Environmental policy
We are trying, in a small way, to look after the environment for this and future generations to enjoy and we hope that you will help us during your stay at Holestone Moor
What we have done
- We have planted almost 5000 native trees, hedgerow plants and shrubs since 1998
- We maintain a wildlife meadow, ponds and a small orchard to provide shelter and food for native wildlife
- We run our vehicles and central heating systems on ‘bio fuels’ – at present these are a blend of fossil fuel oil and vegetable oils but the proportion of vegetable oil is increasing all the time
- We have insulated our cottages to a very high standard and each radiator is thermostatically controlled
- We have replaced all our standard light bulbs with low energy bulbs (sorry, they take a few seconds to ‘warm up’ and reach maximum efficiency!)
- We provide, at our own cost, bins for glass recycling, cans, paper/cardboard and compostable waste. Our local authority does not provide any recycling service in rural areas
- We support local suppliers (farmers, local shops, tradesmen etc), even where they are more expensive than other sources
- We buy products for the cottages with minimum packaging, whenever these are of sufficiently high quality
- Loo rolls from recycled paper are much improved, so we now use Nouvelle in the cottages and our house.
We
have joined the Green Tourism Business Scheme, and were
delighted in October 2007, to receive a Silver award!
What we plan to do in the medium term
- We will increase our use of recycled water by installing more rainwater barrels, taps etc
- We will introduce wind-powered turbines when sufficiently robust designs become available and when the power supply companies/local authorities provide the facilities and planning permissions for us to do so.
- We will continually review our ‘green’ policy and upgrade our facilities
And in the long term?
Who knows? We’re open to ideas but can’t see composting loos becoming acceptable as VisitBritain 5 star graded in the foreseeable future.
How can you help?
- Please use our recycling bins and take a little extra time to sort your refuse into the appropriate categories
- Please don’t leave heating turned on full and windows/doors wide open!!
- Please turn off lights and electrical appliances when not required
- Please try to support local businesses while you are here and buy local products and gifts
- If we had public transport here it would be great to use it – but we don’t. However we recommend the steam train journeys between Matlock and Rowsley for a good trip out; the carbon emissions it produces per person are apparently much less than that produced by a day trip out in the car
Most importantly
Please tell us of any ideas that you have, that could help us to be more ‘environmentally friendly’, while not compromising on the comfort of our cottages.