"GREENING" My Place!

Ah...GREEN, when I say the word, I think of CLEAN!
Green is also my color of preference!

It's always great to share your story; someone might learn something from it!

I. Even the 1st year when we took over, the one small thing we took care off was the light bulbs - CFL (compact Fluorescent Lights). They were replaced with the CFL in all fixtures that we could fit them in, indoor or outdoor lighting.

II. Recycling was always a passion of mine, I could call myself a "recycler" fanatic. We determined that we will continue our habits, no matter were we live. (P.S. - I am also making arts out of recycle goods)

TIPS (for the house):

• Invest in a dishwasher, you will be using less water, detergent and time to accomplish the task!
• Do not place stove, dishwasher or other heat producing units next to the refrigerator or freezer
• One common thing is, people overlook using cloth rags instead of towel paper; it's still a better option even so you have to do laundry - or use sham-wow!
• Find a better cleaner - non-toxic, organic
  

III. I immediately implemented the bed sheets/towels program,


For those that are not familiar with this: if a room is occupied more then one night, we ask customers to request when they want the bed sheets changed and for used towel to drop them in the shower area, like this I know to leave fresh towels for them. (this saves you on laundry, detergent, water and labor.) - for more info visit here!


IV. Replacing old windows, imagine they were the originals, one pane window on old frame....
We looked for an energy star product and had the job done the 1st winter here, double pane, locally produced...
I can FEEL the difference now!

Concluding after one busy season, we decided to remodel the bathroom, however, I call this a DESIGNER MAKE OVER - it is so much more then just deep skin cleaning and having a new shower area.

Improvements of the bathrooms where to start fresh, everything went out the door and the new and sustainable products were replacing those old things.

MORE savings tips:

• replacing soap bars with liquid soaps
• install a toilet that - preferably, has a dual flush, (I went from a 4gal/use to 1.6gal/use)
• place recycle bins in your work and kitcken area, this is a good reminder.
• use a low flow shower head that can save you some money and give you even more then you expect
  

Overall, I felt like I had 2 Full Time Jobs, even so I like to call this establishment my business.
The East wing was finished this past spring and now we are almost done with the West wing, as I like to call it.

Classic, comfortable, quiet

PHASE I - Designer make over!

After all, we wanted to make some upgrades to better the property and to better service our patrons.

With that in mind, we had to sit down and set: Goals, steps to follow, then implement them. As I call it Phase I, the bathroom area was the 1st to be redone, and when we looked at the project we decided then "EVERYTHING MUST GO!" It was not worth to replace just some of the "things" - it was rather everything.
So, the entire bathroom was redesigned and new fixtures ordered, found the contractor to commit to the project and we were ready to roll. The possibility of finishing the project before summer was slim, we went on to take care of the East Wing first. Six rooms were ready for my busy season. That was a great relief!

I went beyond awareness and show people how to get involved. People want to know how they can participate to help your efforts in helping the environment. I showed them how my hotel progressively got greener.


We printed and place out New Green Policy in our Guests Service Book, that is in each room. I talk about my environmental commitment publicly and often to the consumers who value it the most, and other that are not yet decided to commit to sustainability.

During the season, as I had people from all over the World, some Australians shared we us their experience, how advanced they country is in becoming "GREEN" and they like to see that in other places like the USA.

Over all, the input is great and people feel treated special at our property. or destination is getting involved, and what they can do to get involved, and how their participation or stay makes a difference.




From the desk of Carolina Dursina's,
Best wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season!

Taking Charge of our Business

When we took over this property - The Usonian Inn, - Frank Lloyd Wright, architectural design building, we vowed to make it a sustainable establishment.

First year, I was just learning the business, and I pulled it off; we finished strong - even better then what was happening here before. Great occupancy rate and customers satisfaction as well.

We started with raising the standard this property could offer, to enhance its potential, to meet our expectations first and create more comfort to our valuable guests.

All rooms have refrigerators, microwaves and individually coffee makers.

The TV service was upgraded to DirecTV, 200 channels with game lounge and non commercial movies, Cinemax, Showtime, HBO, FLIX, and sport package, football, tennis, etc.;

We implemented the provision of High Speed Wireless Internet Service throughout the building, at no cost to our patrons. (previously no service was offered at all)

A full package of business services - fax, printer,copy - is offered as well.

This was then,...

Read more of my blogs to follow our progression on the great improvements and the DESIGNER MAKE OVER!