Bed & Breakfast, Mere, Wiltshire/Somerset borders

Enviromental Policy of Castleton House Quality B&B

This year my New Year's Resolution was 'to consume less' - and I hope this gives an indication of where my heart lies.

Where possible we make every effort to minimise the impact our lives and business has on the environment and we ask our guests to help us where possible. The measures we have taken to date are:

To buy energy efficient A or AA rated electrical goods.

To use energy efficient light bulbs where possible

We have fitted the guests bedrooms with secondary glazing

Individual dials have been fitted to radiators throughout the house.

We use an energy efficient Everhot for cooking.

Double glazed windows are slowly being installed throughout the house.

All our vegetable waste is composted and used again to improve the soil quality in the garden.

We grow a substaintial amount of our own fruit and vegetables.

Intelligent plugs are used on the television power points to prevent the unnecessary use of electricity whilst on standby.

We make our own jams and marmalade, these are available to buy and all proceeds go to the Woodland Trust.

Where possible, and almost always, the ingredients for breakfast have been locally sourced and are organic.

Sheets and towels are washed with biodegradable soap nuts or with a 'wash-it laundry ball' which activate' water molecules producing electrolytic oxygen and hydrogen ions, which unleash their natural power to lift dirt from clothing fibres.

We do not have a tumble drier and all washing is dried either outside or on a rack in the utility room.

We use water butts to collect rain water for use in the garden.

We are happy to provide drying and storage facilities, along with information to walkers and cyclists. We have a range of maps and literature regarding walks and cycle rides. We hold information on local bus routes.

We recycle all our glass, plastic, cardboard, metal and paper waste. Where possible other waste is taken to a recycling centre.

We use carbon neutral wood to heat our sitting room during the winter. Waste paper rather than firelighters are used for starting the fire.

When possible I order books from the library rather than buying them.

I cycle rather than use the car when I can.

We started taking 'card' payments rather than cheques to reduce amount of paper we use.

I use a baskets for carrying shopping and if I am reduced to using carrier bags I ensure that I reuse them as often as I can.