Our ethos at Vixen Tor Farm is to reduce the environmental impact of running a Dartmoor holiday let, by minimising our carbon footprint and operating in a sustainable way. The measures we have taken are detailed below and we welcome other ideas to improve our operations further, so please share any with us. We also hope that guests may switch to using eco-products at home, if not using them already.
Cleaning Products – we use environmentally friendly cleaning products, from the Ecover range. Large containers of the handsoap and washing-up liquid are used to refill the more manageable sized dispensers. |
Cleaning Sponges/Scourers – these are biodegradable and compostable as they are made from a natural material (plant based fiber/sisal and cellulose). Please take your sponge home to carry on using it there, or put your used sponge in the compost bin at the end of your stay. |
Hand Soap – our liquid hand soap is also an Ecover product and the handpump dispensers are refilled from large containers (also refillable). |
Firelighters – these are made from a natural product, and do not contain the harsh chemicals in standard firelighters. |
Olive Oil – we decant extra virgin oil from a large can into the glass oil bottle for you to use during your stay. The can is refilled at the fabulous Mediterranean deli in Tavistock town centre, de la Torre’s. |
Salt & Pepper – the condiments are refillable so should you run out of salt or pepper during your stay, please do not throw the grinders away. |
Recycling – please recycle as much of your waste as possible in-line with the information in our guestbook, as West Devon Borough Council will leave all recycling if there is anything in the tubs which ‘contaminates’ their recycling streams. If you live in the UK and your own area recycles anything which ours does not (i.e. plastic film) then please take it home with you. |
Litter – please take a bag with you when walking on the moors, in case you spot any litter which needs picking up. Not only is litter an eyesore, but it causes issues for wildlife and can contaminate the ground. |
Heating/Electricity – the Barns are heated by an air source heat pump which does not burn fossil fuels. The wood and kindling we supply comes from Vixen Tor Farm itself, and is largely taken from wind felled / dead trees. We are currently on ‘the grid’ so please be mindful of your use of electricity, as much of this is generated through burning carbon. We are installing a mini hydro-power plant which will mean we are ‘off grid’, hopefully in Q4 2023. |
Shopping – we have included details of some Tavistock’s fabulous local food shops and independent retailers. We hope you will use them rather than shopping at the national supermarkets or other chain stores. |
Inventory – where possible we have sourced items which are pre-loved, such as books, games, puzzles and kitchenware. Not only does this support local charities, but also reduces unnecesary consumption. If you notice anything broken or missing, please let us know so we can replace it for you. Also, if you’re enjoying a great read from our bookshelf, then please feel free to take it home with you to finish there. |