tank is lagged as are pipes throughout the house. The
attic is insulated and fully floored.
We have an energy monitor fitted to our electricity meter.
We use dryer balls if using the dryer. We line dry where possible and
are fortunate to have plenty indoor space in which to hang wet laundry.
We don't leave lights on unnecessarily and use energy saving light bulbs and
are looking into solar lighting for outside.
We use a mobile phone to check e-mails instead of switching on the computer
unnecessarily.
We don't run the dishwasher/ washing machine on half loads and we use the
'quick' cycle.
THE GARDEN:
Our front garden is predominantly laid out as lawn and herbaceous flower
beds and hedges which attract bees, butterflies and birds and the occasional
squirrel. We have a bird feeder in the front and do not use any
pesticides. There is also a small pond which attracts frogs and the
birds enjoy a drink and a bath at the edges.
The back garden is where we grow vegetables, flowers etc. We have a
poly tunnel and we have our own hens. We have a compost heap and
collect rainwater. There is a variety of bird boxes and feeders out
the back and you can view the array of birdlife coming into the garden from
the comfort of the upstairs lounge. There is a wildlife diary in the
upstairs lounge in which you can note down anything of interest you have
spotted around the area.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
Don't leave lights/appliances on in your bedroom when you
go out.
Ensure you have turned your radiator off before opening any windows.
Close the curtains at night.
Only boil as much water as you need if making a hot drink.
Leave all recyclable items beside the bin eg. newspapers, plastic bottles,
cans.
Use the used teabag pot on the hospitality tray.
The water from the taps is fine to drink.
Don't leave taps running when brushing teeth.
Walk into the town if you are able and consider having a car free day and
use the bus to get around. Bus timetables are available in the
upstairs lounge.
There are fabulous walks/cycle rides in the area, again maps are available.
Shop locally, Blairgowrie has some lovely independent shops.
Stay a few days and enjoy what the area has to offer.
WE ARE MEMBERS OF AND SUPPORT:
We take part in Visit Scotland's Walking and Cycling
Scheme.
We are active members of the Perthshire
Breakfast and local produce.
We support our local 'Love to Eat' initiative.
We are business supporters of Cittaslow Perth, part of the Slow Food
movement and support other Cittaslow Business Supporters.
We support and take part in Blair in Bloom.
We are members of the Mayday Network
We are members of the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
We report squirrel sightings to
Scottish Squirrels.
We support our local 'Save the free Beavers of the Tay' group.