Environmental Policy
We have had the fortunate opportunity to own Torr na Locha on Mull, and be an occupant of this lovely old building. We see our responsibility to allow the next generations to enjoy this place and its surroundings as much as us. That responsibility means acting and making purchasing and marketing decisions taking the environment into account every step of the way.
We have invested in many energy saving schemes, such as installing loft insulation, draught proofing, hot water tank insulation, energy efficient light bulbs, energy efficient appliances and time clocks for the heating, whole house ventilation systems. We continue with our efforts on energy efficiency by insulating the walls, well beyond current building regulations whenever we do any decorating, but this is a slow process.
We introduced showers into the properties, dual low flush toilets, etc. We defrost the fridges every week to ensure they run efficiently and clean the condensers at the end of every season to optimise their operation. The outside lights are all energy efficient lights. We minimise the light pollution by angling the light downwards where appropriate. We turn off all appliances, and leave nothing on standby when the properties are not occupied.
We minimise Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) by using natural materials for cleaning, and steam cleaning for thorough cleaning, instead of using bleach. We use water based paints for our walls and also for our windows and doors to minimise VOCs.
Our purchasing has always included buying recycled paper for our printers and brochures, even when they were difficult to source; recycled cartridges; recycled toilet paper, recycled bin bags. We provide liquid hand soaps to minimise the waste of soap bars only used by 1 guest. We now buy Ecover products as a recognised standard for environmental cleaning products. We buy these in bulk and fill up the small containers. We fill up the dishwasher powder with German dish wash powder (lower phosphates than Ecover), but use the Tesco containers as these have child lock caps on them.
We purchase FSC approved wooden furniture, and manage to do this without additional transport from the Central Belt by combining it with work Renate does for the Carbon Trust. But where ever possible we renovate furniture, using traditional techniques of French polishing, beeswax (from our own bees) and re-upholstering.
The Council picks up our general waste and paper, and we pay to uplift the glass for recycling. We also have 2 compost bins for fruit and vegetable peelings. During refurbishment we always look at what can be re-used, and have donated many pieces of furniture to Charity. Our sofa’s were donated to the Rose’s project on the Island of Mull. We donate microwaves, toasters and kettles that don’t look up to the standards we are after, to the local children going to university.
We garden organically as much as possible, all our garden waste is either composted or used to provide heating for our own house.
We are actively engaged in the local community, Damon is leader of the Oban Mountain Rescue, and chairman of the school board. Renate is energy advisor on a voluntary basis for Atlantis Leisure, and also sings in the local Gaelic Choir. We also support the local Community Council whenever needed, and have advised on local wind farms and the local transport plans to encourage walking and cycling. We love the outdoor activities, and encourage our children and their friends to take part in the outdoor life, such as walking in the mountains, swimming and kayaking in the loch, cycling, orienteering, etc.
If you are traveling 300 miles by car for your holiday (36 miles per gallon) then you need to add 0.1 tCO2 to this for your holiday’s carbon impact.