Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
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Local community:
- Purchasing from local producers is prioritised. Most fruit and vegetables are purchased in the local area and the balance is from Coronation Market in Kingston.
- Investment is made in the community through a music school, dancing lessons, adult education and private tutoring for adults.
- Annual donations have been pledged for the development of a large Sports facility over a ten year period in conjunction with the Irish Town, Middleton Residents Association.
- One dollar per room night sold is donated to the Jamaican Conservation Development Trust to assist in the preservation of Mount Horab, the last 700 acres of primary forest found west of the Blue Mountain Peak and an important habitat to 24 of the 24 endemic species of birds found in the mountains.
- Other donations are made to individual projects involving community-based associations.
- Baking, eggs and locally made craft items are encouraged and purchased.
Strawberry Hill is part of the Island Outpost group of hotels, owned by Chris Blackwell the founder of Island Records. From the very beginning, Chris Blackwell believed that community must come first. Captivated by the rhythms and the storytellers of a rich and diverse culture, Chris was determined to give something back to the people of Jamaica. This commitment and determination continues today through the Island ACTS foundation that funds and promotes better health, education and welfare in some of Jamaica's poorest communities. Through Island ACTS, your stay at Jake’s and Strawberry Hill will contribute to vital conservation and community projects.
Environment:
Design:
- No trees were cut down – all buildings were sited around them
- All roadways were laid on the remnants of pathways solidifying the natural topography in the modern design
- All electrical and telephonic cabling was ducted and laid underground to preserve the sites natural integrity
Energy Management:
- The location at 3000 ft allows the luxury of not having to fit air conditioners in the rooms. However fans are available on request.
- To ensure minimum electricity consumption, 3 phase power was contracted and installed to allow Strawberry Hill to use power efficient 3-phase motors.
- Energy saving light bulbs are installed on the front entrances and verandahs of the rooms.
Chemical Husbandry:
- No pesticides or insecticides are used in the garden.
- Only phosphate and chlorine free detergents are used in the laundry and housekeeping departments.
- All detergents used in the Laundry, Kitchens and Housekeeping departments are environmentally friendly.
- Intentionally changed table settings from white linen at lunch and dinner to use fabric place mats and serviettes to reduce laundry usage.
- No form of chemical fertilizer is used in the gardens or coffee farm.
- Daily monitoring of pool chorine content and Ph according to HCCP regulations, allows as little chlorine to be used as possible.
- All Spa products are from Aveda who use organic plant ingredients and recycled plastic for their bottling.
Waste:
- All organic waste from the kitchen is given to pig farmers.
- Plastic bottles are sent to the recycling plant in Kingston.
- All other garbage is collected by a registered Governmental firm to ensure correct disposal.
- All usable garden clippings are composted for use as mulch in the gardens.
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