The Greener Way
The Greener Way is a simple approach of minimising environmental impact through every day decisions. This includes travel and accomodation. You don’t have to sacrifice comforts to live the greener way.
While we know it is near impossible to have no impact on the environment, imagine what would happen if 80% of the world did sustainability 80% perfectly…
It is quite simple really. Hundreds of little acts of courtesy to the environment that we choose every day.
What to expect
Energy
The cottage was built in the 1860s, and those days the folks were into slow sustainable builds. The original walls internally and externally are built of stone, which means brilliant thermal storage.
The solar panels on the roof teamed up with a Tesla Power Wall provide vast majority of energy for the cottage. However, we do ask our guests to be mindful of energy use in winter, when sun is lower and does not necessarily charge the battery in full.
It is a lot more sustainable to run the AC on lower setting all the time, than try to heat the cottage up really fast. We ask that you keep that in mind when looking to warm up or cool down.
We also provide our guests with electric blankets for extra cosy winter nights, and a small heater in the bathroom – please use with consideration – it is by far the most energy consuming appliance in the house.
Hot water system is powered by natural gas, and while it is not a perfect solution, it is the best option we have at the moment that does not require ongoing heating of water that won’t be used if the cottage is vacant.
Wildlife
There are several possum families in the vicinity, and if you are lucky enough you might see them climbing on the tree near the back door. Please be courteous to them, and if you wish to feed them – sweet potato and apples are their favourites.
There also are several sleepy lizards around the place – they live up to 70 years and mate for life – we love having them around as they keep the insects down and are kinda cute.
There is a small bee colony in the garden, that has made its home in the wall on the western boundary of the property. We ask that you let them do their job without interference.
Water
We encourage our guests to use the dish washer to minimise the water use, enjoy the outdoor shower that waters the garden as you indulge in a jungle like setting.
The garden is set up with an automatic watering system that looks after all the greenery that offers a lovely shade on summer days.
With strategically planted trees and greenery we minimise the need of heating and cooling for the cottage.
Waste
Minimising every kind of waste is a global team effort, and we are definitely a part of it.
1.
We ask our guests to first of all consider their purchases and packaging options, especially for the plastic and non-recyclable waste. While it is often quicker to get a pack of pre-cut veg from a big chain supermarket, you will be not only creating at least 2 separate pieces of waste, but will also be missing out on the lovely service and local experience at the Corner Patch Fruit N Veg shop – they are delightful and the produce is the freshest you can get in town. Also your food will come in a cardboard box which can be recycled or composted.
2.
Since waste is almost inevitable, we ask our guests to separate their waste in the bins provided (and labelled). This way we can ensure that the smallest amount of rubbish ends up in land fill.
The local council offers a FOGO bin for all compostable waste. If you choose to segregate your waste even further to be suitable for domestic composter (meaning no animal products), this can be placed in the composter on the property and later used for fertilising the garden.
Cleaning & Supplies
Having the cottage clean and welcoming is a high priority for us, but we also don’t want to cost the earth.
We use non-plastic packaged, non-toxic, all Australian made cleaning products, and non-disposables that are cleaned & disinfected between uses where required.
Everything supplied in the cottage is compostable, reusable, or minimises waste – like shampoo and conditioner in refillable containers, locally made soaps that you are welcome to take home, compostable coffee pods etc.
Please use what you need, but don’t waste. Like at home.
Bottom line
We think that the sustainable way of life is really simple, easy, and offers a wonderful way to be more mindful about treading lightly.
If you are not sure of something, please do get in touch with us.
