Our ecological approach

We try to work with respect for the natural environment. Often we would like to do more, but… it takes a lot of time, money, perseverance… Nevertheless, we try and do more and more, and that’s how we progress.
Below is a list of actions we are already taking. It will be a pleasure to discuss these with you, to exchange ideas, to get yours for improving or to give you ideas on how to improve at your own place. That’s how we all can work towards a healthier environment.

February 2006:

Buying:

- We buy from local producers if possible, in order to reduce transport and to avoid packaging.
- We try and buy biological – more than 50% of the food used in the kitchen is biological.
- We refuse plastic bags and are using our own bags, boxes, crates, …
- We give priority to packaging that can be returned to the producer or supplier, with or without deposit paid
- Toilet paper, kitchen paper: it’s all made out of recycled paper
- We use ecological products for the cleaning, except there where norms are forcing us to use special products.

Waste management :
- Selection of waste: we separate glass, all that can be put into the French ‘bac bleu’ (recyclable), compost and food for our animals.

Separation of food waste

- We use food waste to nourish our rabbits, goats, chicken, dogs and cats; what we cannot use for them is turned into compost.

Electricity :
- We try to limit the use of electricity; also by:
- Using low energy lamps
- Switching off stand-by devices
- Buying and using high efficiency appliances (A+)

Water:
- We use rainwater for watering the garden, but we could do more
- We try to limit the use of tap water
- Water from the kitchen and the bar is partly re-used for watering the pot plants
- Dual flush toilettes (3/6 litres) – but not installed everywhere, can be improved

Heating / insulation:
- Where possible, heating is done with woodstoves on wood from our own production

Heating with wood

- All buildings are insulated: the walls (except for the big entry hall), the roofs and all windows.

Construction:
- In construction we are using more and more ecological methods: use of non-polluting, natural materials like wood, chalk, hemp, clay and straw. Use of natural paints. Ask us to show you the newly renovated buildings!

Natural ingredients for paintings

We know that we still can do much more. By discussing with our clients about our efforts, we feel encouraged to take many extra miles. So please do not hesitate to advise us and to ask questions about our practices. It will only improve and push our ecological performance.

Hemp and chalk

Our projects for 2006:
- Construction of toilets that are not using any flush water.
- Reinforcing the use of rainwater
- Starting an ecological campsite where the use of electricity and water from the net will be limited to a minimum.