We have diverted 65% of our waste from landfill. 42% is composted – which we hope to increase. 23% is recycled.
Only 35% of our waste goes to landfill a figure we aim to reduce to 30% in 2010.
Reducing what we buy, buying in bulk and unpackaged.
Reusing or offering locally for reuse, any equipment, furniture, linens that we have finished with.
Recycling. For a remote village we can recycle a range of materials - paper, tins, glass, paper and fabrics.
At present there is no cardboard recycling in the village so we compost some unprinted card if it cannot be re-used and take the rest to the Civic Site in Inverness to recycle.
Compost all vegetable & fruit waste; the addition of a rotary compost system increases the range of waste that can be composted to include cooked food.
A wormery helps to finish the pasteurised compost & retain nutrient faster than conventional systems.
Egg shells are crushed and used in the vegetable garden to discourage slugs and snails. The calcium helps to reduce the acidity in our soil.
Some shredded paper is added to compost as part of the vital carbon component.
Old bits of paper are made into notepads – which may take your next breakfast order!
We have eliminated sachet waste without compromising on quality or range of teas.
Garden and wildlife
Run the garden on organic principles.
Installed 2 pond’s for wildlife.
Maintain a shelter belt of trees and shrubs which also provides a habitat and corridor / shelter for birds and wildlife.
Installed a high tech polytunnel for protected growing in our windy climate.
Have 3 vegetable and 4 fruit beds.
Grow produce that is harder to keep a fresh supply of, such as salads and herbs.
Have a composting system and firmly believe in looking after the soil structure & fertility, retaining carbon.
Setting up a comfrey bed from bocking 14 cuttings.
Use local seaweed for mulches & feeds.
Growing the plants suited to our soil & situation.
Members of the Soil Association, HDRA – Garden Organic & the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
Provide food & shelter for birds, bees & insects.
Planted a new mixed deciduous hedge and fruit trees.
Transport
Our policy is to only do a major shopping run once a month.
Combining tasks to make full use of going anywhere in this remote area.
Using local transport networks.
Cycling to the shop.
Getting deliveries from suppliers who are doing multiple drops in the area.
Making full use of the postal system.
Bought 4 second hand road bicycles for guests to hire.
Community
Help with the primary school eco project. Providing a growing area for the primary children to encourage an interest in growing, fruit & vegetables and connecting them with what we eat.
Helping to set up a compost system in the school garden.
Managing the advertising for our village booklet which details public transport timetables, local suppliers & tourist related businesses. This encourages people to spend more time in the area and suggests walks and activities not dependant on the car.
Member of West Coast Recycling (Highland).
Supporting local business, producers, artists and craftsmen & women – by selling their work & recommending studios to visit.
Planned – improving local food networks & looking into local growing opportunities
Members of the National Trust for Scotland
We support, attend & promote cultural events & local ethical businesses.
By encouraging guests to stay longer we support local businesses, particularly as we only provide evening meals 4 nights a week.
"Just such a lovely environment for our holiday. Thank you". Richard & Hilary - Isle of Islay
