KITCH’INN HOSPITALITY GROUP’S ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

We are aware of the importance of environmental sustainability and continuously seek to be a responsible company and improve our environmental and social performance. Whilst we are unable to make grand gestures like solar panels or our own wind turbine we have implemented a programme of ongoing action to help reduce our carbon footprint. Although not an exhaustive list, some of the small things we do are noted below in the hope that cumulatively they add up to something more meaningful.
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We Reduce - Reuse - Recycle

• We have separate internal and external bins for splitting of recycling. We recycle glass, card, paper, plastics, foil, food and garden waste etc.
• Empty aluminium coffee pods are recycled via Nespresso's send-back scheme (generally into drinks cans and car parts) and they turn the coffee into compost.  They are made from 80% recycled aluminium and their machines come in fully recyclable packaging made of 95% recycled material.
• We don't use plastic glasses or single use plastics like straws and disposable water bottles
• Our egg trays, jars and other containers are returned to our local suppliers for re-use
• Our deposited beverage containers are recycled and profits donated to the Mahone Bay Food Bank
• We love to "upcycle" and repurpose rather than replacing it.
• Our cleaning products are environmentally friendly and diluted from concentrate
• Our washing up liquid and our laundry soaps are biodegradable and refillable (The Kitch has had the same glass bottle by the sink for 6 years!)
• The hand towels in our washrooms are washed and re-used rather than using disposable paper products
• Our cleaning cloths are washed and re-used rather than using disposable wipes and cloths.
• Rather than tossing our old towels they become rags for cleaning.

 
Utilities:

• We have fitted the latest LED technology light bulbs
• Many lights including external are on timers and/or dusk to dawn sensors.
• Most of our guest rooms have been fitted with efficient heat pump / air conditioning units
• We have thermostatic controls and we only heat rooms when in use.
• Double glazing is fitted throughout the bulk of our properties.
• Having purchased new or completely refurbished our older appliances we now have efficient 'A' rated or above appliances
• When floors, ceilings, walls and basements were accessed for building work, extra insulation was added
• Our linens and towels will not be replaced daily unless specified.  They will be replaced after every three nights as standard to reduce our water and electrical consumption

 
Food:

• Food is sourced from local suppliers and farms to reduce food miles and support our community - #eatlocal
• Our food waste goes right back to those same local farms we buy from and used for feed or compost
• Most of our items are homemade “from scratch”
• Food is carefully ordered and cooked to minimise waste and the amount of refrigeration needed
• Most unused/leftover food is eaten by our staff, their families (and pets!)

 
Local Economy / Social Awareness:

• We do our utmost to help preserve the local area, protect its rich history, and support the many small businesses and its people.
• The localised sourcing of products and the distance they travel is heavily considered when ordering, reducing our carbon footprint.
• When refurbishing and upgrading, we used local tradespeople and suppliers where possible.
• We pay supplier invoices within 48 hours of receipt knowing that cash flow is important for small business.
• Encourage our guests to spend money locally to sustain the local economy - promoting local attractions and special places to visit.
• We support various local events, not only by attending and promoting them but contributing to back-end costs
• We support local charities such as the Mahone Bay Food Bank, Heart and Soil Dog Rescue, Mahone Bay Arts Council, Bayview School Lunch Program, Autism NS, Lunenburg Pride, Mahone Bay United Soccer Club, MICA and many others.
• Where local suppliers are not available, we endeavor to use NS and Canadian suppliers to reduce imports.

 
Transport:

• Mahone Bay is a small community and most restaurants and attractions are within walking distance so we encourage our guests to minimise the use of their car while staying with us.
• Bikes can be hired from Sweet Ride here in Mahone Bay.
• We have an overnight FLO EV Charging station available for electric cars.

 
How Our Guests Can Help & Participate:

• Don't print out your confirmation emails (we don't need to see them), we already ask for all your information prior to arrival to avoid the need for printing registration forms.
• Turn off taps when brushing teeth or shaving.
• Use the short flush facility on toilets.
• Don't ask for your towels to be replaced / washed daily.
• Don’t ask to have your room serviced each day. 
• Take your complimentary toiletries home to use them up.
• Turn thermostats down slightly in the cooler months (17) and up slightly (22) in the warmer months.
• Close the windows if you have heating or cooling switched on.
• Turn your lights, TV and air-conditioning off when leaving your room.
• Take part in green activities whilst here – check out the Bay to Bay trail system, rent bikes or go sailing!
• If you have an electric car, we offer complimentary overnight charging - just let us know and we'll reserve the parking space for you.