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Love Your Lakes
Everyone can take simple steps to help keep Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake healthy. Whether you’re a resident, business owner or visitor to the area, find out what you can do to make a real difference……
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Save water
Water is a precious resource and despite the rainy weather, water in the UK is not as abundant as you may think. According to Water Wise, some parts of the UK have fewer water resources than countries with hot climates such as Syria!
Over use causes shortages and these affect us all; we must remember how seriously shortages can harm our environment. Wildlife relies on fresh water for feeding and breeding and struggles to survive when water sources dry up.
How your business can save water
- Check for dripping taps
- Low flow or aerator fitted taps
- Individual flush urinals
- Encourage shower use by not having baths in rooms
- Install a “hippo” device into toilets
- Maintain toilets
- Wash on full loads
Shower and Tap Outputs
By changing the showerheads or installing aerators to taps you can restrict the output of water significantly. You are not just saving water, but also reducing costs, lowering heating fuel usage and therefore lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Toilets
Toilet “hippos” are dropped into the toilet cistern and save on average 3 litres of water per flush. Hippos can be bought cheaply and will pay for themselves within several weeks.
Toilets are a key area to check for leakages. A leaking toilet can waste a huge amount of water. Ask cleaning staff to check for leaks and inform management or maintenance staff for speedy repairs.
Towel & Linen
Implementing a towel and linen reusing system for guests can cut back on laundry frequency. You can significantly reduce the amount of water used. You will also save money on laundry cleaners, the amount of energy you use AND restrict the amount of chemicals entering your drains.
Setting up a towel and linen policy is easy. Promote to your guests that you are trying to reduce the hotel’s environmental impact by only washing towels and bed linen when needed. Even as a 5 star accommodation provider, you can invite guests to participate in an agreement and still achieve quality service for your guests.
Washing on Full Loads
Particularly in the hospitality industry, it is tempting to turn on the washing machine or dishwasher when it is not on a full load. But it’s really important we only use them on full loads. It will save you copious amounts of water, energy, money and products.
Love your Lakes – wash with care
Within the Lake District, water quality of the lakes is a key environmental issue. Laundry and general cleaning products have a direct impact upon the phosphate levels of our lakes and rivers. High phosphate levels are very damaging for the environment and aquatic life. By choosing to use phosphate free cleaning products and detergents in your business, and taking into consideration what you are putting down your drains, you can help keep our lakes stay clean and healthy.
For more information about phosphates and how you can do your bit, view our latest Love your Lakes campaign.
