Environmental Policy
Driftwood Cottages has been awarded a Qualmark Enviro Silver Award, is a part of the STAR (Sustainable Tourism Advisors in Regions) program and is committed to the principles of sustainability without compromising on quality.

What we do:
Recycling and Rubbish
Recycling and reducing package waste in an important part of our everyday life – these are some of the things we do:
• We recycle as much glass, paper, tins, aluminium and plastic as possible;
• We compost as much vegetable waste as possible;
• Where possible we buy in bulk to eliminate wasteful packaging;
• We print on both sides of paper; and
• We use re-usable shopping bags.

Environment
These are some of the ways in which we care for our environment:
• We use biodegradable and compostable plastic bags for bin liners;
• We launder our sheets and towels using environmentally friendly Envirodiscs and B.E.E. whitener;
• We use eco-friendly B.E.E. cleaning products;
• We purchase guest toiletries in bulk and supply body wash, shampoo and conditioner in dispensers in the shower and liquid hand soap in a pump on the vanity unit – this reduces packaging and product waste;
• The toiletries we supply are from the Sukin range of natural organic skincare products. The Sukin range of products contain no sodium lauryl sulphate, artificial fragrances, animal derivatives, artificial colours, petro-chemicals, harsh detergents, mineral oils, parabens or triethanolamine;
• We use Safe toilet paper which is made from 100% recycled paper, has no added fragrance, is biodegradable and breaks down rapidly;
• Our garden is planted with many native species which attract birds and reduces the need to water;
• We use a mulching mower which helps to enrich the soil and reduces green waste;
• We also mow our lawn high which eliminates the need to water – we have not watered our main lawn since 2006; and
• All garden waste is disposed of at the local green waste transfer station.

Energy
These are some of the ways in which we conserve energy:
• We use energy efficient bulbs where possible;
• Security lights are on sensors;
• The cottages are self-contained and neither cottage has a dishwasher;
• The cottages are fully insulated;
• When possible (which is most of the time) we dry our laundry naturally in our Hawke’s Bay sunshine; and
• During the next year we hope to replace the current curtain linings with thermal linings.

Water
• We don’t stock bottled water, because we have superb drinking water pumped from our own well which comes from the second aquifer of the Heretaunga Plains and is micro-filtered for your safety;
• All toilets are fitted with half flush options; and
• Taps and showers have restrictor valves and basins have plugs.

Community
We support our local producers and businesses by:
• Purchasing most of our fresh food from the Hastings Farmers’ Market, farm gates or Chantal Foods;
• For supermarket shopping we choose to shop at Hastings New World as it is locally owned and supports local producers;
• Where possible your breakfast and pantry provisions are sourced from local producers and artisans; and
• We employ local staff and contractors.

These are some of the ways in which Rachel and John are actively involved in the community:
• Both are active members of the Clive Business Group – John as Treasurer and Rachel as producer of the Coastal Business Directory;
• Both are also members of the Clive Community Group; and
• John is an active member of the Napier Host Lions Club.

Here’s how you can help:
Rubbish and Recycling
We endeavour to recycle as much as possible and as such you will find a wheelie bin, recycling bins for bottles (plastic and glass) and paper/cardboard, and a compost bin located behind the fence near the laundry. Please use the wheelie bin for general rubbish and waste of animal origin and the compost bin for vegetable waste.

Energy
We are constantly looking at ways in which we can reduce energy consumption and ask that you do not leave heating, air-conditioning or lights on when you are out.

Bed Linen
For longer stay guests we will change your sheets every two days if you wish, however we ask you to consider less frequent changes of bed linen. Most of our guests already do this, because it helps reduce water and energy usage and cuts down on the amount of detergents going into our environment.

Towels
We will wash your towels as you require, however we encourage you to hang your towels so they dry. We have also supplied you with a drying rack so if you wish to air dry your towels on the deck of your cottage you can do so. You will find the drying rack in the bedroom wardrobe – again most of our guests already to do this.

Shopping Bags
For your local supermarket and Farmers’ Market shopping, we have supplied you with a blue string bag to save using plastic bags. If you would like more reusable shopping bags please ask as we have a supply of green ‘enviro’ shopping bags which you are welcome to use. You will find the string bag in the same drawer as the tea towels.

Drinking Water
We do not supply bottled water instead we invite you to taste our pure artesian water. You will find a bottle of chilled water in the fridge and when required simply refill this from the tap. If you have your own water bottle just fill the bottle with fresh tap water to take with you.

We regularly review our Environmental Policy and welcome any suggestions you have as to how we can reduce and enhance our environmental impact.