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Green Lodging News is published and edited by Glenn Hasek, a writer and consultant with more than 13 years of lodging industry experience. The goal of the site is to provide hotel owners and operators with the knowledge they need to save money through wise (green) product and service selection.

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September 20th, 2007 in Destinations and Tourism

Historic Inns of Rockland, Maine Band Together as Environmental Leaders

Quietly, yet tenaciously, the Historic Inns of Rockland, Maine are working hard to reduce their environmental impact. All three have been certified by the State of Maine as Hospitality Environmental Leaders, making them the first known B&B association in New England totally dedicated to sustainable eco-tourism. Beginning on October 3, in recognition of National Change [...]

Quietly, yet tenaciously, the Historic Inns of Rockland, Maine are working hard to reduce their environmental impact. All three have been certified by the State of Maine as Hospitality Environmental Leaders, making them the first known B&B association in New England totally dedicated to sustainable eco-tourism. Beginning on October 3, in recognition of National Change a Lightbulb Day, the inns will offer an Energy Star compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) to each guest. With each bulb, more than 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions will be saved from entering the atmosphere.

“If just 100 guests change their lightbulbs with the Energy Star bulbs they receive after staying with us, 400,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions can be eliminated,” says Cheryl Michaelsen, co-owner of the Berry Manor Inn.

“Just imagine what would happen if a thousand guests replaced just one lightbulb with ours,” added P.J.Walter of the LimeRock Inn.

The list of Historic Inns of Rockland’s environmentally-friendly practices is long, ranging from widespread use of CFLs and solar lighting to donation and recycling of old towels, clothing, shampoo and soaps to local charities. The group has collectively negotiated a contract for use of bio-fuel for heating oil, and instituted creative recycling programs for inn and guest products ranging from bottles to office products. Yet still this group has taken the green scheme beyond changing light bulbs and recycling. Beginning late fall, the inns will make a three-dollar-per-guest donation to eco-friendly local organizations as a means to offset their own carbon footprint.

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