Hotel Charlotte
On the way to Yosemite National Park

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Hotel Charlotte

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We are starting with the
guidelines established by
 CH&LA, California Hotel &
Lodging Association to become
 a more environmentally
responsible business.

In researching what it means to be "green"  and "environmentally friendly" the best advice I got was to start with a list of all the things we do now that fall under environmentally friendly and using sustainable resources. Then make a list of all the things we would like to do, then start implementing and moving items from the Green to-do list to the Green done list...and before you know it—GREEN

Here are the things we have identified as implemented: Green Done!

1. Floors laid with bamboo, a sustainable resource

2. Florecent bulbs where we can, efficient bulbs where we can't

3. Purchased fuel economy car for housekeeping use trading in 8 miles to the gallon on an old van for 39 miles to the gallon on a new car.

4. Exterior lighting is on timers

5. Room notices posted to guests suggesting an option to
       Reuse of towels on multi-night stays
       Reuse of linens for multi-night stays

6. Recycle paper for internal memos and note paper

7. Live plants for to improve indoor air quality & promote restful environment.

8. We pay a service to have our cardboard picked up for recycling

9. Recycle printer & toner ink cartridges

10. Neutered dog, no new Goose puppies

11. In housekeeping we only run full loads of laundry and make best attempts to use machines at low energy times of the day

12. Use of 100% recycled toilet and tissue paper

13. Outdoor plants are on a drip system for watering

14. Waste oil and grease from the kitchen is donated to a company that recycles it into Biodiesel fuel

15. Installed all new windows, double pained with insulation and noise reduction between the panes

16. Insulated the hotel from the attic to the basement and above and below the restaurant and kitchen

17. Replaced ice machine that worked on a water cooling with one that worked on air cooling, estimated reduction in water use, 3000 gallons a month

18. Replaced old and inefficient refrigerators with energy efficient equipment, eliminated one refrigerator from inventory

19. Purchased a micro freezer for frequently accessed items reducing door opening of large freezer with much smaller one with a far quicker recovery rate

20. Replace inefficient toilets with low-flow toilets

21. Installed two HVAC units, one to run the second floor and one to run the first floor. Able to use only one system during slow periods and balance our heating and cooling needs with where the people are.

22. Use products that can be washed and reused vs disposables such as linen table clothes and clothe napkins

23. Installed an instant hot water heater to run the kitchen needs. Reducing drain on the hotel system and providing hot water only when we need it

24. Subscribe to "green" websites and newsletters to get the latest information on new products

25. Recycling bins easily accessed by guests and a fundraiser for the high school basketball team.

Things we are researching and hope some day to move to the above list:

• Transition more of our paper products to recycled including to-go boxes for the restaurant, hand towels in the bathrooms, paper napkins, doggie bags and bags we use for retail item sales. Currently getting pricing and sample from leading suppliers

• Research environmentally friendly cleaning products for kitchen and laundry supplies. Must still meet health standards

• Take a new look at solar options for the hotel. Our first research on this priced it out of our ability to procure, but advancements in technology and credits may make this a viable option

• Install a water tank to catch & store water four our gardens during the summer

• Install ceiling fans for better air circulation, reducing use of air conditioner

Here are some things guests can do when traveling to participate in the greening:

• Stay multiple days at one location. Preparing a room for a new guest is far more consumptive than cleaning a room for a staying guest.

• Practice your same eco-friendly habits while on holiday as you do at home. Don't go on vacation from being green minded.

• Keep showers short and shut off the water while brushing your teeth.

• Rehang towels to dry and reuse the second day.

• Request that your linens not be changed every day, you probably don't do this at home either.

• When you leave your room, turn off the air conditioning, lights and any other electric devices.

• If you use the provided toiletries, take the leftovers with you to use at home or during the rest of your trip to reduce waste. We throw out anything that has been opened, take it, use it.

We have assigned a Connie to getting educated on what it means to be green, and have signed up for a number of relevant newsletters to keep us on top of new technologies and research in the field. We recognize this doesn't make us completely green at this point, but we have made it a priority and are constantly working on improving.

We have a long way to go, but you don't get there if you don't start!

Hotel Charlotte
On the way to Yosemite National Park
Cozy Lodging, Good Food & Spirits
Serving dinner from 5:30 daily in Summer, else Thurs-Sunday
Lunch: Daily in Summer, else Friday, Saturday & Sundays from 11:30
18736 Main Street (Highway 120) PO Box 787
 Groveland, California  95321
Reservations: (209) 962-6455,  Fax: (209) 962-6254
Email: HotelCharlotte@aol.com

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