We can always argue how green it can be for anyone to get on a plane from the US or Europe and jet all the way to New Zealand.
Does staying a little longer makes it less damaging?
I doubt it changes that part of the carbon footprint.
Guilt factor could be reduced by fact that your trip gets more pleasurable.
I was not even looking for the Great Ponsoby Art Hotel or is it a Bed and Breakfast, it found me by way of the Organically Grown Vanilla from Heilala Vanilla which I will get back to at a later time.
A small step in being practically green and reducing one's impact can come from your lodging selection.
Besides their great location in Auckland what is Great Ponsoby doing to be sustainable, here are a few examples:
- The curtains have thermal lining .
- Palm garden studios (pictured below) designed to avoid the heat of the summer sun but to enjoy the winter sun.
- Some rooms have fans. We do not need air conditioning.
- We have tall trees on our southern boundary which attract tuis and we do not have them pruned when the birds are nesting.
- We grow our own herbs with fertiliser from our worm farm.
- Our hedges provide Autumn feijoas for jam , breakfast fruit & bread.
- All fallen leaves and organic food scraps are composted.
Sally James & Gerard Hill, the owners also proudly showcase local culture and artists:
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Eleven individually designed guestrooms with Pacific and New Zealand artworks.
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Tiles throughout designed by Jeannie Van der Putten and John Papas,
Pacific designs sandblasted on windows by Cara Dodson. All well known
local artists.
Reflecting their interest in both historic preservation and green practices, the Great Ponsoby is a member of Heritage & Character Inns of New Zealand and Exclusive Ecolodges of New Zealand. You will find places with integrity and great scenery through both if you are planning a trip down under.
Authentic contradictions on display for Green Day # 122
Previously: Turning Wine Barrels Into Furniture near Bordeaux, MayDouelle
(* pictures courtesy of Great Ponsoby Art Hotel)