A pristine environment is our strength. We very much recognise the paramount importance of keeping it that way. This is further enhanced as 'our' estuary is part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and we neighbour a National Park. However, we are not accredited by the Ecotourism Association of Australia as we simply find the yearly accreditation costs prohibitive. Presently we have the following programs in place:
We installed a dual water system. All rainwater is collected and used for showers etc. Toilets are serviced by a well. We do not depend on 'town' water in any way.
We installed our own sewerage treatment plant. The 'gray water' is dispersed via a network of underground pipes to the plants in our gardens. We do not depend on the town sewerage disposal in any way. The system is monitored and checked monthly by an outside contractor.
We have very little rubbish collected.
All waste is separated into:
a) green waste, i.e. uncooked vegetables, salads, paper and garden waste and this is composted in one of four ongoing compost bins.
b) cooked waste, i.e. leftovers from guests plates, cooked and raw meats and fish etc. These are composted in a below ground 'worm' compost.
c) recyclable metals such as aluminium, recyclable plastics and glass. These are taken to Coffs Harbour's recycling station at regular intervals.
d) the few items that are neither recyclable nor returnable are then collected. Usually one bin per fortnight.
When building, the architect was instructed to incorporate all available and workable environmental knowledge. Consequently the building was positioned to take maximum advantage of the sun's path.
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