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Environment:
Electricity - We do not get electricity from green energy schemes as relevant laws have just been passed on through the House of Parliament. Wind Turbines do exist owned by companies formed for this purpose which sell the electricity produced to the National Electricity Board a wholly owned electric state owned company. The law allows the formation of small individual wind/or solar units but as yet is not clear how the electricity produced can be sold to the national network. However all our houses possess large solar units which warms the water all year around and because of this all houses are self sufficient of warm water.
We minimize electric consumption, by using modern light efficient bulbs and appliances. All guests are requested to switch off lights and A/C when they leave the house. We do not have as yet locks that turn off appliances when guests go out, but we are on the way of applying this method by installing all necessary appliances. We check every morning all houses if A/C and lights are on, when clients leave for the day and turn them off.
Water - We collect rain water only in three houses, namely The Almond Tree Houses of Vrouhas, and the Home of Argiro. For the rest of houses is not possible as we do not possess large water depots and as houses are scattered within the settlement of Mavrikiano – Elounda this is impossible due to the density of building. All houses have showers, and have half flush toilets. We do not have a grey water recycling system. We have a modern laundry system. We change sheets and towels twice a week, or whenever needed (especially for families with children).
Cleaning products - We use exclusively eco cleaning products (omo), we do not use these in guests rooms but only when cleaning the area, and cleaning laundry. We use eco powder for the laundry and liquid for washing the area or floors.
Garden - We do not cultivate gardens as yet. We are however on the way of buying a small piece of land next to the Almond Tree House of Vrouhas where we will cultivate an ecological garden and guests will be requested to look after it watering the plants and of course collecting the ripe vegetables, fruits etc at no extra cost.
Wildlife - We do encourage wildlife within our family and in the environment. We are active members of the local rambler's association, with regular excursions in the region and elsewhere within the island of Crete, as it is well known for its Gorges. We do not have a pond, but have bird boxes in the garden of the Almond Tree Houses of Vrouhas.
Recycling - We do not recycle, as the community does not as yet have different baskets to place within the recycling items. However this method will be shortly in application by the Municipality and of course will follow with great pleasure. We run a paper free office for us and guests. We use when we can recycled stationary and work thanks to internet much in our home. Recycling is within our future aims when the community will provide us with the necessary means, scheme which is about to become a reality.
Conservation - The local conversation projects refer to community problems, traffic and parking facilities due to be foreseen, as these will be acute in the not too distant future. Guests however cannot be interested in these as they are here for very short time. Guests are informed of conservation of natural environment on the first day of their arrival, as we provide them with a detailed account of what they can do during their stay. Where to go, where they can eat, local dishes, monuments to see and visits such as to the Island of Spinalonga with it's great history of leper colony etc.
Community:
Local staff - Apart from the management and accounting, the rest of our staff are local persons living in the area of Elounda Crete. 3 are all linguists and fully trained. We only buy local products, as the island produces all kind of fruits and vegetables, especially from the public market which is run once a week within the village.
Services - We use local persons for servicing the homes (plumbers, electricians, builders), as the maintenance of stone homes is exceedingly high.
Charity - We support the local community through the Orthodox Church channels, as we have good connections and the charity channels through them are well appreciated by the local community. We contribute in funds for the poor people of the region and in organizing meetings and speeches within the limits of the Church. Charitable work is strongly supported through the channels of the Church. They are usually directed to fund supporting of buying food for the poor and our company provides funds on a regular basis, (approximately €150 per month). Volunteering work is performed in Easter and Christmas periods in which we participate.
Local attractions & events - All guests are informed of local attractions depending on the time of their arrival/departure. These include attractions and events such as the fish evenings performed in the main square of the town, local singing and dancing on the island of Spinalonga. All local food markets and supermarkets mainly sell local products, especially fruits, vegetables, bread and dairy products.
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