Environmental Policy Statement

(Updated March 2009)

The Hawthorn Inn has been striving to be a green inn since November 2001 when Maryanne Shanahan purchased the Inn. We practice the three Rs: recycle, reuse and reduce. In recognition of the need to preserve the world in which we operate and serve our guests, the Hawthorn Inn is dedicated to practices and programs that pay respect to, and lessen our footprint on our changing environment. We have been committed to creating a new benchmark for the Inn through a series of environmental initiatives implemented throughout the Inn since inception, and building on the foundation established from the outset.

• We source and use environmentally sustainable and sensitive products and services locally, and we purchase organic, environmentally friendly/responsible and recycled supplies.
• We purchase fresh and sustainable foods locally grown. Up to 85 percent of our foods are local and seasonally grown and purchased. When unable to buy local, we always buy organic. In season we grow our own herbs, edible flowers and other garnishes, and some greens. We are business members of MOFGA—the Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association. We are members of two cooperatives through which we purchase bulk organic supplies and fresh organic and local produce. We shop at the Farmer's Market twice weekly in the summer and weekly in the winter. And a number of our local farmer friends are kind enough to deliver their specific food product(s) to us in season.
• We have created and continue to create partnerships with other organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to preserving the environment.
• We apply eco-friendly practices in our daily operations—using green-seal-certified cleaning materials, laundry detergent and dish liquid. No pesticides or non-organic fertilizers are used. We compost the scraps from all our prep to make an incredible, nourishing fertilizer for our gardens.
• We retrofitted the property with energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems where possible, water-saving shower devices, and Energy Star kitchen and laundry equipment. We converted electric kitchen ranges to propane gas.
• We continually measure our progress and examine additional means to conserve, and we support the commitment of others to preserving the environment.
• We recognize that our guests, employees and the community all benefit from and desire a healthy, sustainable environment. We are committed to maintaining a superior standard of service and environmental concern. Every decision we make is made with this policy in mind.