Their Story

Green/efficient building construction/energy use To carbon offset the Lodge and Cottage, money is contributed to Native Energy. The owners offset 6 tons of carbon for the cottage and 8 tons for the lodge. 50% of their contribution goes to support wind-powered projects and 50% goes to power methane-powered projects. Over 90% of the wood used in the structures (Lodge and Cottage) was timbered, weathered and milled locally by the nearby Amish. The 2 large retaining walls at the Lodge are made from recycled local sandstone foundation stones. The siding at the Cottage was locally timbered and milled. The siding at the Lodge is made from recycled cementatious fiber board with a 50 year warranty. The walls and ceilings at the Lodge are constructed of thick paneled walls which provide a very efficient insulation. The heating system at the Lodge is designed to convert between Gas and Heat Pump depending on the outside temperatures and which is more efficient. Thermal Pane windows allow for efficiency, but also allow ample light into the Lodge so that very few to no lights are needed many times during the day. When possible high efficiency compact fluorescent light bulbs are used for lighting. All water fixtures are low flow fixtures. Lawn care/treatment The lawn is only mowed every 2 weeks to save on energy and cut pollution. Lawn & plantings are not watered. Business items The office uses only 95-100% recycled paper and envelopes for letters and brochures. The owners use a Green/Socially Responsible credit card that donates a percentage of profits to green/socially responsible causes. The office recycles its printer cartridges. Cleaning/toiletry items All cleaning products and detergents are biodegradable or eco-friendly. All toilet paper and garbage bags are recycled. Rags are used for cleaning, not disposable paper products such as paper towels Kitchen items The lodge uses a repurposed antique refrigerator and stove. 95% of kitchen cook and serving ware is made from glass or metal, not disposable chemically laden plastics. Coffee filters are all natural and made from recycled fibers. Coffee is organic and fair trade and tea is organic. A Kinetico water filter is available at the Lodge. A Brita Water Filter is available at the Cottage. Guest are encourage not to bring bottled water, but instead use the purified water on-site. Furnishings Most of the wood furniture at the Cottage and Lodge are recycled or reused pieces. Most of the wall hangings are pieces that the owners already had in their possession or were purchased at a second hand store. Recycling is required. Guests are educated upon arrival. The following items are accepted: glass (brown, clear, green), plastics, paper, newspaper, magazines, paperboard, cardboard, aluminum, tin. The majority of the items are brought to the Hocking County Recycling Center. Some items such as green glass and other plastics not accepted at this center are brought to Columbus for recycling.