At Hazelmere we aim to reduce our effect on the environment by reducing and considering the following issues:

Heating:

• The roof space has been lagged to 200mm.
• All curtains are of ample length and lined to reduce heat loss.
• All windows are double glazed and draught free.
• All radiators have individual thermostatic control valves.
• Heating is reduced to minimum when rooms unoccupied.
• The Boiler is a new energy efficient model.
• Water tank has full lagging to conserve heat.
• Staff are expected to think of windows/radiators as each room is serviced.

Water:

• We have been replacing light bulbs with energy efficient ones as necessary.
• Fridges are A rated energy efficient.
• A rated washing machines have economy and half full programmes.
• Electricity & gas usage monitored.
• Lights and clocks switched off when rooms unoccupied.
• Washing is hung out to dry whenever possible to avoid using tumble driers.
• We have investigated solar panels but cost prohibitive.
• We monitor energy/water consumption.
• We are investigating energy supplies from renewable sources.

Power:

• We encourage guests to re-use their towels, replacing only when required.
• We boil only sufficient water in kettles for our needs – staff aware.
• Rooms have water awareness notices to encourage showers rather than baths.
• Taps etc. maintained to avoid drips.
• Toilets have dual flush.
• Washing machines have half full programmes.
• Dishwasher only used when full.
• We have a water butt to use in the garden.
• Kettles will be replaced with smaller models to heat 1 cup more easily.

Transport:

• We buy as many things locally & in bulk as possible – use journeys to take recycling at same time to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption.
• Eggs are free range, locally sourced and delivered in bulk.
• Fair Trade good delivered in bulk from The Fairground, Kendal.
• Our car has 1.6 litre engine and runs on unleaded.
• Guests are encouraged to use public transport – bus timetables available and walks provided from the house which are also on web site.
• Bike storage is available and we advertise this.

Environmental Issues:

• We use email when possible rather than use paper and envelopes
• We are aware of buying sustainable products and do so when we can.
• We avoid getting carrier bags and any forms of unnecessary packaging.
• We are vegetarian and garden organically.
• We were one of the first B&Bs in Keswick to provide Fair Trade tea/coffee etc.
• We have been members of the National Trust and Green Peace for over 30 years.
• Andy is keen on preserving the fells as a member of the Mountain Rescue Team for 30 years.
• Lynne is Vice Chair of Keswick Flood Action Group and is concerned with global warming and the effects on our river systems/lakes.
• We intend to replace all our small shampoo/bath bottles with large dispensers.
• We are investigating the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Recycle:

• We recycle all glass, hard and soft plastics, foil, metal, tetra packs, paper and card, staff are expected to sort waste in bins from rooms and this is “washed and squashed”.
• Egg boxes are returned to farm.
• Computer ink cartridges recycled for Air Ambulance.
• Postage stamps also go to Air Ambulance.
• We collect old greetings cards and sell revamped ones to aid The Calvert Trust.
• All potato peelings/tea bags etc. are composted.
• Any bedding etc. which is replaced goes to the Oxfam shop.
• We are looking at buying recycled bin liners/stationery and toilet rolls (if quality acceptable) when current supplies are used up.