Calico Lodge is fortunate to be located in the beautiful countryside North West of
Down Town
Auckland. We
are endeavouring to keep this countryside as clean and green as we possibly can.
Everything we are doing is designed to have a minimum impact on the environment,
and all our choices are made with three questions in mind.
Will it be beautiful in a natural way?
Will it help to protect the environment for the future?
Will it make our guests feel cared for?
Design.
When we bought 250 Matua Road the existing home was surrounded by many very old trees, which we have been able to keep. We have added many New Zealand natives and other trees and shrubs suitable for our unique micro climate. The native trees like the Kowhai and Puriri have created an environment for the native birds and we have supplemented their feed with banksias and bottlebrushes. Camellias have been added to provide both food and colour in the winter months.
Operations.
All our appliances are new with low energy and water usage rates.
Showers and baths use on demand gas hot water and the heating in the common
rooms are natural gas energy saver units.
Water is a delight at Calico Lodge, we collect it from the skies, and with our
climate there is always a plentiful supply. If we did have a 100 year drought we
do have a bore (well) that is deep enough to produce great water.
Energy efficient and low watt light bulbs are used throughout the Lodge.
Many operate on timers and sensors. Eco friendly products are used for cleaning and the
laundry.
Bathroom amenities are continuing to be a problem but we do use a brand with recyclable containers. For health and safety we will not use unwrapped soaps, but we do use refillable liquid pump bottles for the hand and body soaps.
Most of our products, especially fresh fruit and vegetables, are bought locally to minimize transport costs. Where ever it is available we buy organic, pesticide free or free range. Our vegetable garden is very prolific, providing tomatoes and melons for the breakfasts.
Kitchen waste is returned to the ground, standard composting is a challenge with the abundance of ducks, pukekos, and possums in the garden. A worm farm is our next alternative to look at, but we are concerned about the unproven benefits to the environment of the type of worms used in these operations.
Recycled paper if possible is used for stationery and advertising. Recycling is a very important part of our daily life and as we are fortunate to have a fortnightly recycling collection we ask our guests to recycle where ever possible.
Laundry is air dried, we do not use a dryer.
Our onsite sewage system uses the latest bio filter technology to reduce any environmental issues or impact.
Guest Participation.
We invite our guests to join us and participate in water conservation by using their towels and sheets for 2 days.
Bins are provided for the recycling of glass, cans, paper and plastics.
Entry lights are either sensor or timer controlled to conserve power, and we ask that all lights and heating are turned off when guests leave their rooms.
We always welcome guests input on how we can reduce and enhance our environmental impact.
