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We are sure that you will agree after your
visit that the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Area is a very special
place. Our aim is to provide you with a holiday that leaves as
small a "foot
print" as possible on the environment without detracting from
your enjoyment.
In order to monitor our efforts, we applied
for a Green Tourism Business Scheme audit - see www.green-business.co.uk and
were delighted to receive a Silver award in November 2006. This
means that we are employing a "very good environmental practice" and
we are committed to continuing to introduce improvements.
- Shopping - there
are details of where you can shop locally in both cottages. We
buy free trade and / or organic tea, coffee and sugar to place
in the cottage for your arrival. Wherever possible, anything
that we buy for the cottages is purchased from local traders
and we try to avoid excess packaging by buying loose or in bulk.
Home made cakes, biscuits or bread placed in your welcome pack
for your arrival are made by me using local and / organic ingredients.
You can also place an order via us for an organic vegetable box
delivered for your arrival – see www.fourseasonsfoods.org.
- Cleaning - in order to look after you, us and the environment,
we use environmentally friendly cleaning products (generally
Ecover) and E Cloths
Paper Products - we use recycled products in the office and in
the cottages.
- Recycling - we have tried to make it as easy as possible for
you to recycle for kerb side collection. We provide 100% degradable
refuse sacks for your use for non-recyclable refuse.
- Energy
conservation - low energy light bulbs are fitted in appropriate
places, the cottages are well insulated and radiators have thermostats
fitted to allow you to control the heating as and when needed.
In addition, where appliances need renewing, low energy options
are being sourced.
- Keeping
it local - there is plenty of information in each cottage
giving details of local attractions and activities - we are very
lucky to have so much in the area. This includes walking material
and details of where you can hire bikes if you do not bring your
own.
- Gardens - are designed to avoid the need for chemicals
and excess watering.
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If you are reading this, the odds
are that you are interesting in looking after the environment
too. You can do this by doing as many of the following as possible:
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Using recycling facilities,
and when you are out in the countryside, bringing back your
rubbish. Try to avoid over packaged goods and say no to a carrier
bags.
- Shop Local - Buying local food, gifts and souvenirs
- we are lucky to be in an area where there is a great pride
in local food production and we have many talented local crafts
men and women.
- Conserve Energy - Saving energy by turning
off lights, heating and appliances when not needed, and closing
windows if heating is on.
- Be Water Wise - please use water wisely. Turn
off the tap when brushing your teeth. If you have clean bedding
or towels at the end of your stay, let us know to save unnecessary
washing.
Give the Car a Rest - Leave the car behind for a
day. You will find ideas for this in each cottage.
- Respect Nature and the Environment - As we
are in farming country, remember to shut gates. Look after
the landscape and wildlife by not littering, guarding against
fire and using footpaths and cycle-ways responsibly.
- Support Green Tourism Businesses - There are
hundreds of businesses trying to reduce their environmental
impacts through the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Businesses
are awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold for their efforts to be
more environmentally responsible. See www.green-business.co.uk for more information.
And most importantly, have a great
time when you are here; we'd
like you to come back.
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