St Michael's Green Journey

Stage 4 - Working with our Suppliers

We have tried to work in conjunction with our present suppliers wherever possible. We are lucky in Cornwall. Not only do we have access to a plethora of superb quality, locally produced goods from free-range poultry to foraged seaweeds, but also many organisations are sympathetic to green issues.  By adopting this approach not only are we ensuring that we are achieving the best results (they have been able to come with ideas that we had not previously thought of), it also enables us to use preferentially those companies who also knowingly support similar ideas and furthering links with local businesses. The following provides an example of how we have been forging strong links with our suppliers.

StMichael’s Hotel and Spa
Gyllyngvase Rd
Falmouth
Cornwall

10th November 2007

Dear sir/madam

                           I am writing to you on behalf of St Michaels Hotel and Spa regarding some changes that we will be undertaking over the coming months. These may be of concern to you. We believe that it is important to undergo a review of our practices and policies, and where necessary introduce some modifications which bring them up to specification with environmental guidelines set out by those governing bodies specialising in sustainable tourism. In short, we are aiming to drastically reduce our carbon footprint and minimise the strain that we are placing on the environment.

As part of this new strategy we are addressing four key areas:

Recycling: We are aiming to cut the amount of waste that we send to landfill. Recycling will be the key to this goal and therefore we are look to source produce that comes in recyclable/recycled packaging.

Packaging: One of the easiest ways to assess our waste output is to reduce the amount of packaging that comes into the hotel complex. Rather than using single use containers we are to start purchasing products in bulk and distributing them in a less disposable manner.

Locally sourced produce: This is an area that has always been central to the St Michaels ethos. Not only are we reducing the amount of food/produce miles involved in supply, but additionally we are championing regional fair. We would like to remain active in this approach, and where possible increase our locally sourced produce. In a similar vain, we would also aim to use ethically sound goods (i.e. Fair Trade) where appropriate.

Reduce harmful constituents: Chlorine, Phosphates and many other chemicals present in detergents and toiletries can have detrimental ecological effects. It is our aim to commence using natural cleaning products, or sanitizers that are known to be less harmful, as quickly as possible.

We value the relationship that we have built with our suppliers and would like to offer you the opportunity to be involved in this revision of practice. If you feel that you can present with us any information on how your company can be of service to us, specifically regarding the aforementioned areas, we would be grateful of your support. Additionally if you believe that you already provide a service that falls in to line with this new approach, please don’t hesitate to bring this to our attention as it will enable us to become up to date with your working practices. If your feel that you can be of assistance please email any appropriate information to the addresses shown at the bottom of the page, or via the postal address on the top right hand side, for the attention of Helen Price.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you in the near future.                                            

Kindest regards

The Green Team