We strive continuously to ensure that, as far as possible, we consider the impact of what we do on our environment and that we have as little waste as possible. Currently we do the following:

Toiletries: We used to provide individual containers of shower gel, shampoo and conditioner and pretty packets of soap but we had so much waste – both packaging and half-used toiletries – that we decided to adopt a different policy. We now supply our guests with a much more expensive product, Gilchrist and Soames’ Spa Therapy range, in dispensers in the shower and by the basin. This enables each guest to use as much as s/he would like whilst eliminating packaging and waste entirely.

Towels: towels are changed daily, if required, but we do explain how to let us know if guests are happy to reuse their towels. All the bathrooms are warmed by heated towel rails.

Showers v baths: when Three Abbey Green was renovated, all the bedrooms were fitted with en-suite showers to save water. The only exception to this is the Asher Suite, our large family room.

Light bulbs: Where possible our light bulbs are ‘saver lamps’, with up to 80% energy saving compared with traditional bulbs.

Heating: we are in the process of upgrading the radiators, so that each has its’ own thermostat. The central heating is on a ‘timer’ so that it is ‘on’ when we expect guests to be in the guest house and ‘off’ at other times. I really do not like to be cold, so we will always put on the heating, if requested.

Tea, coffee and hot chocolate: all are sourced from Fair Trade suppliers

Eggs: we buy from a local family business. They grow their own chicken feed, pack the eggs and distribute the eggs from their own farm.

Recycling: This is a difficult issue for us because we do not have any storage facility. We are looking at ways to make more impact in this area.

Bacon and sausages: We are negotiating with a local farmer to purchase his produce

If you have other suggestions about how we can make a difference, we would be delighted to consider any new proposal.