Sleep easy at green B&Bs

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/weekend_extra/story.html?id=81016d91-65c4-4464-b40d-ac83f36ce09b

By Laura Robin

While acknowledging that travelers burn gas to get to their destinations, the editors of an online B&B directory are urging vacationers to choose green B&B’s to help offset the environmental costs of their carbon emissions. “Innkeepers are moving toward greener getaways by investing in earth-friendly practices,” says BedandBreakfast.com, which lists 35 “Earth-friendly” packages. Here’s a sampling:Ocean View B&B

Victoria, B.C.

“Leave the car behind and travel by ferry to Victoria, then use foot power to explore ocean front pubs and parks,” say the editors of BedandBreakfast.com. “Garbage restrictions mean recycling — non-packaged and locally grown goods are the norm here.”

Owner Yvette Craig buys her eggs from a local farm (the farmer drops them off on her way to work at a downtown bank), her bacon and sausage from a local butcher and she tries to use mostly organic coffee.

“My breakfast is a little buffet — fruit salad, granola, local yogurt, an egg dish and toast, or sometimes homemade pancakes with local blueberries or homemade scones.”

Craig says there’s less waste with a buffet “since folks eat what they want and I have very little leftovers.”

She runs her six-room B&B with just one large garbage can and blue boxes. “I try to purchase goods with the least amount of packaging.”

“We use as many non-chemical cleaners as possible, and I’m always adding new ones so that I’ll be chemical-free very soon,” says Craig. “My washing machine is a front loader which uses very little water therefore only one-eighth of a cup of soap. It has a very strong spinner and therefore it takes less time to dry the sheets and towels. We also use linen (rather than paper) napkins.”

Featured green scheme: “Fabulous savings come from the Incredible Shower Heads (that’s their official name),” says BedandBreakfast.com, which is based in Austin, Texas.”

Chez Sven B&B

Wellfleet, Massachusetts

“Committed to eco-tourism, this B&B provides a natural, chemical-free environment geared toward those with environmental sensitivities. Allergy-free suites feature 100-per-cent organic cotton bed linens and hypo-allergenic comforters and pillows for those allergic to down. Non-toxic green detergents are used in a front-loading, energy-efficient washer and whenever possible sheets are line-dried. HEPA filters in vacuums help to maintain air quality. The inn is totally smoke- and pet-free. Organic raspberries, tomatoes and potatoes, plus homemade organic yogurt, are guest favourites for breakfast.”

Featured green scheme: “During warmer weather, dry sheets and towels outside. Not only will you save energy, but they’ll smell and feel fabulous.”

Pilgrim’s Inn

Deer Isle, Maine

“Certified by the state of Maine as an environmental leader, this country inn and restaurant is sweet on recycling. They use biodegradable ‘to go’ containers made of sugar cane.

Used cooking oil is donated to those driving cars fueled by bio-diesel. Soaps and shampoos are no longer packaged but provided via dispensers in guest baths and showers. Natural kitchen waste is composted, and island-grown organic vegetables are served as often as possible. Low-flow showers and toilets help to conserve water.”

Featured green scheme:

“Swap traditional light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs, saving energy on both lighting and cooling. These new bulbs last eight to 10 times longer, use about 75 per cent less energy, and produce 90 per cent less heat while delivering more light per watt than incandescent bulbs.”