OAKWOOD INN B & B's ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY - Going Green

Go Green! Sustainability. Eco-friendly. The Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast has been environmentally responsible since before Doris and I purchased the Inn in September of 2001. We have always been conservative in our use of natural resources because we know that they are a finite supply and if not used efficiently and effectively, will eventually run out. We ask our guests to please join us and help us be GREEN by being mindful of Mother Nature’s Resource supplies.

Below are many of the things we do at the Oakwood Inn B & B to be GREEN. About a third of which were done in the 1990’s by previous owners of the Inn.

1. Recycle
We participate in the City Recycling program for cans. Plastic, and paper goods.

2. We encourage our guest to also participate by using the same towels and bedding when staying for more than one night. We also use a front load high efficiency wash machine to reduce water usage.

3. We have low flow shower heads.

4. We turn off the room fireplace during warmer months typically from April to November to save fossil fuels.

5. We have programmable thermostats for our three furnaces/air conditioners. The furnaces are high efficiency. Two of the A/C units were replaced in the last 3 years so they are a SHEER 12 & 14 value.

6. We adhere to the City of Raleigh’s water restriction plan regarding lawn and flower watering.

7. We re-use the plastic shopping bags and return many to the store. We also use cloth shopping bags which are reusable.

8. We use foods from local growers whenever possible. (State Farmers Market)

9. Any water left in the guest room pitchers is used to water indoor and outdoor potted flowers.

10. We encourage our guests to walk or use a bicycle rickshaw when going to downtown’s restaurants, attractions, and interests. Raleigh Rickshaw is the name of the bicycle rickshaw service. Check out their website: www.raleighrickshaw.com

11. If needed the guests can take a free daily bus service that is provided by hybrid busses. The hybrids cut fuel consumption.

12. We only have one copy of the local newspaper and USA Today which cuts down on duplicate copies for each guest room which reduces excessive waste. We offer free WiFi so you can read your news online with no extra fees added to your bill.

13. We planted our own vegetable and fruit garden for the Inn. Any excess amounts that we can not use will be taken to Logan Trading Co (Logan’s Nursery) who in turn will donate to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle which help feed families in need.
In addition, we will be using worms to turn most of our organic garbage into worm castings (manure) which is a natural and efficient fertilizer for the vegetable and flower gardens as well as our lawn. All natural.