We are very proud to have received the State of Maine Environmental Leadership Certificate in Green Lodging. We have worked very hard to bring green products and ideas into the everyday workings of the inn. We hope you have a minute to read through the press release. When you are here, be sure to take a look at our 'Green Hint of the Month' where we list one very easy 'green' thing you can do at home. Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions to us along the way, we look forward to more helpful tips next time we see you!
(Freeport, Maine)- White Cedar Inn was awarded an Environmental Leadership Certificate in Lodging from the State of Maine on November 2, 2007.
The Certificate is awarded to those businesses showing leadership in implementing pollution prevention practices in daily operations.
White Cedar Inn is the first Bed and Breakfast in Freeport to achieve this distinction.
The husband and wife owners of the inn, Rock Nadeau and Monica Kissane, have changed several aspects of the day to day operations of the business to use more ‘green’ and environmentally aware practices.
"We sort trash," say the owners. "It’s not the most glamorous part of the day, but we’ve been able to reduce our trash pickup to twice per month from once per week. We have also included an environmental impact statement in our guest room books to show guests what we are doing. These are simple, easy steps most anyone could use in their own home. Even if someone says they don’t believe in global warming, everyone is looking for ways to save money."
The process to obtain the Environmental Leadership Certification includes a self-assessment workbook which allows the business to highlight their areas of expertise and to focus future conservation efforts on projects with the most impact on reducing environmental impact and increasing the bottom line.
"It really gave us a place to focus our continuing efforts," says Ms Kissane. "We had a lot of help from Peter Cooke, Program Manager for the state, in helping us find sources for green cleaning products. We originally started looking at green products when our summer housekeeper started bringing natural cleaning products with her to work. She said they were better for her health and the health of our guests."
Mr Nadeau concurs that taking small steps has helped already. "We have reduced water consumption by almost 10% by taking quick, inexpensive steps to reduce water leaks. We use an HE (High Efficiency) washer for the linens. There are always small projects that can have a high impact on savings and that also reduce energy and water consumption without sacrificing creature comforts."
The owners are working now to switch from incandescent to CFL bulbs throughout the inn. With this project in the works and having already put timers on many electrical appliances they expect to see a reduction in their overall electric consumption and cost to the business.
White Cedar Inn is a seven room historic B&B just north of the downtown shopping district in Freeport, ME.
(Freeport, Maine)- White Cedar Inn was awarded an Environmental Leadership Certificate in Lodging from the State of Maine on November 2, 2007.
The Certificate is awarded to those businesses showing leadership in implementing pollution prevention practices in daily operations.
White Cedar Inn is the first Bed and Breakfast in Freeport to achieve this distinction.
The husband and wife owners of the inn, Rock Nadeau and Monica Kissane, have changed several aspects of the day to day operations of the business to use more ‘green’ and environmentally aware practices.
"We sort trash," say the owners. "It’s not the most glamorous part of the day, but we’ve been able to reduce our trash pickup to twice per month from once per week. We have also included an environmental impact statement in our guest room books to show guests what we are doing. These are simple, easy steps most anyone could use in their own home. Even if someone says they don’t believe in global warming, everyone is looking for ways to save money."
The process to obtain the Environmental Leadership Certification includes a self-assessment workbook which allows the business to highlight their areas of expertise and to focus future conservation efforts on projects with the most impact on reducing environmental impact and increasing the bottom line.
"It really gave us a place to focus our continuing efforts," says Ms Kissane. "We had a lot of help from Peter Cooke, Program Manager for the state, in helping us find sources for green cleaning products. We originally started looking at green products when our summer housekeeper started bringing natural cleaning products with her to work. She said they were better for her health and the health of our guests."
Mr Nadeau concurs that taking small steps has helped already. "We have reduced water consumption by almost 10% by taking quick, inexpensive steps to reduce water leaks. We use an HE (High Efficiency) washer for the linens. There are always small projects that can have a high impact on savings and that also reduce energy and water consumption without sacrificing creature comforts."
The owners are working now to switch from incandescent to CFL bulbs throughout the inn. With this project in the works and having already put timers on many electrical appliances they expect to see a reduction in their overall electric consumption and cost to the business.
White Cedar Inn is a seven room historic B&B just north of the downtown shopping district in Freeport, ME.
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