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Looking for an environmentally
friendly New England hotel?
Senator Inn & Spa becomes
Certified Environmental Leader
Senator Inn & Spa Owners
Vern and Betsy Cook have made "green" friendly changes
inside and outside their Augusta business as part of Maine's
Green Lodging Certification Program.
AUGUSTA, Maine -- Owners Vern and Betsy Cook have always
envisioned the Senator Inn & Spa as a Maine hospitality trend-setter.
As far back as 1985, the Maine Lung Association recognized the
Senator?s restaurant as one of the first in Maine to become voluntarily
smoke-free. In the mid-90s, the Cook's began construction on
the first hotel Spa in the state. Now, they are continuing the
tradition by taking part in Maine?s Green Lodging Certification
Program.
The program, administered by
the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), awards
points to lodging operators for making green-friendly changes
in and outside their properties. Once a property is inspected
and endorsed by the DEP, it is then certified as a Maine DEP
Environmental Leader.
In addition to achieving this
certification, the Senator Inn & Spa has affiliated with
the international Green Hotels Association and has declared the
property 100 percent smoke-free, most recently eliminating smoking
in all guestrooms.
The Cooks believe in investing
in the health of staff, guests and, in the big picture, the planet
itself.
"We feel that each of us,
together, can make a significant positive environmental impact,"
Betsy Cook said. "By increasing awareness and conservation
measures and decreasing or eliminating consumption of toxic substances,
the big picture suddenly becomes more optimistic."
Accordingly, the Senator Inn
housekeeping staff now cleans guestrooms, bathrooms and public
spaces with Green Seal certified environmentally safe products.
Maintenance personnel no longer use aerosol spray cans or oil-based
paints. Low-flow shower heads and sink aerators have been conserving
water at the property for some time, and whenever a new toilet
is installed or replaced, it is a water-saving model.
For many years, the Senator Inn
has reduced its energy usage by having a voluntary-launder policy
for guest bed sheets and towels. The property is increasing energy
efficiency by replacing incandescent light bulbs with low wattage
compact fluorescents. Recycling containers have been placed in
every guestroom to encourage more guest participation in the
conservation effort, and a new comprehensive recycling center
is being designed to replace the existing trash removal area.
The Senator Inn's Cloud 9 restaurant
uses Maine-grown produce, organic Maine flour, fresh local seafood,
locally-roasted coffee, Maine-made cheeses and other local products
throughout its operations. Cloud 9 also is endorsed by the Maine
Department of Agriculture's Get Real, Get Maine food and resources
program.
The Spa Boutique at the Senator
Inn is also a noteworthy local resource for those looking to
purchase organic face and body care products, as well as recycled
and locally made gifts, including jewelry and items for the home.
Senator
Inn & Spa | 284 Western
Ave | Augusta | ME | 04330-4934 | Tel. 207-622-5804 or 877-772-2224
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