BALLYCAIRN HOUSE COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
"We strive to be a green business by considering environmental standards and implementing sustainable practices into our business. We are committed to reducing waste and recycling resources where possible."
HOMEGROWN AND LOCAL FOODS SOURCED TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS
Fruit from our own garden is used to produce homemade jams and preserves which are served with breakfast. In season, homegrown soft fruit is served in our breakfast compote. We use homemade breads from our local award winning bakery, Ann's Pantry for breakfast in the B & B and also in the welcome hampers provided for guests staying in the self-catering accommodations (https://www.annspantryoflarne.com). Dee's homemade wheaten bread is often served with breakfast too. On arrival to the B & B, guests can enjoy afternoon tea with homemade cake of the day. We use locally sourced produce in the home cooked breakfasts and welcome food hampers. When available, we cook with local free-range eggs from Tarnamoney Farm at the end of the lane.
At the point of booking, guests are asked for any dietary requirements or other special requests. Vegan and vegetarian breakfasts are provided as requested. To avoid food wastage, guests staying in the B & B are asked to indicate their breakfast choices from a menu, the evening before.
CLEAN AND GREEN NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The property has dedicated wildlife environments with habitats ranging from a wildlife pond, to wildflower grass banks and native species and trees planted throughout the gardens which extend to just under one acre. An extensive range of bird nesting boxes and insect houses are installed around the garden. In 2020 we were proud to win the Mid & East Antrim 'Gardening for Wildlife Award'.
REUSING OUR BIODEGRADABLE RESOURCES WITH ON-SITE COMPOSTING
We have a garden composter which we use for all biodegradable plant waste to create fertilizer for the beautiful gardens and vegetable plots.
PROPERTY WIDE RECYCLING
We also recycle cardboard, tin, plastic and glass. Recycling bins are provided for guests outside the self-catering accommodations. Posters encouraging recycling are prominently displayed in the properties.
CONSERVING ENERGY WITH ENERGY EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY
Our accommodations have many Energy Star Certified products, ranging from refrigerators to washing machines. We use energy efficient light bulbs throughout the properties.
WATER CONSERVATION AND TOWEL REUSE
In the bedrooms of the B & B we provide complimentary, reusable glass bottles of water for guests. These are cleaned and refilled daily from a filtered-water system.
We encourage guests to use towels more than single use. Towel change is by request for guests staying more than one night. This helps conserve water and energy resources expended in the process of washing laundry daily.
All toilets have a double mode flush to help conserve water.
CLEANING PRODUCTS AND TOILETRIES
Environmentally friendly products are used in cleaning the accommodations.
No single use toiletries are used in the business. Guests are provided with body wash and shampoo in refillable dispensers. Cole and Lewis products are used throughout.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
We encourage guests' use of public transport where possible by providing information for the train and bus services available locally. Guests planning to visit Belfast can avail of the Park and Ride facility located at Millbrook. This information is provided in the Guest Folders available in all accommodation areas.