The Inn On First was the first northern California Bed and Breakfast Inn to be certified “green” by the State of California. As a proud members of the California Green Lodging Association and the Bay Area Green Business Association, The Inn On First has implemented a number of actions including the installation of low-flow water sources for showers, tank-less water heaters, energy saving light bulbs, and in-room climate control systems; replacement of individually packaged shower amenities with dispensers, plastic water bottles with stainless steel water bottles, and plastic or paper glassware with reusable glassware; composting of kitchen and garden waste; and use of a green-certified sheet and towel service, natural cleaning and garden products, 100% recycled tissue, and snack and food storage bags that are made of 100% home-compostable cellulose wood fiber. They also track their energy performance using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager® program and have a defined guest education program in which they point out some of the features of the inn/room amenities that support their green practices. Although the cost of sheet replacement has saved ~$3,000/year, using bulk shower amenities saved $300/year and recycling separation has saved ~400 hours/year in employee labor, the best return on their investment has been the satisfaction of the guests who appreciate their sustainable efforts.
