tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28746786.post8424663241798112740..comments2007-11-08T06:35:29.461-08:00Rebecca Levitan, Quantum Hospitality Group, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16323865509140938835noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28746786.post-27662997729430833752007-11-08T06:35:00.000-08:002007-11-08T06:35:00.000-08:00Freeport, Maine)- Monica & Rock, owners of White Cedar Inn in Freeport, Maine has been awarded an Environmental Leadership Certificate in Lodging from the State of Maine.<BR/><BR/>The Certificate is awarded to those businesses showing leadership in implementing pollution prevention practices in daily operations.<BR/><BR/>White Cedar Inn is the first Bed and Breakfast in Freeport to achieve this distinction.<BR/><BR/>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.<BR/><BR/>"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."<BR/><BR/>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.<BR/><BR/>"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."<BR/><BR/>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."<BR/><BR/>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.Monica &amp; Rockwww.whitecedarinn.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28746786.post-84090049407759854472007-11-06T15:53:00.000-08:002007-11-06T15:53:00.000-08:00As an award winning Green Inn located in Woodstock Vermont, we urge everyone to try and adopt some green policies. Your clients will respond as long as you don't bash them over the head with your belief! In a small way we can all make a difference and it saves you money in the long run, so that's good business sense<BR/><BR/>The US is finally coming of age (we came from Europe)so do look us up - The Woodstocker Inn and we are an approved 'Green Hotel in the Green Mountain State'.innkeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16835162661226085588noreply@blogger.com