A new bolt-hole for US bound eco-tourists

Innkeepers Sven Rudstrom and Alexandra Grabbe just gave USA-bound eco-tourists an added reason to move Chez Sven Bed & Breakfast, New England, to the top of their travel agenda. In renovating the northern wing of their old Cape Codder, Rudstrom and Grabbe paid particular attention to details, making the new space as green as possible.

Improvements include:

• Foam insulation with a 28.8 R- value in roof and 18 R-value in exterior walls
• VOC-free paint
• High-efficiency windows
• CFL lighting
• Energy Star ventilation fans

Old 12-inch wide pine boards were recycled in the new kitchen, as were most of the doors and hardware.

Guests can also count on eco-friendly towels and 100% organic cotton sheets, washed in a low-energy front-loader and air-dried in spring, summer and fall. Rudstrom and Grabbe offer natural amenities and use only green cleaning products. The couple encourages guests to borrow books and magazines from their environmental shelf. They use as much organic food as possible in the preparation of breakfast and provide water that has passed through 3-stage PUR filters.

Chez Sven, an intimate New England bed & breakfast, is open year-round.

For more information, log on to ChezSven.com.