"We know we are not perfect (yet) but strive to improve all the time, as it's not always easy being green"

We are always moving forward to improve our green credentials and plans for the future include solar panels for Rowan House. We know we are not perfect but hope to inspire those who haven't focused on the environment before. For those of you who already carefully measure your own impact on the environment, we hope to provide just a great holiday that allows you to recycle, reduce and enjoy!

How Green are We?

Rowan House provides you with a really great holiday that is also environmentally responsible and organic. We support the local environment and economy. We know we are not perfect (yet!) but strive to improve all the time as it's not always easy being green! Outlined below is what we do right now and a bit about our future plans.

• The garden at Rowan House has been organically managed for more than 16 years. This includes an organic herb garden for your use.
• We only allow the use of the Ecover products that we provide in the house ensuring minimal impact on the local waterways.
• We only use eco bulbs.
• Most of our crockery is local Staffordshire, from one of the last potteries in the UK to still use the timeless skills of Stoke on Trent, such as the decorating method of underglaze transfer printing from engravings.
• Most of the furniture is reclaimed and revived. All new furniture has been bought locally.
• Our washing is done next door using solar energy.
• We don't tumble dry anything.
• We provide all facilities for you to recycle your waste — we make this very guest friendly and easy to use!
• We provide composting facilities.
• We use loo "hippos" to reduce the amount of water used in each flush.
• We only provide organic/Fair Trade produce, the teas and coffee we provide for example.
• We actively encourage our visitors to buy local and use our local veg box scheme rather than using the big supermarkets (you get a better taste of Staffordshire that way too!)
• There is a wide ranging folder in the house detailing local crafts, food, organic gardens, cycle hire, wildlife walks and local community events and initiatives.
• We provide free transfer to and from Rowan House for those of you who have travelled by public transport to get to us (call us for help if you need to!)
• We use a green ISP for this website.
• About 90% of our promotion and advertising is e based rather than paper based.
• We recycle all our print cartridges as well as our own waste.
• We include details in the house of how you can reduce your energy and water consumption during your stay — from using the electric showers to using the heating system.
• All the extra facilities we provide and out source, such as outside caterers, are local and have their own commitment to local produce and community.
• If you would like to try washable nappies while you stay we can provide a set of nappies and wraps as well as a bucket, tea tree oil etc — just let us know in advance!
• We have found some great eco garden furniture paint, so we have used that this spring!
• As you can see from the icon below - we have become members of Responsible Travel - we think this really adds authenticity to what we are doing!
• Emily also runs small workshops for rural businesses trying to "green up" their work and home. If you would like to know more feel free to email and ask.