We intend to encourage and promote ecological consciousness in every aspect of providing hospitality to our guests. This is an evolving process of redesigning our operations to be increasingly friendly to the environment. We lead boulder hotels in sustainability. How we express this intention: we serve organic breakfasts (since 2004) we compost all of our biodegradable waste materials. Check out our compost bin in the southwest part of the lot! (Organic waste decomposes aerobically in a compost bin producing carbon dioxide, and anaerobically in landfills. Anaerobic decomposition creates methane gas which causes more global warming than carbon dioxide.) (2004) we use Ecocycle (www.ecocycle.org) to recycle all our cans, bottles, plastics, batteries, and paper waste products. (2004) we provide bath products from Shikai and soap from Kiss My Face in 12 oz. bottles which we refill (instead of the disposable 1.5 bottles which end up in landfills). (2006) we provide organic cotton sheets from Coyuchi. (2007) we ride bikes. Almost 100% of our employee commuting is by bike or foot. 100% of our local grocery shopping is done with the Briar Rose Bike/trailer. (2004) we plant native and xeric species and use mulches to conserve water (2004) we cut our lawn with a human-powered reel mower. (The EPA estimates that gas-powered lawnmowers in the U.S. cause as much air pollution as 3.5 million late-model cars.) (2004) we use compact fluorescent light bulbs to reduce our electricity consumption (2006) we run a 95 percent efficient gas furnace in the main house and energy-efficient heat pumps in some rooms. The heat pumps are used for both heating and cooling. (2004) we use a high-efficiency front loading washing machine to wash all bedding and linens, and we do not use fabric-softening dryer sheets. (2004) 100% use of paper containing recycled fiber for toilet and facial tissue, and printer paper (2005) we increased the R-value of our attic insulation to 49 (2007) we use eco-friendly cleaning products from Eco-products and Seventh Generation (2004) we provide filtered water in glass bottles in the guest room rather than offering mineral water in plastic bottles. (2008) we use low VOC paints on nearly all interior surfaces (2007) we are the only member of the Green Hotel Association (www.greenhotels.com) in Boulder county (2005) Coming soon: heat pumps to heat and cool additional guest rooms more efficiently replacing old single-paned windows with energy-efficient multi-paned windows The Briar Rose was named the "Exceptional Zero Waste Partner" by Eco-Cycle in the category of "Going Beyond Recycling with 100% Collection". http://www.briarrosebb.com/boulderhotels.html