Eco Program and Green Initiative
Saranac Lake Innis an environmentally conscious Lodger. We not only aim to provide exceptional quality services for our guests, but are committed to the implementation of proactive measures to help protect and sustain the local, national and global environment for future generations. By working together we can create a safe and clean environment and ensure that environmental issues are kept at the forefront of everyone’s mind and given proper attention at all times. Some of the steps we have towards Green Sustainability are:
- Discounted rates for those who arrive via non-gasoline mode of transportation
- Use 100% recycled paper and making double sided photo copies whenever possible
- Adopted a paperless check in/check out policy
- Serve only Organic Fair Trade Coffee and Teas, purchased from local producers
- Use Phosphate Free and biodegradable Cleaners and detergents that contain no phosphates
- In room recycle bins as well as conveniently located recycle room. We recycle ANY item we are able and donate “for deposit” items to local children’s and Green organizations
- Recycle fluorescent light bulbs, paper, cardboard, toner and ink jet cartridges
- Eliminated the use of Styrofoam throughout the hotel
- Adopted a Water Conservation policy for guest room laundry and grounds (see policy)
- Upgraded all toilets to be 1.6 gallons per flush
- Use only low flow shower heads
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs in all guest rooms and wherever possible
- Use only Soft Paw or Eco-tractions for de-icing during our winter months
- Installed double paned windows and doors
- Eliminated all use of pesticides and chemicals on entire property (see Grounds Policy)
- Converted pool from oil heat to solar
- Landscape and Garden our grounds with native plants and use lake water for watering
- Formed Environmental Committee that meets regularly
- Installed heat pumps in our heating/ac units which use 40% less energy
- Regularly remind all staff to turn lights off, unplug in room refrigerators and turn heat to a fixed temperature
- Shut down one of our buildings in the off season/when not needed to reduce energy used (see maintenance policy)
- Use only latex and low fume paints in all rooms
- Recycle and donate all furniture and linens, also building materials
Back to the Basics:
Lets Clean Up:
Green Cleaning Products:
 We Use Non-Toxic, plant derived, green cleaning agents for all of our rooms. Our products contain no phosphates and are biodegradable. They are safe for everyone and do a better job of cleaning than anything else we have tried!
Pure Energy:
We installed energy efficient Air conditioning units and heat pumps throughout the entire facility. Our furnace is cleaned twice a Year to ensure maximum efficiency. FACT: Heat pumps can provide up to 4 times the amount of energy they consume.
Dirty Laundry:
Laundry and Water Conservation Policy:
We always fill our washing machines & dryers with full loads. We use cold water to wash instead of hot. The laundry soap contains no phosphorous.
All of our Washers & Dryers are Energy Star. As part of our Green Linen and Water Conservation Policy we ask our guests to take part as well. We do this by suggesting they reuse their towels and have their sheets changed every three days, and at check out. We give this option by having them indicate linen change with tags provided in all guest rooms.
Dancin' in the Sheets?:
Linens:
In the process of revamping the rooms we chose to order Organic Pima Cotton linens as well as Natural Down. They are quite luxurious and cozy!
You make me feel like a Natural Woman … or man
Organic Bath Amenities:
This year we made the switch to eco bath amenities made by Davies Gate, as seen in Oprah's top picks, Allure, Vogue, W and Fit Yoga to name a few! This switch bares a multitude of benefits! Our guest’s can pamper themselves with Whole Wheat and Seeds and Grain, part of the Davies Gate line.
Take out those papers in the trash… Yakity yack don't talk back!
INN house recycling program:
We encourage our guests to participate in our recycling program. We do this by placing information throughout our property and guest rooms about the benefits of doing so. As we are a smaller property we are able to provide a large recycle bin in our “Blue- Green Room” (really, just a fun room painted blue with lots of GREEN info). Our staff will also pick up these items if left right outside guest room doors. We now also donate the funds from our recyclable items to our community.
Grounds Control to Major Tom (or Dan):
Start Me Up:
Out with the old and INN with the new:
In 2008 we replaced all pipe lines to the pool as they were not efficient and were outdated. In 2009 we switched to solar heating of our pool. Before this over 1,500 gallons of oil was needed to heat the pool, now we use NONE. Yes, the pool is not super warm like it used to be, but we feel it is worth that adjustment and hope our guests appreciate it too.
Salt and Ice:
We use only Safe Step a soluble salt like product for all of our de-icing needs. Safe Step contains no hazardous chemicals and is much better for the environment as well as our pets. Here at Saranac lake Inn, we LOVE our pets! We are also working with the Adirondack Green Circle to purchase Eco-Traction for our grounds. This is a really awesome traction lava like substance that is completely reusable!
Break On Through… or Not!
Windows and Doors:
Before we took over the business double paned windows and doors were already installed. This was a DOUBLE bonus for us. Not only do they save on energy and require less energy, but they also make it a little easier on our wallets come bill time!
Flush away your worries:
Showers and toilets:
Once it was time to re-due the bathrooms we choose to install low flow shower heads (that still pack a punch) and low flow water systems in our toilets. We have seen a massive reduction in our water usage since installation.
Blinded by the Light:
Lighting and bulbs:
In 2006 we switched to CFL lighting in all of rooms. Yes the bulbs are a bit pricey-er, but they do last more than 5x as long and translate into major energy savings.
Don't let the Sun go down on me:
Solar:
As with our pool, last year we wanted to brighten up the property and lake line a bit. We installed only solar lights to do this instead of electric lighting. They put out a perfect soft light, just right if you are in the mood for romance!
Our Staff and Continued Effort:
In our office we have upgraded to a fully electronic reservation system including paperless check in and check out. We recycle our paper and only use 100% recycled paper as well. Instead of mailing our info we use email (but promise not to send junk)! We do still provide Postcards to our guests as they enjoy sending greetings to friends and family.
Nicole Brownell heads our GREEN Program and is constantly researching areas of improvement as well as ways to connect with others who support to environment.
She also runs our local support, donating funds to places like St. Joes, Paw Print Park at Lake Placid Elementary School, The Wild Center and the Adirondack Museum. Local shopping options are must for us! We only use organic coffee from the Adirondack Bean-To in Saranac Lake, all of our rooms showcase the work of local artists. For information, suggestions and questions (plus helpful eco-hints) please email: nicole@saranaclakeinn.com.
Other Stuff
We purchase as many supplies as we can locally and hire contractors, electricians and plumbers from our area. We like to support the HOTT House and purchase our plants and flowers there.
We brew complementary coffee all day and reuse all of the grounds in the garden, what we don't use we donate to other gardeners. We also have a compost pile where we put anything any everything we can. Water based paints are our only option for in-room paint as well.
In general, we try to take care of our property and guests the way we care for ourselves and our families --- Organic, Non-Toxic, Re-use, Reduce, Healthy and with Love.
 All rooms are non-smoking rooms |
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