Introduction

Richard and Jenny are continually looking at ways to improve the environment and recycle. We are both enthusiastic sailors and have firsthand experience of the amount of plastic bags, plastic bottles and other debris floating in the sea thousands of miles from land. Other than being unsightly this detritus endangers not only human life but also that of the wildlife.

We ask all our team to voice opinions and ideas of how we may become more environmentally friendly.

We have distilled our policy into 5 key areas:

Transport

• Links to www.nationalrail.co.uk and www.nationalrail.co.uk assisting guests getting to York without a car
• We have lots of literature on Bus and Train timetables in our Guest Lounge as well as contact details for local services such as cycle hire and the innovative Whizz Go car club.
• Private parking and our location only a short walk from the City, means that those guests that have to come by car can ‘park-and-forget’ until checkout.

Energy and Water Conservation

• External lighting is controlled by movement sensors. As and when the old lighting systems come to the end of their natural life they are replaced with modern energy efficient lighting that uses significantly less energy with little loss to actual illumination.
• All public areas are lit by modern warm energy efficient bulbs.
• Laundry facilities are being upgraded to energy efficient machines.
• All our bedrooms and public areas are individually thermostatically controlled allowing heat to be used just where it is wanted.
• WC's are replaced at the end of their natural life with water conserving dual flush cisterns.
• Guests are offered the opportunity to reuse their towels rather than being laundered every day.
• Use of rain water butts and the water from the driers is used to water the potted plants under our loggia. Gravel is used on top of the pots to reduce evaporation and reduce the need to water.
• All of our windows are energy efficiently double glazed.
• We encourage staff and guests to switch off lights and appliances when not in use.

Eco-kitchen

• We design and print our menus internally and use chalk boards for specials etc.
• Fair Trade beverages are used in guest rooms.
• We support a think global shop local policy.
• Free range eggs are from Happy Hens in Harrogate.
• Mushrooms, Jams and Honey are sourced from local producers.
• We are continually sourcing reliable local producers.
• We focus on reducing the amount of kitchen waste.
• Where possible we choose to source our materials from local suppliers to reduce our food miles.

Waste Management

• We reuse or re-cycle the majority of our office paper.
• We recycle batteries and printer cartridges
• We reuse and repair where we can, when this becomes impossible we source the new products with a view to their green credentials.
• Recycle as much waste as possible.
• We recycle our old towels into cleaning cloths.
• Confirmations and orders are via email where possible to save on paper.
• We operate a think before you print policy.
• Old duvets and bedding go to the RSPCA for the benefit of our furry friends.
• Old toast is recycled and fed to the birds on the Knavesmire. (If you see a lady on the Racecourse being followed by a flock of Crows...thats mum.)

Eco-friendly Products and suppliers

• Hand pumped alternatives to aerosols have been sourced.
• Eco-friendly cleaning products are used where possible.
• Suppliers are consulted regarding their Green Policy.

If you have any ideas or suggestions of how we can improve our environmental policy please send us and email.