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Since May 2000 we have purchased all our electricity from Airtricity. This electricity is generated from windmills located on the west coast of Ireland.
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All food waste and waste office paper is composted (some is collected and some is composted in our own vermi-composter).
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All garden waste is composted and then reused in the garden.
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Cardboard packaging, newspapers, magazines, glass, cans, plastic bottles and used light bulbs and batteries are all returned for recycling. In the past five years we have reduced waste to landfill by 66%.
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Most of our heating and hot water is generated by super efficient combi condensing gas boilers. In early 2009 we will be installing a Biomass (Wood Pellet) Heating and Hot Water System in our staff accommodation. In 2010 we plan to install a similar system for the hotel.
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We use a natural puraflo peat moss treatment system which purifies all wastewater generated by the hotel.
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Our water is sourced from a spring on the Corkscrew Hill. We also harvest rainwater for use in the hotel.
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Each year we carry out a cleanup of litter from The Corkscrew Hill.
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As much as possible of our food is sourced from local producers thereby reducing food miles (the distance that food must travel to get from farm to fork). For example all our Lamb and Beef is all supplied by The Burren Beef and Lamb Producers Group. Other products such as smoked fish, salads, eggs and cheeses are from the locality. As much produce as possible is sourced from small artisan producers.
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In 2005 we planted 250 new trees. Over the past 30 years we have created new habitat for birds and other wildlife. Recently native Irish Red Squirrels have moved into our garden.
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We do not use weedkillers or other harmful chemicals in our gardens.
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When redecorating the hotel, we use when possible natural pigment paints and natural fabrics.
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We support environmentally sustainable tourism by encouraging guests to walk or cycle while staying at the hotel. We have bicycles for free guest’s use and book a local walking guide for walks on The Burren. We host many small walking and cycling groups at the hotel and sell our own walking packages.
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For many years we have lobbied local and and central Government on planning and conservation matters which relate to The Burren.
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You can play your part:
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If you feel that you can reuse your towels please hang them back on the bathroom rail.
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Please try not to run water unnecessarily.
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Please turn off all lights and electrical equipment when leaving your room.
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Place glass and plastic bottles, used batteries and newspapers and magazines beside your dustbin. These will be collected by Housekeeping.
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